• Menopause is now recognised as a workplace issue linked to fairness, retention and performance, not just health or wellbeing. 

• A menopause policy alone will not be enough. How managers respond, and how support works in practice matter more. 

• Employers do not need to wait for final guidance to act. Building manager confidence, improving access to support and understanding current gaps are sensible first steps. 

• Organisations that act early will reduce risk, retain experienced women and create more consistent employee experiences. 

Thanks to the Employment Rights Act, employers must treat menopause as something they plan for and support, not something employees manage alone. This reflects a wider shift in how fairness, performance and retention intersect at work. 

This article explains what the Employment Rights Act means for employers, why menopause now sits firmly in the employment space, and what good support looks like in practice. 

What the Employment Rights Act means for employers and menopause 

Under the Employment Rights Act, large employers will need to publish action plans explaining how they address the gender pay gap and how they support employees through menopause. This will apply to organisations with 250 or more employees. Mandatory action plans are expected from 2027, with clear encouragement to act from 2026. 

Some details are still being consulted on and will come through guidance over time. The government is introducing changes in phases, giving employers time to prepare. 

That does not mean organisations should wait. 

As HR consultant Yolande Knock put it during Anya’s recent webinar: 

“If you wait until everything is finalised, you lose valuable time. Most of what employers need to do already sits within good people management.” 

The risk lies in delaying action or treating this as a simple compliance exercise rather than a workforce issue. 

Why menopause is now a workplace issue, not just a health one 

Menopause affects a significant part of the workforce, particularly women in their late forties and fifties. These are often employees with deep experience, leadership responsibility and high replacement cost. 

When workplaces fail to support menopause, the impact shows up clearly: 

• Increased sickness absence and presenteeism 

• Reduced confidence and performance 

• Missed progression opportunities 

• Experienced women leaving work 

Many women continue working through symptoms without explaining why. Others fear being seen as less capable if they speak up. Over time, many step back quietly or leave altogether. 

The Employment Rights Act recognises that these outcomes link directly to workplace conditions, not personal resilience. 

Why a menopause policy alone will not work 

Many organisations already have policies covering flexible working, sickness absence or reasonable adjustments. Yet women still report feeling unsupported. 

The issue is rarely intent. It is how support works day to day. 

Common problems include: 

• Policies that people do not understand or use 

• Managers who want to help but do not know what to say 

• HR teams responding only when things reach crisis 

• Support that relies on employees pushing for help 

Women’s health lead Buki Fatuga explained this clearly in the webinar: 

“If you have a menopause policy but nobody knows about it, it won’t change anything. Support only works when people feel safe enough to use it.” 

Inconsistent responses also create risk. Outcomes often depend on the individual manager rather than a fair, joined-up approach. 

What employers should focus on now 

Employers do not need to wait for final guidance to take meaningful action. Many HR teams are already focusing on a few practical priorities. 

1. A menopause approach people can actually use 

This means: 

• Clear signposting to support 

• Practical examples of reasonable adjustments 

• Simple guidance for managers on next steps 

2. Confidence and support for line managers 

Managers do not need to become menopause experts. They do need to listen well, respond respectfully and know when to involve HR or specialist support. 

As Yolande Knock said: 

“Line managers are where policy either works or breaks down. If they’re not confident, everything else falls apart.” 

3. Access to specialist menopause support 

GP access and general EAPs often leave gaps. Menopause symptoms are varied and ongoing. Many women need consistent, specialist support rather than one-off conversations. 

Anya founder Dr Chen Mao Davies explains why this matters: 

4. A way to understand what is happening in your organisation 

Looking at absence data, engagement feedback and turnover can show where menopause already affects your workforce. Benchmarks and surveys help move the conversation from anecdote to evidence. 

What good menopause support looks like at work 

There is no single template that works for every organisation. But employers who support menopause well tend to share common traits. 

• Employees know where to go for help without repeatedly explaining themselves 

• Managers respond in a consistent and respectful way 

• Adjustments feel normal rather than exceptional 

• Support reaches frontline, shift and remote workers 

• HR teams can show action, not just intention 

As Buki Fatuga notes: 

“Menopause is not one size fits all. The most important thing is listening and working out what helps that person.” 

