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If you have had a positive pregnancy test and have decided to go ahead with the pregnancy then you will need support from family and friends as well as health professionals and an antenatal clinic from as early on as possible. There are loads of people who can support you and answer your questions but you have to make initial contact.

‘Babymaze’ is an online guide for parents to be and families with young children based in the Lancaster and Morecambe area. It has information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, childcare and re-usable nappies as well as suggestions on day trips, and dining out. Go to www.babymaze.co.uk for more information.

Child Support and Maternity Leave

Think about taking time out of you studies and how you are going to cope once you return. Most research councils offer maternity leave and other postgraduates should be able to negotiate time off directly with the University. Undergraduates would have to intercalate. In either case there are financial issues. As an intercalating student you are not entitled to student support monies. That means no loan, hardship loan or hardship fund. However, because you have neither completed nor abandoned your course you are not entitled to benefits either. Although there is now a clause that says if you intercalate due to pregnancy you can claim JSA for as long as you are unable to work. Once your baby is born you will receive child benefit and depending on your situation you may also get lone parents benefit.

Once you come back to University you may be able to get help with childcare etc. from the Hardship fund, the mature students' bursary or the childcare grant. Each of these has different rules and eligibility for one may mean that you cannot get another. Come and talk to LUSU Advice about the latest regulations and how to apply for financial support.

The best advice, whatever your situation and whatever you decide to do is talk to people who can support and help you. That could be family, friends, doctors, counsellors and you can also talk to any of the advisers or sabbatical officers in the LUSU Advice.

Childcare

If you have children then childcare is probably one of your most important considerations during your time at university. The university has it's own pre-school centre which accommodates children of students, staff and members of the local community from the age of three months. Prices vary according to the age of the child, though it is often possible for student parents to get some fee remission.

For more details contact Moyna Kemp (pre-school centre co-ordinator) on ext. 94464

The University recognises the high cost of childcare and may be able to help students towards these costs. UK home students can apply to the Access to learning Fund (ALF) for general assistance towards living costs (inc childcare)

International students can apply to Student Support Services to see if they are eligible for help (fee remission) with childcare expenses. This help depends on income, the maximum remission provided is usually two sessions @ a maximum of 75% of session cost.

For further information please refer to the Student Support Services website: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/studentsupport/international/childcare.htm

Baby changing

There is a baby changing facility located in Furness Foyer, next to the women's toilets. It is for use by all parents with small children.

Children's Playground

At the South end of the university campus there is a children's playground for use by any young children visiting the university. The playground was jointly funded by LUSU and the university.

For further contact details of other support agencies see the section on pregnancy or contact the women's officer in the student union building, ext 92197, su-womens@lancaster.ac.uk