Families Commission

For more information about maternity services and choosing your LMC, call free on 0800 MUM 2 BE (0800 686 223). This line is not for counselling, clinical or medical advice.

Mama Maternity Information Services offers useful information about choosing your LMC.
Kiwi Families has good information about choosing your LMC and about childbirth.
Kiwi Families covers what to eat during pregnancy
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority provides detailed information about food safety in pregnancy.
The Ministry of Health offers a comprehensive paper on nutrition in pregnancy and after childbirth.
Littlies has useful information about miscarriages.
Parents Centre New Zealand offers parent education programmes, including antenatal classes.
Birthwise provides information through an antenatal programme, helping parents make informed, natural birth choices.

Why take folic acid tablets?

Research shows that getting enough folic acid before and in the first three months of pregnancy can reduce by up to 70% the chance of a baby with spina bifida. This is when the spinal cord, bones, muscle and skin do not form normally. Folic acid tablets are available in most supermarkets, chemists and health food shops.

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Why take folic acid tablets?