Crucially, menopause support sits alongside wider work on retention, fairness and performance. It does not sit on the edge of a wellbeing strategy. 

How to prepare in a sensible way 

The strongest responses to the Employment Rights Act focus on basics done well. 

That usually means: 

• Building on existing policies and processes 

• Closing gaps in manager confidence and access to care 

• Avoiding multiple disconnected initiatives 

• Choosing support that works across the whole workforce 

• Learning from employee experiences and feedback 

For many employers, the aim is consistency rather than scale. 

What employers should do next 

If you are preparing for the Employment Rights Act, start by understanding where you are today. 

That might include: 

• Reviewing absence and turnover patterns 

• Asking managers how confident they feel supporting menopause 

• Benchmarking your current approach 

• Identifying where employees struggle to get support 

• Reviewing what support exists under benefits such as Private Medical Insurance  

The law creates momentum. The real opportunity lies in building workplaces where experienced women can stay, contribute and progress without feeling pushed out. 

Chloe Trenchard sums it up: 

“This isn’t about doing something new. It’s about doing the right things properly.” 

Final thoughts 

The Employment Rights Act does not expect employers to have menopause support fully figured out today. But it does make one thing clear: doing nothing is no longer an option. 

For some organisations, this will mean building menopause support for the first time. For others, it will mean strengthening what already exists and closing the gaps between policy and practice. 

This moment is about moving from intention to action. That might involve new policies, new conversations, new training or new support routes. It almost always involves helping managers feel more confident and making sure women do not have to struggle in silence to stay in work. 

The employers who respond well will not just meet future requirements. They will hold on to experience, protect performance and show that they value women at every stage of their working lives. 

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What the UK Budget 2025 Delivers for Early Years

• The government has committed over £500 million to local authorities to deliver up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs across England by the end of 2028.
• For 2025–26, the government pledged £126 million to support the existing network of Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes across 75 upper-tier local authorities.
• Roughly £18.5 million is earmarked specifically for infant feeding services and breastfeeding support, and £36.5 million for perinatal mental health and parent–infant relationship support.
• The mission underpinning this investment is the vision of the “first 1,001 critical days” — from conception to the child’s second birthday, when the foundations of emotional, physical and cognitive health are built.

Why This Matters: Public-Sector Commitment + Health Equity

When the public sector commits to funding services for infants, parents and carers at scale, it signals more than social investment. It’s a commitment to child health equity, early brain development, nutrition, and giving every child a fair start regardless of background.

For too many families, access to high-quality infant feeding support, perinatal mental health services, and consistent parenting guidance depends on geography. The expansion of Family Hubs and Best Start aims to reduce this postcode lottery. With clear allocations for feeding support and perinatal mental health, the Budget shows a readiness to treat early childhood as a public-health priority, not a luxury.

Embedding these services inside a public-sector infrastructure — local-authority led, universally available — makes support scalable, sustainable, and accountable.

What This Means for Anya — and for the Future of Infant Nutrition & Early Years Care

At Anya, we have always believed that the first 1,001 days are non-negotiable. But we also know that good intentions — without sustainable structure — risk becoming fragmented, inconsistent support. With this Budget, the public sector is building that structure.

• The investments create fertile ground for integrated infant feeding support and perinatal care to be delivered consistently across the UK.
• They expand opportunities for collaboration between innovators and public health bodies, combining Anya’s AI-driven, evidence-based support with the reach of local authorities.
• They increase the likelihood that all babies — regardless of postcode or income — have access to the support they need for healthy early nutrition, bonding and development.

For commissioners and local authorities, this is more than an invitation. It’s an opportunity to embed high-quality, scalable early-years support. This level of investment in the UK Budget 2025 Family Hubs programme sets a new benchmark for early-years support across the UK.

A Call to Action for Partners: Let’s Seize This UK Budget 2025 Momentum Together

If you work in local government, public health commissioning, early-years services or community health — and you’re exploring how to embed infant feeding support, perinatal mental health services or 1,001-days strategy as part of Family Hub or Best Start delivery — Anya is ready to partner with you.

We combine deep expertise in women’s and infant health with innovative, scalable technology to deliver evidence-based, equitable support across communities.

