In the Partners Club, there are quite a few mothers and mothers-to-be; they have provided the following information. London is a great place to be a mother as it's filled with lots of activities targeted toward small children.

NHS

NHS (National Health Service) is a government-led service that provides healthcare for all citizens and all of its services are free of charge.

To receive NHS services, you need to register at GP. How do I register with the National Health Service when I move to England?

For antenatal clinic, you mostly stay in contact with your midwife and doctor at GP. They monitor your blood pressure, urine, heartbeat from your baby and your growing belly. For other check-ups (blood, ultrasound etc.), you have to go to the hospital that NHS designates. NHS offers antenatal classes which prepare you for the birth at the hospital you will be for labour.

After the delivery, you would probably stay at the hospital for one night or so in the case of normal delivery and a few more days for caesarean section. For postnatal care, a local midwife visits your home to check your and the baby's health within 10-14 days after your delivery. A healthcare visitor visits you as well.

SURE START

Sure Start is the government program "to deliver the best start in life for every child". It provides wide range of services such as early education, childcare, health and family support.

If you live in the area Westminster Church Street, you have a lot of possibilities during and after pregnancy, all for free (contact: Jayne Vertkin, 020 7479 8763). Here are some examples:

• Before birth -- Yoga, Pregnancy drop-in service, Breastfeeding workshop
• After birth -- Breastfeeding support, Baby massage, Mother and baby yoga, Postnatal reunions, Tiny baby fun, Baby fun

Yoga is a nice possibility to exercise during pregnancy and get prepared for birth. Another possibility for yoga is provided by Active Centre at 25 Bickerton Road, London N19 5JT, Tel: 020 7281 6760. They offer different classes and products.

CLOTHES ETC.

• H&M, Gap, Next -- you can find many shops in London
• Mothercare -- price is ok; they have everything you need... (clothes, beds, push chairs, baths, toys ...)
• Seraphine -- not cheap, but nice
• Primark -- very cheap
• Spirit of Nature -- good, natural products, they sell only online
• Oxfam -- you can find nice second-hand baby clothes etc. for very little money...

RECOMMENDED READING

• The London Baby Directory - Invaluable for mums
• What Really Works for Kids by Susan Clark - Natural health for mums and dads
• Third Culture Kids by Pollock and Van Reken - for insight into "the experience of growing up among worlds"

MONEY YOU MIGHT GET

If you are working in UK and covered by National Insurance, you may be entitled to benefits and tax credits. BBC provides a homepage with useful information on what you are entitled to. NHS also provides a very useful homepage Common Questions for Maternity.

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