A NEW bump and baby group has started at That Meeting Space, providing a place for local parents and carers to meet and share tips and experiences.
The group has been set up by Tabatha Neale, a qualified antenatal and postnatal educator who has set up Through the Wilderness, to empower people through pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Sharing her motivation behind setting up the group, Tabatha said, “It is really important to me that local parents and carers are able to attend a group locally. I decided to set up Through the Wilderness to help support people and parents as due to various reasons they are often unsupported and uninformed.”
The first session was held on Wednesday 26th July and is being held every other Wednesday at 10am to 11.30am.
Tabatha said, “The session went really well due to it being the first and a drop in style. I was a bit nervous that no one would turn up. I was very grateful that word had reached out and people did turn up!”
At the sessions Tabatha shares advice, tips and information about navigating the health care system in a ‘relaxed way’ and hot drinks are available.
She said, “Everyone will be supported in a non-judgemental environment while being given all the information so they can make informed decisions for them and their babies.
“I also asked the group what they felt they would benefit from at the beginning of each session and if they would benefit from me covering a specific topic, which they would like advice on. They agreed and gave me things that they would like me to cover in depth. We also talk about the ‘small wins’ of each week.”
Looking ahead Tabatha hopes to grow the group and is setting her sights on creating a community hub.
She said, “Hopefully over the next coming sessions, more people will attend as word gets out about the group. I also hope to get other businesses in to do talks/ demos/ activities on other topics that would benefit the group for example, sling and baby wearing.
“My vision for the future would for this group to be a community hub for all that are expecting or caring for babies.”
The next session will be held on 30th August and will discuss weaning and the following sessions will be held on 13th September and 27th September at That Meeting Space, in the Market Place.
Tabatha said, “Anyone that is pregnant and cares for a baby that is under six months old can attend the group. Siblings are also welcome.”