Get in touch to discuss how Anya can support your early-years / infant-feeding strategy — and together we can ensure every child gets the best possible start.

Upcoming Webinar: Designing Exceptional Outcomes in the First 1,001 Days

Great outcomes don’t happen by chance — they happen by design.

As public-sector teams begin implementing the ambitions of the 2025 Budget, many are asking foundational questions about early-years strategy: Where do we start? What does great look like? What tools actually work in practice?

On 28th November, Anya is hosting a webinar to unpack exactly that — with real examples from regions already delivering impact.

Expert Panel

• Shel Banks — BFI Co-ordinator, Blackpool Teaching Hospital & Anya Clinical Director
• Vicki Morgan — Senior Development Manager, Blackpool Better Start
• Shona Okeke-Jackowski — Senior Public Health Strategist, Brent Council
• Thomas Cooke, BSc, MBA — Host & Partnerships Lead, Anya

What You’ll Take Away

• How the 1001-day focus is being delivered across different regions
• The tools and services local areas are using to support delivery and outcomes
• What the future of the 1001 days might look like, especially in light of the recent Budget announcement

Secure your place and get practical insight you can use immediately

The post How the 2025 UK Budget Puts Public-Sector Backbone Behind the First 1,001 Critical Days appeared first on Meet Anya..

Across theatres and workshops, conversations focused on three defining shifts:

• From hospital to community care
• From treatment to prevention
• From analogue to digital

The plan calls for improved IT infrastructure, greater use of AI, a single patient record and a more connected NHS App — all underpinned by safer, smarter data systems.

At Anya, we were proud to contribute to this national conversation, sharing how our platform supports these goals by making trusted, specialist information accessible to women throughout their health journeys.

Women’s Health Innovation Takes the Spotlight

While HETT covered the full spectrum of digital transformation, women’s health featured more prominently than ever – a welcome signal of growing recognition that women’s experiences are central to wider health equality.

One of the most inspiring sessions was the fireside conversation with Dame Laura Kenny. She reflected on her journey in elite sport, spoke openly about her experiences with the NHS, and emphasised how maintaining health, resilience and advocacy go hand in hand. Her remarks served as a powerful reminder that even exceptional performers must navigate the health system — and that everyone with a platform has the opportunity to raise awareness for women’s health.

Other standout sessions included:

• Forging a More Equitable Future: Innovation in Women’s Health — examining how the UK can help women lead and scale innovation.
• Improving Service Design, Safety and Education in Maternity Using Technology and the Patient Voice.
• Leading with Compassion: Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace through Digital Innovation.
• Opportunities in Neonatal Technology Enabled Care with the Neonatal Technology Enabled Care Project (NTEC)

Together, these sessions reflected a genuine step forward in how the sector is embedding women’s health within the digital agenda.

How AI Supports Women’s Health Innovation

AI was unsurprisingly a dominant theme throughout HETT, but the tone was responsible, not just aspirational. Discussions centred on how we can harness data and emerging technologies safely, ethically and inclusively – not just for end-users but to save time and do the heavy-lifting when it comes to admin for clinicians so they can focus on what really matters: patient care.

Key takeaways:

• Bias and representation: Models must reflect real-world populations to serve women equitably.
• Privacy and consent: Sensitive health data demands transparency and robust governance.
• Explainability and oversight: AI systems in healthcare must be auditable and understandable to build trust.

For Anya, this validated our approach – using technology not as an end in itself, but as a means to improve access, safety and confidence in women’s health information.

Learn more about our digital women’s health solution and how we are using AI to address healthcare inequalities in maternity care.

Integrating Innovation into NHS Systems

A consistent theme across the event was the need for interoperability and integration. Speakers from NHS England, NICE and leading Trusts emphasised that innovation must align with NHS systems – from digital infrastructure and procurement to clinical safety and governance.

We heard repeatedly that progress depends on:

• Open data standards and interoperability frameworks
• Collaboration across integrated care systems (ICSs)
• Bridging the gap between pilot projects and scalable adoption

For women’s health, this means embedding digital tools seamlessly into maternity, primary and community care, ensuring no woman falls through the cracks.

