Expectant parents, as well as people who are planning to have a baby, are invited to a unique event to learn about the diverse range of services and support available to them at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as well as in the community.

On Saturday 18 May 2019, Oxford University Hospitals and Oxfordshire Maternity Voices Partnership will host an open afternoon called 'Your journey to parenthood: from planning a pregnancy to becoming a family', where attendees will have the opportunity to access a wealth of knowledge from experts working in the various areas of Maternity Services.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be a number of presentations designed to familiarise families with the different elements of pregnancy, from pre-conception to postnatal care.

There will be a variety of information stalls with a chance to chat with some of the maternity staff and ask any questions.

Oxford University Hospitals' consultant midwife Wendy Randall, who recently won a national award for improving midwives' training, said: "Pregnancy and becoming a parent are major changes with important implications for parents - both for their relationship with the baby, and the baby's development. It is a more significant change than any other stage of life.

"We believe we can support families better at this time if they are more informed about the services available to them. This event is a unique opportunity to gather in one place a full picture of all the stages to parenthood, and understand what it is available to them at each stage, from the positive pregnancy test to feeding the baby and beyond.

"What's more, for the first time we are inviting along people who are not yet expecting a baby, but are planning to expand their family. In order to achieve a successful pregnancy, it's very important to make changes to lifestyle or ensure pre-existing medical conditions are appropriately managed ahead of conception.

"One of the unique aspects of Oxford Maternity Services is the diversity of choices we have for place of birth. We offer a home birth service, four freestanding midwifery-led units in community hospitals, one midwifery-led unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and a delivery suite.

"We will have staff from each location at our event, and are hoping to talk to families about how they can make an informed choice about where to give birth, and what locations work best for them."

The event is free, and runs from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday 18 May 2019 at Jurys Inn Oxford, Godstow Road, Oxford OX2 8AL.

Refreshments will be provided and people are free to drop in at any time. However, those planning to attend are advised to book their free ticket on eventbrite so enough refreshments can be provided.

To book a ticket and download the full programme please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/maternity