What can your pharmacist do for you? Find out more about how your Boots pharmacists are there to help
Whatever your pregnancy or parenting health concern, your pharmacist is here to help you if they can. Your pharmacists can offer the following services and advice...
Give one-to-one advice
Because no one enjoys discussing icky things like piles or constipation over the counter, most of our pharmacies have consultation rooms where you can talk in private. Honestly, you can raise absolutely anything with us – we’ve heard it all before.
Help you find feeding solutions
Once your baby is born, our pharmacists are trained to advise on feeding issues like colic or reflux. Plus, we have a huge range of products to help take the stress out of feeding – from breast pumps to nursing pillows. We can also advise on what over-the-counter medication is suitable when you’re breastfeeding.
Serve you after hours
When carrying such precious cargo, we never want you to lie awake worrying. So, it’s comforting to know that there are more than 60 Boots Midnight Pharmacies around the UK, where we can offer advice and support until midnight Monday to Saturday – no appointment necessary (and, of course, they’re also open on normal Sunday hours). Remember we’re here when your bump becomes a baby, too!
Give you lifestyle solutions
We don’t just dispense medicines. If we can’t recommend a bump-friendly product, we may suggest a lifestyle solution – like steam inhalations for a blocked nose or ways to help you avoid contact with pollen during hay fever season. If we can help, we will.
Offer a flu vaccination
The NHS advises that all mums-to-be get vaccinated against flu, and you may be able to get this free NHS service at participating Boots pharmacies* – ask your pharmacist for more information. Studies show pregnant women pass on some protection from being vaccinated to their babies.
Tell you what's bump friendly (& what's not)
Got a cold? Headache? Indigestion? Our pharmacists can give you the lowdown on which over-the-counter products are suitable to use when you’re expecting and can advise you on any supplements you may be considering taking in pregnancy. And when baby arrives, we can help answer your queries, from how to soothe cracked nipples (you) to how to treat sore bottoms (them).
Help you manage repeat prescriptions
Life’s hectic enough as it is. So, let us take one task off your plate when you sign up in store or online for one of our free prescription collection services**. No need to head to your GP every time you need a repeat prescription – we can have your medicines ready and waiting for you in store at an agreed time, or if you’re using our online service, your medicines can also be delivered to your home address. And remember, when you’re pregnant – and until your baby turns one – all prescriptions are free.
Advise you when to see a doctor
Pregnancy is a journey into the unknown and can bring up a raft of puzzling symptoms. It’s great to know that your pharmacist is on hand without having to wait for an appointment at your GP. Pharmacists study for at least four years to qualify so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. And if we think you do need to see a GP, we’ll refer you straight away.
Help you or your partner stop smoking
Smoking when pregnant can increase your risk of a low-birthweight baby, and secondhand smoke has been linked to an increased risk of cot death. We can give you extra help to boost your willpower or advise on which stop-smoking products might be suitable if you don’t think your willpower will hold up! Come in for a chat.
Recommend suitable baby products
Babies are utterly magical… but what with the drool mouths, blocked noses, and brightly colored poos, there’s never a dull moment! Luckily, we’re on hand to help. Once baby is born, we’ll be your new best friend. So, come and say hello.
In the meantime, why not test your knowledge in our baby first aid quiz.
*England and Wales only, subject to eligibility criteria and availability.
**Participating surgeries only.
***Make sure you have a signed Maternity Exemption Certificate from your doctor or midwife.