Collaboration, Inclusion and Co-Design

Our time at HETT was as hands-on as it was inspiring. We joined co-design workshops, digital inclusion sessions, and conversations about service design and accessibility, applying NHS Digital Service Manual principles.

We met obstetricians, analysts, policy leaders and fellow innovators — all keen to explore how technology can reduce inequalities and improve women’s health outcomes.

Moving Forward

HETT 2025 showed that digital transformation is not just about technology. It proves what we know from our years of experience at Anya: it’s about people, trust and collaboration.

As we move forward, Anya remains committed to:

1. Equity-led design: ensuring our platform reflects and serves all women.
2. Data privacy and governance: maintaining transparency, safety and user control.
3. System partnership: working closely with NHS bodies to support the delivery of the 10-Year Health Plan.

We left HETT inspired by the passion across the sector — from clinicians to policymakers and champions like Dame Laura Kenny… all driving toward a more equitable future for women’s health.

Thank you to everyone who visited us and joined the conversation. Together, we can ensure that women’s health remains central to the next decade of NHS innovation.

If you want to learn more about how Anya can support your team, book a call with us to chat further.

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At Anya, we’re joining thousands of people around the world to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from 1–7 August 2025. This year, the theme is “Prioritise breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems”, a focus that emphasises the need to support parents with breastfeeding in order to realise the positive impact of breastfeeding on the environment and its contribution to mitigating climate change. This mission fully aligns with our aims for the Anya app, which is designed to bridge the gaps in parents’ support systems and provide them with the information, advice and practical skills they need to make informed decisions, overcome challenges and meet their breastfeeding goals.

Since 2016, World Breastfeeding Week has been aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – all 17 of which have affinities with breastfeeding, from health-related targets to climate goals. This partnership recognises that as well as being the biological norm, breastfeeding offers significant benefits not just for the nursing dyad of parent and baby but also for the environment and the global economy. Infant formula has a significant carbon footprint and contributes large amounts of greenhouses gases thanks to the impact of dairy farming, manufacturing, processing, packaging, transportation and preparation methods.

In addition, the formula supply chain uses a large amount of water and contributes to deforestation while exacerbating pollution and landfill waste. In contrast, breast milk is wholly natural and renewable and requires no transportation or packaging. Producing breast milk uses few resources and generates almost no waste or pollution at all. At the same time, breastfeeding improves health outcomes and boosts cognitive development, potentially leading to a healthier, more intelligent global population and therefore a stronger global economy. Furthermore, breastfeeding provides food security for infants – particularly important in times of war or famine – and unlike infant formula does not add to the financial strain on families, thereby contributing to reducing inequalities and mitigating the harmful impact of poverty.

These are just some of the reasons why the World Health Assembly (WHA) has set a global target of a 70% exclusive breastfeeding rate for 2030. Positive progress has already been recorded, with the exclusive breastfeeding rate in 2023 reaching 48%, close to the interim goal of 50% for 2025. And yet there is still a significant amount of work to do if we are to reach this ambitious milestone. Many challenges persist: social and cultural attitudes to breastfeeding can pose an obstacle to improving breastfeeding rates, while limited access to skilled support can mean parents are unable to resolve breastfeeding issues or that they may misinterpret normal infant behaviour as a sign that breastfeeding is not working – often influenced by aggressive commercial formula marketing practices that exploit the anxieties of new parents.

At the national level, policies and regulations often fail to adequately protect breastfeeding parents or to fund the infant feeding support services needed, while economic and financial pressures and unsupportive workplaces add further barriers to continued breastfeeding for many individuals and families. In addition, health systems and maternity services frequently undermine breastfeeding, often due to lack of staff training and failure to comply with WHO and UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Initiative. Moreover, these challenges disproportionately affect families with a low income and/or limited education, as well as certain ethnic groups.

At Anya, our aim is to provide a solution to some of these challenges by offering reliable, evidence-based infant feeding support that parents can access 24/7. While the WHA targets focus on exclusive breastfeeding, it is important to note that any breastfeeding at all is beneficial, including in combination with formula feeding. The Anya app is therefore designed to support all parents to make an informed decision about how to feed their baby – whether that is through exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding or formula feeding – by providing accurate information in line with the Baby Friendly Initiative. For those parents who do choose to breastfeed, the app offers practical and emotional support with any challenges that may arise. Our innovative, award winning AI-powered virtual companion allows parents to get reliable answers to their questions or concerns instantly, while webinars, and virtual drop-ins offer a range of opportunities for app users to connect with healthcare professionals. Peer support can also be accessed through the app’s moderated support communities.

