THE pitter patter of tiny feet can be a daunting prospect for young first time parents, but now a new service offering support to new mums and dads has been launched in Bucks.

The Family Nurse Partnership programme has been set up by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, in collaboration with key partners.

FNP is a voluntary programme offered to young women under 20 having their first baby, and their families, throughout their pregnancy and up to their child’s second birthday.

The programme is provided by specially trained nurses from a variety of backgrounds such as midwifery, health visiting and school nursing. They see young women in their own homes and in a variety of community settings across the county.

The programme aims to support young mums and dads to be the parents they want to be, have a healthy pregnancy, enjoy parenting and raise babies and children who are healthy, developing well, and are ready to learn.

Areas explored by families and their family nurse can range from preparing for their new baby, caring for baby, getting out and about after the birth, education and training to gain qualifications, housing, money, relationships or childcare options.

Rosan Rowland, head of children and young people's services said: "We are really excited about this new service which will give our young mums the additional support they may need at an exciting but daunting time in their lives. Our specially trained nurses can help young women and their families to prepare for the birth and from the early days of a baby’s life through to their toddler years. This is very much a partnership with new mums who can ask for a little or as much help as they need"

Many of the young mums to be will hear about the programme through their midwife, but they can also contact the service direct to find out about the support available. Women must be under 20, less than 28 weeks pregnant and registered with a doctor in Buckinghamshire.

The FNP team can be contacted on 01296 318646 or email fnp.info@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk. More information is also available on our webpage at www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/fnp