If you are planning to become a parent or take on parenting responsibilities, you may feel you need extra support to look after your child. This could be help at home, equipment or help with 'everyday' things like visiting your child's school.

Support from your local authority

Your local authority, including social services, health and education departments, can offer this support. Government guidance states that disabled people should be supported within their family and parental roles.

Find your local authority

Having a baby and health issues

It is important to have access to information and the right maternity services, which take into account a mother's medical condition and/or disability.

You could start by talking through any issues with your doctor. Things to discuss could include:

• planning a pregnancy and conception
• how a particular disability and/or medical condition could affect pregnancy and birth (including issues like taking medication while breast-feeding)
• scans and tests
• post-birth health support for you and your child

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or consultant.

Parenting classes

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) covers many areas of everyday life, including access to goods and services. Classes for disabled parents-to-be should make 'reasonable adjustments' to make them accessible to all people. Reasonable adjustments could include:

• using a pen and notepad to communicate with you if you are deaf or hearing impaired and/or providing induction loops in a certain room
• holding the class in an accessible location (to avoid stairs, for example) for physically disabled parents
• arranging for someone to explain what is being said at the class more simply for a person with a learning disability

Let the organisers of classes know of any requirements you have before you attend for the first time.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Having a child and the effect on your benefits

If you receive Disability Living Allowance and your care needs change as a result of your parenting role, you should contact the Disability Living Allowance helpline. A decision-maker will then be able to consider whether your change in circumstances affects the rate of Disability Living Allowance you should receive.

The Disability Living Allowance helpline:

Telephone: 08457 123 456

Textphone: 08457 22 44 33

The helpline is open 7.30 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can also use the RNID Typetalk service.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Financial support if you are expecting or bringing up children