In addition, our 3D interactive animation tool LatchAid^TM helps parents optimise their breastfeeding positioning and attachment to prevent or address issues such as nipple pain or ineffective milk transfer, which if left unchecked can lead to low milk supply or restricted growth in the infant, and ultimately to parents ending their breastfeeding journey before they are ready.

One of the core principles promoted by World Breastfeeding Week is the “Warm Chain of Support for Breastfeeding”. This concept places the mother/parent-baby dyad at the centre and aims to link all the different actors with an influence over their breastfeeding journey – from midwives to employers – over the first 1,000 days in order to provide a continuum of care. The Anya app is designed to perfectly complement the Warm Chain of Support by accompanying parents on their parenting journey from conception to toddlerhood.

It has been commissioned by NHS trusts, children’s community services, and local authorities across the UK and beyond, ensuring a consistent approach in these areas and bridging any gaps in the services available. Anya also partners with employers in the private sector to support their staff with women’s health, wellbeing and parenting. This means working parents benefit both from in-app support, and from their colleagues’ increased understanding of the challenges they may be facing. This also means further continuity of breastfeeding support when parents return to work, meaning they are more likely to meet the WHO recommendation that breastfeeding should continue for two years or more.

It is evident that breastfeeding offers profound benefits for both people and the planet. If we are to achieve the WHA’s ambitious targets for increasing breastfeeding rates, we need to join forces across governments, health services, employers and the community to truly promote and support breastfeeding for all. We believe the Anya app is an invaluable tool for parents that combines technological innovation with human expertise and empathy to offer a reliable, evidence-based source of information, learning and advice. Through our partnerships in both the public and private sectors, we aim to bridge gaps in the services available to breastfeeding families by contributing to the sustainable support systems around them and making breastfeeding a real priority.

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Becoming a parent is an incredible journey, yet it often brings uncertainty and countless questions. In these early, crucial times, reliable guidance and a supportive community are invaluable. 

This is where comprehensive parenting programmes truly shine, offering a beacon of knowledge, reassurance, and connection for expectant and new parents alike. 

At Anya, we understand the evolving needs of growing families. Our tailored programmes empower parents at every stage. Our antenatal programme and birth plan prepare expectant parents for labour and those precious first moments with their newborn. We introduce infant feeding education early in the second trimester, at a time designed to support proactive, meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals. We recognise that feeding choices are shaped by a complex mix of personal values, social influences, and practical considerations. By offering evidence-based, unbiased information at this stage, we help parents feel confident and well-prepared to make informed decisions that work best for their family. 

Our postnatal programme continues this vital support through the early months and beyond, helping parents navigate both the joys and challenges of life with a new baby. A key feature is its flexibility; it supports informed decision-making around infant feeding (whether breastfeeding, combination, or formula) with straightforward guidance on how to use Anya’s resources to suit each family’s needs. 

Why Healthcare Professionals Champion These Programmes 

Established Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) – Health Visitors, Community Midwives, and Infant Feeding Teams – see recommending programmes like Anya as a crucial extension of their care. 

In busy healthcare settings, recommending the Anya app seamlessly connects families to flexible, evidence-based programmes they can explore at their own pace. While the content follows a logical progression, each topic can be accessed in any order, giving parents the freedom to engage with what matters most to them in the moment. The app also provides 24/7 support, extending care beyond appointments and offering consistent reassurance whenever it’s needed. By engaging with the content in advance, parents are better equipped to bring informed questions and reflections to their healthcare appointments, in turn helping make discussions more focused, personalised, and effective. 

By accessing trusted information between appointments, parents gain greater confidence and clarity, leading to more meaningful conversations with their healthcare professionals and stronger, collaborative relationships. When HCPs signpost reliable resources like Anya, they reinforce consistent messaging and ensure ongoing support – ultimately supporting healthier outcomes for both parent and child. Anya’s programmes are built for real-life learning, breaking down complex topics into clear, accessible content that helps parents develop the skills they need, when they need them. 

