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Bump to Baby
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The initiative and how it all started
Henfield has many couples who are either about to start a family or already have a young baby or a toddler. Sadly, there has been no provision for free antenatal, postnatal or toddler groups for several years now. Thanks to the support of various local groups and the involvement of terrific volunteers, the Henfield Community Partnership (HCP) and Henfield Connections Service changed this in 2022. The 1st antenatal course started in January and a postnatal drop in for parents and young babies in February. Both the antenatal and postnatal groups are run at the Henfield Haven, a charitable community centre which receives no direct funding. Any donations from those attending is therefore much appreciated. The Henfield Bump to Baby Facebook page gives up to date information on what the group is offering. Our first baby/toddler group is just starting at Henfield Tea Gardens and we have Mary, the owner, to thank for this. The plan is to run these on a Monday and Wednesday at two different venues. There is an informative Facebook page, Henfield Ducklings, for those with babies and pre-schoolers.
Antenatal Course
The free 4-week course is run bimonthly and open to women 28 weeks or over into their pregnancy. Partners are also very welcome to attend. The course is held at the Haven (BN5 9DT) on Thursday evenings from 7- 9pm. Up to 10 women and their partners can be accommodated. The course is run by a practicing, experienced midwife and supporting volunteers, most with relevant past experience. The evenings are an opportunity to meet other parents to be and gain information which is consistent and evidence based. It includes what to expect during labour and birth, C-section births, forceps, ventouse delivery and pain relief; going home with baby, breast feeding and formula feeding. There is an opportunity to cover other areas of interest to the attendees and to ask questions. Click Here for a printable summary of the course. Click Here for dates of future antenatal courses To book yourself on a course, please complete this form https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf6V6rd5es3yf.../viewform |
Postnatal Drop In
The free postnatal drop in sessions are run every Tuesday at the Haven (BN5 9DT) from 9.30 - 11.30am and overseen by experienced volunteers. These sessions are specifically for new parents (i.e. parents of pre-crawling babies) and provide an opportunity to mix with other new parents. There is support available from the volunteers, the occasional short talks as well as an assisted baby weighing facility. There is no need to book. The Haven Café is open and anyone wishing to stay for lunch is welcome to do so. Toddler Group
We are fortunate to have Mary’s help, time and enthusiasm. She kindly offered to run a session on Mondays from 10am to 12pm at the Tea Gardens when the group has sole use of the venue. A light lunch is planned for anyone wishing to stay on at the end of the session. It would be appreciated if those attending could volunteer to help with setting up and clearing away. Where possible a donation would be appreciated as the Tea Gardens are running the sessions totally on a charitable basis. A session at a 2nd venue is planned for Wednesdays. Supporting Bump to Baby +
Although the groups are run totally by volunteers, there are naturally expenses that need to be covered. Donations where possible are therefore always very welcome. Suggested donations (contact us if you prefer to give by other means than cash):
Contacting Us
We’d love to hear from you, so if you’re interested in joining one of our groups or if you are interested in helping us run them, please contact us either by emailing henfieldbumptobaby@gmail.com or message Henfield Bump to Baby Facebook page. |
