This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Island’s first focussed, non-commercial baby show is coming soon. ‘Baby Roadshow: bump and beyond’ takes place on 15 November at the Riverside Centre, from 10am-4pm.
The roadshow will bring everything that parents-to-be or new mums and dads may need to know about pregnancy, birth and early days with baby, together under one roof. There will be a variety of exhibitors, stalls, demonstrations, talks and advice. Grandparents, friends, partners – anyone supporting new parents – are all welcome to come along and find out about all things pregnancy and baby related.
Experts on hand
Both midwifery services and members from the Health Visiting team will be on-hand to answer any questions, as well as give more explanation about their role in pregnancy, labour, birth and baby’s first 100 days.
There will be information on breastfeeding, bonding with baby, understanding how new babies brains develop, baby sleep, new parents emotional health and more. Early Help Centres, the Family Information Zone (FIZ) and library staff will also be attending to tell new parents about fun activities they can take part in, to meet other new parents and to support baby development.
Local businesses
A variety of local businesses will also be there, showcasing the range of additional services that are also available on the Island, such as: hypnobirthing courses, independent midwifery, pregnancy yoga and pilates classes, baby development activities, real nappies, slings and Bebeccino cafe.
There will be first aid demonstrations, advice from the IOW Fire and Rescue Service on home safety and Mothercare will be attending to demonstrate how to install car seats safely,and talk to parents about other equipment to make parenting a bit easier.
Phil Jordan, Executive Member for Public Health, Public Protection and PFI, said:
“I still remember awaiting the arrival of my own children; It can be an anxious time for some, especially for a first child, but that’s where this new roadshow will be really beneficial for parents-to-be on the Island.
“It will be a chance to get all of that important information, understand the process from pregnancy through to parenthood, and learn who’s there to support you.
“It’s reassuring to know that’s what the teams are there to do; be supportive and make sure that new parents become confident parents and know where to turn should they need.”
Abby, an Island mum-to-be:
“I’m really looking forward to finding out things about having a baby and becoming a parent – with information and people to ask all in one place, in a friendly and informal atmosphere; and it’s at the weekend, so my partner can come with me.”
All local services under one roof
Annie Hunter, Head of Midwifery, said:
“We see parents at their regular appointments, at antenatal classes and care for them and their baby during the birth and afterwards, but we don’t usually see the other important people in their lives and so this is a new way for us to be able to support families preparing for a new baby’s arrival and enable them to explore some choices they might not have known about.”
Sue McRae-Samuel, team lead for Health Visiting, said:
“It’s a great opportunity with all local services under one roof. It’s a time when parents are keen to find out as much as they can, but we know it can be challenging to cover everything at appointments and clinics and for parents to remember it all. We think this is a great opportunity for us and other services to talk to parents, their friends and family in a nice, relaxed and informal way They can ask about what interests them and drop in and stay for as little or as long as they like and go home reassured and more aware as to all the support that is available to them as new parents.”
