Baby and Me Programme – Health Visitor Led Parent Groups for Mothers and Fathers

7 February 2018

The Northern Trust’s Health Visiting Service has launched a new service for parents called ‘Baby and Me’.

Baby and Me groups are offered to mums and dads of babies up to 12 months. It is a 6 week programme that runs the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Parents will be able to learn more about their baby’s development and meet with health visitors in a relaxed and welcoming group environment. Weekly topics and themes include getting to know your baby, nurturing relationships, growth and development, healthy minds and bodies and day-to-day parenting.

Antrim was the location of the first Baby and Me group and the team have been kindly supported by Holiday Inn Express, near to Junction One.

Baby Harry Hasson and mum Kara-Leigh are currently attending Baby and Me in Antrim along with seven other mums and a dad. Kara-Leigh commented: “This programme is fantastic. Harry loves playing with the other toddlers and engaging in the activities. The information provided by the health visitors is so interesting and informative and the opportunity to practice baby massage with Harry helps to settle him. I just love building my relationship with him, especially as he is breastfeeding less now he is getting older”.

Antrim Nurse Manager, Tracey Kerr; “From a team’s perspective we recognise the importance of bringing parents together to establish peer groups whist delivering key health and wellbeing messages regarding babies/children and the parents. Baby and Me is a whole team approach building on the strengths the staff have. Also, we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Holiday Inn Express.”

As well as Baby and Me, the Breastfeeding Support Group has moved into the same Holiday Inn Express at Junction One. Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk is welcome to come along to the group for a cuppa and a chat with another mum or one of the nursing team.

For more information contact your local health visiting team in Antrim; 028 9442 4600. You do not need referred to attend, every parent or guardian is welcome with babies under the age of 12 months old.

7th February 2018