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Preparing for life with baby group session

What to expect from the Preparing for life with baby group session.

 

Who attends a Preparing for life with baby session?

This is a group session that supports expectant parents all who live within a similar area and have a baby due around the same time. It aims to help you to start thinking about what life might be like once your baby has arrived. It is facilitated by two members of our health visiting team and where at all possible, you will be seen by one of these practitioners after you have been discharged by the midwives.

What does a health visitor do?

A Health Visitor is a specialist community public health nurse who has undertaken additional training that focuses on child development and wellbeing. They support community public health which not only looks at health and wellbeing, but also looks at supporting families to thrive. They work within a team of other staff nurses, school nurses and community health workers, who all together support families and children within those families. We have five set contacts that we are likely to see you at throughout the first three years of your baby being born. We are also available to offer targeted support when you have a public health need, such as low mental wellbeing, growth challenges with your little one, parenting support, supporting health lifestyles, safe relationships, and support around the development for your child.

What things are discussed in the Preparing for life with baby session?

In this session we get you thinking about:

  • What is your baby telling you?
  • Becoming a family
  • Sleep and rest for you and your baby
  • Getting feeding off to a good start
  • Is my home baby proofed?
  • Keeping yourself and your family safe
  • Keeping yourself and your family well
  • Who is around to support me and my baby?

Can I bring my partner or supporter?

We will be delighted if they can attend. Partners and others within your household are so important to your child’s health and development.

How long is the session?

The session can be up to one and a half hours.

How do I book onto the session?

You should receive an invite by post when you are 32 weeks pregnant. If you don’t, do give us a ring or drop us an email telling us your name, date of birth, where you live, and your due date. We will book you in.

Our contact details

Eastern Public Health Nursing Hub

Covering East Devon, Cullompton and Tiverton

St Michael’s, Orchard Way, Honiton, EX14 1HU

0333 234 1903

easternphnhub@devon.gov.uk

Exeter and Crediton Public Health Nursing Hub

Covering Exeter and Crediton

Room 267, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD

0333 234 1902

Northern Public Health Nursing Hub

Covering North Devon, Torridge and Okehampton

Taw View, Civic Centre, North Walk, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE

0333 234 1904

Southern Public Health Nursing Hub

Covering Teignbridge, South Hams and Tavistock

Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE

0333 234 1901

southernphnhub@devon.gov.uk

What if I have additional questions or have very specific accessibility needs?

Please just ring us on the number above. We will do our best to support you.

 

Have your say

Help us improve the local information on this website and give us feedback about any contacts you have had with our service by completing the Devon Public Health Nursing feedback form.

ChatHealth Logo

Devon County Council runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens. You can also call our Public Health Nursing hubs on the numbers listed below.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon, contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk with as much information as possible.