Single Mum-to-Be, Feeling Overwhelmed, Looking for Advice & Support

[pihuk]

Hi everyone,
I’m currently expecting my first baby and will be raising them as a single mum. I live in Barnet, London, and work for the NHS on a Skilled Worker visa.
While I’m grateful for my job and the NHS maternity benefits, I’m feeling quite overwhelmed by all the things I need to plan for from maternity leave and childcare to managing without access to public funds. I also don’t have close family nearby, so I’m hoping to connect with others who understand what this journey can feel like.
If you’ve been in a similar situation single parenting, juggling work, navigating visa rules, or just managing without a strong local support network I’d love to hear how you coped, what resources helped you, and any practical tips you can share.
I’m also open to meeting other single parents in the area, whether online or in person, to share experiences and offer each other encouragement.
Thanks in advance for reading and for any advice you can offer I really appreciate it.

Firstly, congratulations! I have ideas and questions.

Solo or single (is child maintenance payable?)
When is the baby due?

Most stuff thats marketed to you, you won't need. Almost everything you can get nearly new or even borrow.

Go for a walk round your local parks. Ask mums of small children about their prams/buggies. When you get chatting tell them you're a first time mum and would love to meet other mums. You'll find out about local facebook groups. For me this was a great source of info and stuff being given away, lent or sold. Obviously vinted and facebook marketplace are good for this Olio and freecycle worth trying for free items.
Children's centres and libraries run lots of free activities. Local churches also do free or low cost baby cafés and playgroups.

If you're not from the uk can you seek out cultural centres from your country. Is English your first language? Local language groups especially mum and baby?

Our hospital ran free workshops to prepare for birth and baby but they booked up quickly.

Can any of yoru NHS colleagues help with 1) navigating mat pay and leave 2) planning childcare?

Mostly, try to keep yourself fit and well in body and mind between now and the birth. You can do this.

You know that many people who come on visas are from countries where English is one of the main languages, right?

This resource might be useful to you - part of it was designed by researchers working with new mum who are from minority ethnic backgrounds/ migrants.

https://findyourmumentum.co.uk/parents/