Types of Support
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.