1 June 2016
The First Minister joined new and expectant parents in Glasgow to announce that pregnant women will receive free vitamins by next Spring as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to giving children the best start in life.
Aww! @NicolaSturgeon surrounded by wee ones in Glasgow sunshine. She's revealing plans to help parents #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/9J133qEq0i
— Heart Scotland News (@HeartScotNews) June 1, 2016
Issuing free vitamins to pregnant women is supported by healthcare professionals to help women enjoy a healthy pregnancy, and demonstrate the Scottish Government’s increased support for parents and children. Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Calderwood, commented: “As an obstetrician I am delighted at this announcement. We understand the long term positive effects that good nutrition can have for pregnant women.”
The Scottish Government is committed to giving every child a fair chance in life and will introduce a range of new initiatives including:
- Every newborn will receive a ‘baby box’ of essential items
- 500 more health visitors to help improve child health and wellbeing will be recruited
- The Family Nurse Partnership will be extended to support teenage mothers
- Childcare will be doubled to 30 hours a week for all three and four year olds and vulnerable two year olds
The First Minister had a picnic with families at Townhead Village Hall to hear about the positive health effects of taking vitamins during pregnancy, and to see a baby box from Finland.
The First Minister was also pleased to meet another Nicola, Nicola MacDonald, only six weeks old.
FM @NicolaSturgeon announces free vitamins for pregnant women https://t.co/hJ0EMEkZRP pic.twitter.com/c70EeOPrtu
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) June 1, 2016
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