The Huddersfield Branch of Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, has funded a booklet called Epilepsy and having a baby.
The booklet will provide vital information to women with epilepsy about epilepsy medication and pregnancy. Its purpose is to help women make informed choices when planning pregnancy, and guides women through pregnancy, birth and post-natal care.
The launch comes just after the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) published a report of confidential enquiries in to maternal deaths in the UK between 2006 to 2008. This enquiry has called for women with epilepsy to be given regular access to preconception counselling before pregnancy. It also recommends that midwives and obstetricians work closely with epilepsy specialists in managing pregnancy in women with epilepsy.
Epilepsy and having a baby helps women to work in partnership with their health professionals before and during pregnancy.
Epilepsy specialist nurse, Jenny Kelly, from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is crucial for women with epilepsy to have the best possible support when planning to have a baby, both before and during pregnancy, and as new parents.”
Joan, secretary of the Huddersfield Branch said: “The Huddersfield Branch has put a lot of hard work into raising funds for people with epilepsy. We are delighted that the generosity of local people can provide vital information for parents with epilepsy.”
Epilepsy and having a baby is available to download at www.epilepsy.org.uk/downloads Alternatively, it is available from the Epilepsy Helpline Freephone 0808 800 50 50.
The Huddersfield Branch has been actively supporting people with epilepsy since 1975. Branch members have been instrumental in campaigning for an epilepsy specialist nurse, which resulted in Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust appointment of Sapphire Nurse Chrissy Thompson in 1997. They raised nearly £12,000 to help finance this post. Following Chrissy’s departure in 2009, Jenny Kelly was appointed.
Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, has an extensive network of branches throughout the UK. The Huddersfield Branch holds regular monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Huddersfield Methodist Mission, 3-13 Lord Street, Huddersfield, from 7.30pm.
The branch’s programme of events includes speaker evenings, fundraising, social activities, and awareness raising events. For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.