We know there can be a lot of pressure on new parents to attend groups with their babies. Groups can be valuable: they can reduce isolation, offer practical advice, support parent and baby connection, and provide opportunities for early learning, sensory stimulation and social interaction.
But we also know that groups are not always easy.
For some parents, group settings can increase anxiety or bring up difficult feelings of comparison, confidence or not feeling “like everyone else”. Some people prefer smaller gatherings, one-to-one support or a more relaxed space where they can simply be themselves.
At PMH Borders, we want to better understand what kind of group support would feel genuinely useful, inclusive and safe for parents and babies.
We are exploring ideas such as:
- Antenatal groups to help parents feel emotionally and psychologically prepared
- Postnatal drop-ins
- Support for neurodivergent parents during the perinatal period
- Postnatal pamper sessions
- Dads and co-parents weekend clubs
- Sensory play
- Messy play
- Baby massage
- Practical workshops, such as feeding, weaning, sleep support and infant first aid
- Fundraising groups, such as nearly new sales and bake sales
We would love your input.
Please complete our short poll and tell us what kind of group would work best for you and your baby.