Baby Steps is an evidence-based education & support programme offered to expectant parents/carers living in Lambeth.
It prepares all soon-to-be mums and dads for becoming a parent, even if you already have children.
It consists of a course of 6 antenatal classes attended towards the end of pregnancy and a further 3 once the baby is born. The sessions are designed to prepare soon-to-be parents for the transition to parenthood. Classes include information on labour & birth, caring for your baby, managing the stresses that parenthood can bring, relationship building & bonding with your baby.
It is delivered in small groups across Lambeth in children’s centres at a time convenient for parents-to-be. It is facilitated by a combination of a health (midwife or health visitor) and parenting workers. This is a 6-week programme that starts when you are between 26 - 32 weeks pregnant.
Baby Steps is now offered across the borough by Lambeth Council.
If you are currently pregnant, living in Lambeth and interested in taking part, you can register your interest now with Lambeth Parenting Support Service
Baby Steps supports pregnant women and their partners/family with:
You learn how to care for a new baby and reduce the stress that often occurs.
Baby Steps usually takes place in small, relaxed group settings like local children's centres.
Parents have the chance to meet other local parents and become more aware of local services. The team can explain plans for Baby Steps classes and any access requirements.
Katie joined the sessions. Let her tell you how it went.
Baby Steps is broken down into 9 sessions, each one looking at a different aspect of parenting and baby development. It's a relaxed and informal setting. See below for a description of each session.
Introductory home visit/virtual appointment
Session 1
How our babies develop
Introduction to the programme and a chat about what our babies might be like.
Session 2
Health and wellbeing
Looking at our health and how it affects our babies.
Session 3
Becoming a parent
The challenges of parenthood.
Session 4
Giving birth
The process of labour and birth.
Session 5
Caring for a baby
Looking at ways to care for and feed babies.
Session 6
Meeting our babies
Getting to know our babies and forming early relationships.
Home visit/virtual appointment
Find out how it’s all going with your new baby.
Session 7
Welcoming our babies
Bring your babies to the group and getting to know them.
Session 9
Our family's future (the end of the programme)
Hopes and wishes for the future.
By attending Baby Steps parents gain confidence in becoming parents whilst also meeting other parents in a relaxed group atmosphere.
All eligible women are contacted by the Baby Steps team if they are known to the midwifery services at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital or King's College Hospital. They are always happy to hear from women and to answer any questions.
If you have not been offered Baby Steps you can email the team, who will get back to you as soon as possible.
Sheila O’Connor - Midwife
Phone: 07500 880 763
Email: BabySteps@gstt.nhs.uk
Baby Steps service is run in partnership with Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, Evelina London and Lambeth Council.
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