Ante-natal support for parents-to-be

The new pilot programme from Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Community Health Services (LCHS) is being delivered from children’s centres by health visitors, midwives and early year’s workers.

The six-week sessions, for mums-to-be at 30 weeks of pregnancy and their partners, will provide useful information and advice on preparation for birth and labour, what to expect in the early days of parenthood, safe sleeping and bonding and attachment.

Couns Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “These sessions will provide good support for couples. As well as being an exciting time, it can also bring a bit of anxiety hoping that everything runs smoothly leading up to the birth of a child. This will help put any anxieties to rest and couples will be able to share experiences and support each other.”

The sessions are launched during National Health Visitor Celebration Week (September 26-30) when LCHS is organising promotional events across the county celebrating the work of health visitors.

Since October 2015, the county council has been responsible for the commissioning of public health services for children between the ages of 0-5, including the health visitor service. Working in partnership with LCHS, around 126 highly skilled and committed health visitors deliver care and support to expectant parents across Lincolnshire. They work with families to give children aged 0-5 years the best possible start in life.

To book on to the free ante-natal classes see dates and times:

Sleaford Children’s Centre: 10-11.30am, starts Friday September 30, followed by October 7 and 14. Postnatal celebration – November 30. Tel: 01529 306888.

Skegness Children’s Centre: 1-2.30pm, starts Wednesday September 28, followed by October 5 and 12. Postnatal celebration – November 30. Tel: 01754 899426.

Birchwood Children’s Centre, Lincoln: starts Monday September 26 7.30-9pm, followed by October 3 and 10. Also a course starts Wednesday September 28, 1.00-2.30pm, followed by October 5 and 12. Postnatal celebration – November 28. Tel: 01522 689991.