Your story can help another parent feel less alone

Every journey is different.

You might have:

• Sought help during pregnancy
• Accessed support services
• Faced challenges or fears
• Found something that helped

Your experience can:

• Help others take the first step
• Reduce stigma
• Encourage people to seek support

What You Might Want to Share

• What helped you reach out
• What support you received
• What felt difficult
• Advice for other parents

A Safe and Respectful Space

We understand this is deeply personal:

• You can share anonymously
• Your story will be treated with care and respect
• There is no pressure to share

👉 Share your experience of seeking support during pregnancy

If you are using substances during pregnancy:

👉 Support is there to help you — not judge you

Every small step matters for you and your baby.

There is specialist, confidential support available across London.

Midwife and Maternity Services

Your midwife is there to:

• Support you throughout pregnancy
• Talk openly about substance use
• Refer you to specialist services

👉 Their role is to support you, not judge you

Specialist Substance Misuse Services

You may be offered:

• One‑to‑one support
• Treatment plans tailored to pregnancy
• Medication (if appropriate and safer alternatives exist)
• Ongoing care throughout pregnancy

GP and Community Services

Your GP can:

• Provide advice
• Refer you to specialist support
• Help coordinate your care

Integrated Care Support

In many cases, support will involve a team:

• Midwives
• Drug and alcohol services
• Mental health professionals
• Social care (if needed)

👉 This ensures both you and your baby are supported safely

🤝 Who Can Help You

You can speak to:

• Your midwife
• Your GP
• A drug or alcohol support service
• A family support worker
• A trusted professional

👉 You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

💬 What to Expect When You Ask for Help

First Conversation

• You’ll be asked about your situation
• You’ll be listened to without judgement

Creating a Support Plan

• Your needs and situation will be considered
• A safe and realistic plan will be agreed

Ongoing Support

• Regular check‑ins
• Adjustments as needed
• Support for both pregnancy and beyond

👉 You will be supported every step of the way.

🌱 Possible Outcomes

With the right support, many parents:

• Reduce or stop substance use
• Improve their health and wellbeing
• Give their baby a safer start
• Feel more supported and in control

👉 It’s never too late to take a step toward support.

Your baby depends entirely on you for:

• Oxygen
• Nutrients
• A stable environment to grow

Certain substances can:

• Affect how your baby’s brain develops
• Reduce oxygen and nutrients reaching the baby
• Lead to your baby being born dependent on substances

In some cases, babies may experience:

• Withdrawal symptoms after birth (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
• Feeding or sleeping difficulties

Support to keep you and your baby safe

Pregnancy can be a time of change, and for some women, it may also bring additional challenges — including the use of drugs or substances.

At Basch Helps, we approach this topic with care, understanding, and without judgement.

👉 If you are using drugs or worried about someone who is, support is available — and you are not alone.

Reaching out early can make a real difference for both you and your baby.

⚠️ Why Drug Use in Pregnancy Can Be Harmful

Different substances affect the body in different ways, but many drugs can:

• Cross the placenta and reach your baby
• Affect your baby’s growth and development
• Increase risks during pregnancy and birth

👉 The earlier you get support, the more these risks can be reduced.

Potential Risks May Include

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Health complications after birth
• Withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies

👉 These risks can feel concerning — but it’s important to remember that support can reduce harm at any stage.

🧠 Mental Health and Substance Use

Substance use is often connected to:

• Stress or trauma
• Anxiety or low mood
• Difficult life circumstances

👉 If this resonates with you, it’s important to know:

You deserve support for your mental health as well as your physical health.

💛 A Compassionate Reminder

This is not about blame.

👉 It’s about making things safer, one step at a time

Even small changes — including seeking help — can improve outcomes.

❤️ How Basch Helps Can Support You

At Basch Helps, we understand that these situations can feel complex and overwhelming.

We can:

• Provide a safe, non‑judgemental space to talk
• Help you connect with the right NHS services
• Support you emotionally through befriending
• Help you navigate next steps

👉 You do not have to face this alone.