Anya’s Programmes: Your Pocket-Sized Parenting Support 

Anya’s antenatal and postnatal programmes bring together the most timely, age and stage appropriate content from our app in clear, accessible formats. Whether during pregnancy or the early months of parenthood, parents can access key information, best practices, and expert guidance tailored to their specific journey, right at their fingertips. 

Our programmes integrate powerful features: 

• Intelligent AI-powered support: Get evidence-based answers and tailored guidance precisely when needed. Our Anya Specialists are also available for personalised support. 

• Interactive and informative webinars: Connect with experts and a supportive community through engaging live sessions. 

• Practical and easy-to-follow 3D Animations: Learn essential parenting skills with clear, actionable instructions. 

• A carefully selected library of curated articles: Explore specific topics in depth with our expertly reviewed content. 

This structured approach ensures parents aren’t overwhelmed but can efficiently access the exact support they need, right when they need it most. 

A Perfect Partnership: Onsite Support and Anya 

Anya serves as a seamless digital companion for parents. The app mirrors and expands on in-person teachings with bite-sized videos, useful guides, and quick reference tools that can be dipped into on the sofa at 3 a.m. or reviewed on the way to the next appointment. Because content is delivered on demand, families can revisit topics they’ve just practised in their antenatal class, explore new questions that arise after a home visit, and learn at a pace that matches real-life routines. 

Together, the face-to-face support offered locally and the round-the-clock guidance within Anya form a truly comprehensive ecosystem. Consistent evidence-based messages flow in both directions: community groups point parents to the app for reliable, instant answers, while Anya guides users back to neighbourhood services for deeper, hands-on help. The result is a reinforced circle of care that boosts confidence, keeps advice aligned, and helps parents feel supported every step of the way. 

Bridging the Gap: Reaching Every Parent 

Many parents face barriers to accessing traditional local services due to time constraints, location, isolation, or the overwhelming nature of early parenthood. Digital programmes like Anya break down these barriers, offering accessible support to everyone with smart phone access. This ensures all parents can access reliable information, practical tools, and a supportive community to thrive. 

Empowering Co-Parents Through Comprehensive Programmes 

Parenting is a team effort. Well-designed programmes offer significant benefits for co-parents, especially postnatally. Co-parents may feel they lack the knowledge to support the birthing parent, particularly with infant feeding. Anya’s postnatal programme actively involves co-parents, providing clear information and actionable tips on offering meaningful support, regardless of feeding method. This includes practical help at home, emotional support, understanding infant cues, and building a strong bond with the baby. By equipping both parents with the same foundational knowledge, these programmes foster a more collaborative, equitable, and harmonious parenting experience, reducing feelings of helplessness and strengthening the family unit. 

Empowering Healthcare Professionals in Their Vital Work 

Anya’s programmes are designed to seamlessly extend the crucial support of Health Visitors, Community Midwives, and Infant Feeding Teams. They enhance their efforts by: 

• Reinforcing Essential Information: Providing consistent, evidence-based information aligning with Baby Friendly standards and NHS guidelines 

• Providing Readily Accessible Resources: Directing parents to reliable information and support anytime, anywhere. 

• Facilitating More Focused Consultations: Allowing face-to-face time to address individual needs and complex issues. 

• Supporting Consistent and Cohesive Messaging: Ensuring parents receive unified guidance across all touchpoints. 

• Extending Reach and Enhancing Support: Enabling HCPs to provide high-quality support to more families. 

• Aiding in the Early Identification of Parental Needs and Infant Well-being: Facilitates early insight into family well-being and helps spot concerns before they escalate. 

By integrating Anya’s programmes, HCPs can significantly enhance the support they offer, empower parents with readily available resources, and contribute to improved family well-being. 

What Our Antenatal Programme and Birth Plan Covers

The Antenatal Programme supports expectant parents across all three trimesters with trusted, evidence-based content designed to inform and empower. In the first trimester, it covers the foundations of pregnancy, such as physical changes, antenatal appointments, maternity rights, and early planning. Topics include high-risk pregnancy, maternity leave, and initial decisions around birth and feeding. Parents are introduced to NHS-linked care roles, and are encouraged to begin thinking ahead, with information tailored to help them feel prepared and informed. 

