Early Years Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)

Maternity and birth

The number of births in 2022 for Rochdale borough was 2,769 according to the Office of National Statistics.

Why is a healthy pregnancy important?

A good start in life is important for long term health. We want all Rochdale borough children to start school healthy and ready to learn.

We can improve the early health of children by ensuring healthy pregnancies. Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can harm the baby. The amount of stress and the diet of the mother during pregnancy also impacts a baby's health.

Smoking during pregnancy is one of the biggest risks to child health and is particularly high in deprived areas and in mothers under the age of 20.

What are the health impacts of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of children over their whole lifetime. It's also beneficial for the mother. It helps protect the child from infections, may increase intelligence and may reduce the risk of becoming overweight and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Rates of breastfeeding are lowest in young mothers and from those in deprived populations.

Statistics on maternity

Guidance and information on maternity and birth