Types of Support

Emotional Support

Emotional support is paramount during the period of sexual education, conception and early developmental stages.
Empathy and understanding from friends, family, and healthcare professionals can provide a sense of warmth and safety.
Open and non-judgemental conversations about sexual health and reproduction can be very helpful.
Support can also come via counselling or therapeutic services, for topics such as fertility struggles or anxiety around pregnancy and early parenthood.

Informational and Advice Support

Accurate, comprehensive knowledge about sexual health, reproduction and early development is vital.
Students can access professional advice from educational settings, healthcare practitioners and sexual health services.
Sources of advice can include sexual health clinics, GP practices, midwives, or health visitors.
In the digital era, accessible, reliable online resources (websites, apps, online forums) can also provide valuable support.

Practical Support

This may comprise of hands-on assistance, like help to attend medical appointments.
Examples also include services provided by maternity units or early years services.
Financial advise on support available during pregnancy and early parenthood, such as statutory maternity pay and child benefits.

Social Support

Sharing experiences with peers can be incredibly beneficial.
Support groups and community networks offer a space where individuals can exchange thoughts, experiences, and advice.
These groups can be found both in the local community and online, catering for a range of circumstances including fertility concerns, pregnancy and early parenthood.

Medical Support

Medical support includes services from health professionals such as GPs, gynaecologists, midwives and health visitors.
Medical interventions such as fertility treatments, prenatal testing, and antenatal care are also part of this type of support.
In addition, postnatal care, which may involve additional support such as breastfeeding advice and mental health services, is a critical aspect of medical support in the early development stages.