In the second trimester, the focus shifts to feeding decisions, antenatal education, and preparing for life with a newborn. The programme provides balanced, accessible information on breastfeeding, formula, and combination feeding, alongside tools like our birth planning tool, which helps parents explore their preferences and options. Parents are also encouraged to think about practical newborn care (such as sleep expectations and early bonding) and are supported to understand their rights and advocate for their needs during appointments. 

During the third trimester, the programme helps parents prepare for birth and early parenthood. Our structured birth planning tool supports families in creating a clear, flexible plan they can share with their care team to embed their preferences for their birth journey into their care. Topics include labour signs, pain relief, caesareans, home birth, and the role of birth partners. As the due date approaches, content helps parents prepare practically, covering everything from hospital bags to statutory paternity leave and newborn feeding. Throughout, the programme acts as a trusted resource, encouraging open conversations with healthcare professionals at every stage. 

What Our Postnatal Programme Covers

The Fourth Trimester Programme is a personalised 12-week support guide designed to help new parents navigate the early weeks after their baby’s arrival. It offers practical advice and emotional support during a period marked by rapid changes in physical health, emotional wellbeing, and family dynamics. The programme introduces the concept of the fourth trimester, explains how to use app features like trackers and AI help, and supports parents in understanding both baby and self-care essentials. 

Content is tailored based on feeding preferences: formula feeding, breastfeeding (including exclusive pumping), or combination feeding. Each profile offers detailed guidance on feeding techniques, safe sleep practices, managing common challenges (like cluster feeding or milk supply issues), and understanding baby’s development. The programme also includes myth-busting, partner involvement tips, and support for parents dealing with feeding-related guilt, stress, or confusion. 

Across all profiles, the programme covers essential areas including baby sleep environments, parental mental health, postpartum body recovery, vaccinations, and relationship changes. Lifestyle guidance such as building routines, managing sleep deprivation, babywearing, and returning to exercise is included to support a smoother transition into parenthood. The goal is to build confidence, promote healthy loving parent-infant relationships, and provide practical, judgment-free support tailored to each family’s unique journey. 

A Word from Our Parenting Lead

“At Anya, we believe every parent deserves to feel fully informed, genuinely empowered, and well-prepared to navigate their unique parenting journey with confidence and clarity. Our meticulously designed antenatal and postnatal programmes are built upon a foundation of evidence-based information, practical and easy-to-use tools, and a strong sense of supportive community, all conveniently accessible within a user-friendly digital space.

We see these programmes as a vital and indispensable resource for families, offering consistent, reliable guidance and thoughtfully complementing the invaluable support provided by dedicated healthcare professionals and essential local services. We are incredibly passionate about equipping parents with the knowledge, skills, and unwavering confidence they need to navigate the beautiful and transformative experience of parenthood with greater ease and joy.”

Looking Ahead: Further Supporting Our Dedicated Healthcare Professionals 

Our commitment extends to the professionals who care for families. We’re developing a specialised HCP programme to provide tailored resources, up-to-date information, and integration tools, further enhancing their support for new and expectant parents. We know that time, access, and confidence can all be barriers to professional development. That’s why our upcoming CPD programme is built around flexibility, inclusion, and real-world impact. From recorded webinars and self-paced e-learning to bite-sized audio content, we’re making it easier for healthcare professionals to build knowledge in ways that fit their demanding schedules.

Our content is shaped by what professionals told us matters most: expert-led training in lactation and infant feeding, maternal mental health, neonatal development, and support for diverse families. By combining clinical best practice with accessible formats and a strong emphasis on patient outcomes, we aim to empower every practitioner to feel confident, connected, and equipped to provide the highest standard of care.

Want to get involved? Complete our survey here to have your say.

Anya offers a powerful, accessible, and supportive way to inform and support new and expectant parents through their early parenthood journey. Our programmes are here to wrap families in support, offering trusted information, a welcoming community, and round-the-clock access to the tools they need through our app. By working alongside healthcare professionals and local services, we help parents approach the journey of pregnancy and parenthood with greater confidence, calm, and joy. 

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