What additional measures it has put in place to support the receipt of baby boxes by women who are vulnerable or hard to reach, including G…

Scotland’s Baby Box is a universal provision, and as such all women who are under maternity care in Scotland are entitled to a Box. We recognise, however, some vulnerable or hard to reach groups require additional support to access ante-natal services. The Scottish Government have therefore worked closely with Heads of Midwifery and with midwives on the frontline to ensure that the registration process is consistent and supportive
- regardless of the mother’s circumstances. The process offers health professionals the opportunity to engage with parents at timely intervals throughout pregnancy. This is an important step in encouraging the small number of expectant mothers who do not currently register for ante-natal services to do so, and to receive appropriate support and health care for themselves and their baby.
This early engagement with ante-natal services allows vulnerable mothers to build a relationship with their primary midwife and provides continuity of care throughout their pregnancy journey.
Midwives also work closely with other statutory services, for example social work services, throughout the pregnancy journey, where a woman is classed as vulnerable.
We are also promoting the Baby Box through our Third Sector partners to ensure that as many of our vulnerable families are aware of the initiative, and provide support in gaining access to maternity services at a timely point in the pregnancy.
The delivery address to be altered at any time to accommodate the location of the mother prior to birth, this includes delivery to all types of temporary accommodation