As your pregnancy progresses, you will naturally start thinking about the birth itself, and how you will cope with a new baby.

And for single mums-to-be there is another important factor: who you want as your birth partner and who will ‘look after’ you once you get home.

Choosing a birth partner

Even women who are in a relationship with the father of their child sometimes want someone else with them during the labour and birth. For lone mothers, having someone there who is empathetic and supportive is doubly reassuring. There are a number of alternatives – find out more about choosing a birth partner here.

You might choose to have more than one birth partner. But you should check in advance that your hospital allows this. If you definitely don’t want your former partner there, but are concerned he might turn up, you should make the hospital aware of the situation.

Getting to and from hospital

Make sure there is at least one person on call who can drive you – and your birth partner – to hospital when you go into labour. And when you leave, remember you will have a lot more to carry than when you arrive – not least a baby, and a baby carrier/car seat.

Going home

Like any new mum, you will need most help and reassurance during the first few days after you arrive home with your baby.

Practical issues to consider are:

• Don’t try to manage alone. Make a list of essential tasks, like shopping, cooking and laundry, and accept as much help as you can from family and friends.
• Don’t worry about whether the house is tidy. The vacuuming and dirty dishes can wait.
• Get as much sleep as you can. Nap when your baby does, and unplug the phone. The more rested you are, the more quickly you will recover and the more you will enjoy your baby.
• Limit phone calls and visitors. If you find it hard to say no, then switch your phone to answerphone until you feel ready to respond to well-wishers.  Find out more about how to manage visitors to your newborn here.
• Take time out for yourself whenever you can. If a relative or friend can babysit for a couple of hours, take a relaxing bath, go for a walk or meet up with a friend for coffee.
• Get involved as soon as possible with parent and baby groups. These are a great opportunity to share experiences, get advice and make lasting bonds with other mothers, while also spending time with your baby.

Registering the birth

In England, Northern Ireland and Wales you are legally required to do this within 42 days, and in Scotland within 21 days. Get more information about registering your child's birth here.

Some things for single mothers to consider are:

• Putting the father’s name on the birth certificate will give him automatic ‘parental responsibility,’ which means he will get a say on important decisions like naming, religion, education and medical treatment.
• Including the father’s name can encourage his involvement in your child’s life, and help give them a sense of identity.Once the father’s name is on the birth certificate you can’t remove it. If you are not married to him, the father has to put his name on the birth certificate himself. You can’t do it for him.

In conclusion

Adjusting to the demands of a newborn baby can be emotionally and physically exhausting, particularly during the first few weeks. But staying positive is the best way to stay healthy and happy – which helps you look after your baby. “Give yourself a regular slap on the back,” advises Genny Jones, a freelance trainer affiliated to Gingerbread. “Recognising what you’ve already achieved on your own should give you the confidence to overcome future challenges.”