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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
Exeter and Crediton Public Health Nursing Hub
Covering Exeter and Crediton
Room 267, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD
Northern Public Health Nursing Hub
Covering North Devon, Torridge and Okehampton
Taw View, Civic Centre, North Walk, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE
Southern Public Health Nursing Hub
Covering Teignbridge, South Hams and Tavistock
Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE
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.
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