Parents offered NHS baby minders

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First-time parents are to get "NHS minders" to help them through the first two years under a new pilot scheme.

The government has set aside £7.5m for midwives and health visitors to offer support in 10 of the poorest areas.

It is based on a US system which has been proved to help improve health and cut accidents and is being specifically aimed at single mothers.

But midwives said it was the sort of care every professional wanted to provide but could not because of cuts.

The Royal College of Midwives estimated another 3,000 midwives are needed by 2012.

This comes after 17,000 posts have been cut in the last year as the NHS struggles with its finances.

The importance of health in the early years cannot be underestimated Ivan Lewis, health minister

RCM spokeswoman Mervi Jokinen said: "Help like this is undoubtedly beneficial.

"But the problem is that in places where midwives are providing intensive help, their posts are being cut or are under threat.

"All midwives want to provide this sort of care and support, but we are just not able to."

The scheme is being jointly overseen by the Department for Education and Skills and Department of Health in some of the most deprived areas, including Southwark and Tower Hamlets in London, Manchester, Walsall and Derby.

It will see single mothers and other vulnerable first-time parents offered regular visits by an "NHS minder".

They will be given tips on parenting and relationship skills as well as advice about exercise and diet.

The visits could start as early as four months into pregnancy. If the scheme proves successful, it could be rolled out across England within two years.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis said: "The importance of health in the early years cannot be underestimated, pregnancy and the first few years are vital to child development, life chances and future achievement."