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The importance of parent groups

 Hey guys, 

Jess here with a short blog around parent groups! 


Before becoming a mum I was never really sure around going to a parent group or mum and baby group as most are named but during the first few weeks I checked in with the Abingdon Breastfeeding cafe to get some support around breast feeding, particularly around latching and my concerns around feeding, since then I have been going weekly, sometimes for additional support but mostly just to catch up, have coffee and cake and meet other parents. 


This importance around parent groups really came to me as hubby returned to work and I had my first few days home alone, it takes time to re-adjust to a new routine of being on your own, suddenly the extra hands are gone, you have to rethink how your taking time to shower, you get use to taking your newborn with you to pee and your pretty much doing all the changing and feeding, throw in a few days of bad reflux and not napping and you end up with one very emotional mama. It can all be a bit overwhelming and feel like you are the only one going through this but then come the parent groups. 


You gather your stuff, get you dressed, baby dressed, feed, nappy change, then probably get you both changed and dressed again and then get out the door, turn up at the group see some familiar faces and sit down then it happens, another baby sicks up, fellow mums are talking about their sleepless days or nights, parents share stories of the times they are struggling and it reminds you that you are not the only one going through this, everyone is and we are all just learning as we go along. 


Parent groups are a great way to meet other parents, and to get out of the house, your little ones can meet other children and it gets them used to being around a lot of noise and activities, Some may be set up for advice, weight checks and feeding support, others may be just centred around activities for children, but one thing they all have in common is you can meet other people and most are run by volunteers who help out week in week out. 

I am still yet to check out some of the other parent groups around my local area but if you are local to Abingdon I can highly recommend the Abingdon breastfeeding cafe for support around feeding or just to meet other parents and have a chat. More info on the Abingdon Breastfeeding Cafe

Have you considered a parent and baby group? let me know your thoughts! 

Thanks for reading

Scribble back 

Jessie 

x x x

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