PG mums' groups

[cherriesblossom]

Hiya,

I'm thinking of starting a group for pregnant/new mums' group in my area (as part of my job in a children's centre). The group would be a free, social group to meet other mums', get support, relax & have fun. I'd maybe invite midwife/health profs to visit occasionally to give advice/info, but the main emphasis of the group would be social (am thinking especially, but not exclusively, for those with depression/isolation).

So I had some idea's about having a focus each week, to break the ice abit. Like one week I could get my mum to come in & teach us to crochet or quilt, one week I'd have my sister do foot massages, the next my friend could lead relaxation/meditation exercizes (all CRB'd etc). Was also thinking: swimming, mum & baby cinema screenings, local walks, making homemade facials, baby massage taster (using dollies), creating pregnancy scrapbooks, memory boxes with decoupage etc.

Do you think this is a good idea? Would you go to a group like this in your area? (Or have you been to one?) Do you have any activities of fun (low cost - my budget isn't great, hence calling in family favours!)

Thanks in advance. It's been a long time since I was pg, so I'm wondering how well this would go down, or would people think it was abit rubbish...!

Why would they need to be CRB checked? CRB is for people working with children or vulnerable adults, not pregnant ladies!

I think it is a good idea, I'd go to one if it was available, but then again I am not working full time and have plenty of time on my hands. I wouldn't go for scrapbooking and that sort of thing, but the social side is good and also relaxation classes.

Thanks for the reply Kat. I was hoping that the groups will still be going for the babies first few weeks'/months, so there might be some lil ones there.

We have to have CRBs for all of our volunteers, but as they are not alone with children, I don't think I'll have to initiate new ones, and my family can just use their current ones.

I think it's a nice idea - there are a lot of these run by charities that seem to be popular. I often work for charities doorstep and homestart giving massages at these groups and the women seem to really like it. I think they are aimed more at single parents, and young mums so sometimes they get people in to do talks on health, & maybe helping with benefit entitlements etc. I enjoy working at the groups but not sure I would go to these in particular just because I don't really fit into the women attending, but if there was a group with the same activites and the chance to meet mums that wasn't primarily aimed at young mums or mums new to the country I would love to go. Can you start one on a Thursday afternoon (my day off) in St Albans please

You shouldn't really need CRB just because there are babies present. The babies are under the responsibility and supervision of their mothers. I thought CRB was for those who were in a position of responsibility. World has gone mad if you need a check to volunteer to work where there are children who are being looked after by their own parents.

Round here loads of stuff also seems to be aimed at young parents. Some groups are deliberately under 25s only. I do get that these people need extra support in some cases, but would be nice if there was also something for us in our 30s too. I certainly feel rather isolated at times.

I would be very surprised if all of the professionals/family etc you pull in to help with these sessions don't need a crb. I see that there are only pregnant ladies possibly with babies in the session, but I'm presuming you have a open door an parents and children often pop in?

It sounds really lovely the things you have planned although do you know there is interest in the local area? Have you already contacted the professionals to see if they can commit? often in the past we have had no shows with these sessions.

Good luck

I think it's a lovely idea. I'd go if it was on in our area.
Good luck

One tip I would give you, though it might make it more difficult to organise, is to arrange small groups by due dates. I am still in touch touch with people I met postnatally who had babies the same age (now 2 1/2) but never kept in touch with anyone I met at 'drop in' type events.

So if you can organise it you will be providing the groups that gel with support for years to come rather than just in the early days iyswim?