BabySTEPPs Sessions & Workshops
BabySTEPPs aim to facilitate peer support networks as well as provide practical help and information where appropriate; liaising with relevant organisations, charities and health services to make this possible.
BabySTEPPs: Early Years
Our "Early Years" sessions tend to be the nosiest! We welcome mums and dads WITH their babies/children so that they can all enjoy some quality family time together.
An addition to the family can be quite a change, especially for first-time parents who often doubt and wonder whether they're doing the best thing for the baby. As each milestone approaches, new parents will begin to question..."should I start weaning?"...or "should my baby be crawling by now?". Other important issues such as "how do I know my baby has a fever?"...or "what should I do if my baby's not well?" will also be asked.
BabySTEPPs provide all parents with the opportunity to raise any concerns during these "Early Years" sessions. Past sessions have included guest speakers such as nurses from Rainbow Ward, a pediatric dietician and physiotherapist specialised in pediatrics. A highly informative and fun-packed session offering parents the chance to speak out and learn how best to cope and prepare for those ever so important milestones.
BabySTEPPs: An Uphill Journey
Some pregnancies or journeys into parenthood do not always go to plan and sometimes, it's not a case of giving birth and returning home after a couple of days. What should be a joyous and exciting experience for the new family may turn out to be an overwhelming 'uphill journey'.
BabySTEPPs: Through Pregnancy
Highly interactive, information-packed sessions covering all aspects regarding the health and general well-being of pregnancy. We seek to promote the joy of parenthood and through this, aim to inspire all mums, and dads-to-be to prepare, in the best way possible, for their new bundle of joy.
Our antenatal classes are run on a fortnightly basis and focus on a variety of topics, ranging from "Interventions During Labour", "Breastfeeding", "Physio During Pregnancy" and "Budgeting For Baby", to name a few. All sessions cater for a "Question & Answer" space where mums and dads are provided with an opportunity to voice any concerns and share their pregnancy experiences with other "bump" buddies. To this end, should any of the attendees wish to discuss an issue privately, a BabySTEPPs representative will be happy to help or assist you in referring your concern to the relevant authority/personnel.
"An Uphill Journey" is a support group for those who have experienced a difficult start to parenthood. This may involve enduring a complicated pregnancy; having your unborn baby diagnosed with a specific disorder/condition or perhaps coming to terms with the fact that your baby may require specialist medical treatment locally or abroad.
These sessions take a less structured approach and are run by several mums, including BabySTEPPs Treasurer Katherine Torres, who gives up her free time to provide the emotional support and understanding to those who are weighed down by the struggles a difficult start to parenthood may create. Whilst some families seek refuge by learning from similar experiences, others appreciate sharing their stories and bonding with friends who really understand. After all, some say, a problem shared is a problem halved.
BabySTEPPs: Through Fertility
Sessions are catered for those seeking that emotional support, information and encouragement to help cope better during what may be a very stressful time for an individual and/or couple. Our sessions provide the much needed support for couples who are struggling to conceive naturally as well as create an opportunity for those who are going through this or have experienced fertility issues in the past to share their experiences in a confidential setting.
Sensitive issues such as infertility, conception via IVF or other less intrusive specialist medication may be discussed as is the emotional duress experienced as a result. BabySTEPPs do not offer a structured approach, but rather an informal chat-driven session for those concerned to vent out any issues, get the facts from real life experiences and share their thoughts with those who really understand what you're going through.
BabySTEPPs: After Loss
BabySTEPPs' "After Loss" sessions are emotionally-driven, informal and highly confidential, providing the much needed support to couples who have experienced the unfortunate 'lows' of pregnancy and parenthood through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. What is meant to be a time of happiness and excitement for most, may sadly turn into an unwanted ticket to a heart-wrenching emotional roller-coaster.
Although it may well seem like you're lost, feeling disheartened or misunderstood, BabySTEPPs may help you channel that pain and emotional pressure by meeting with others whose lives have also been affected by loss, and receive that important encouragement and support from those who really understand what you're going through.
Time may not take away that heartache after loss but you will learn to cope and live with a beautiful memory of what once was. At BabySTEPPs, there's always someone who can help. You are not alone.
Want to know more about what BabySTEPPs get up to during their session? Read our blog...
