Bumps, Babies and a Blether

Bumps, babies & a blether is a support group for mums and babies which started in October 2023 with approximately 10 mums and babies. Now nearly 17 months later we have doubled that number and support around 25 mums and babies every week.

This group is different to how I originally planned as my aim was to engage with breastfeeding mums and offer support and encouragement to ’normalise’ breastfeeding. After peer supporting with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and helping to set up breastfeeding support group I then decided that this wasn’t the type of group mums wanted. The mums I spoke to wanted a relaxed group, with real stories and experiences from other ‘experienced’ mums. They also commented on how there is now no baby massage, weaning chats, first time mums groups etc that were previously run by the NHS Health Visiting Team.

This got me thinking about when I had my first child nearly 16years ago. I attended many of these types of groups free of charge and how this benefited me, and played a big part in reducing the risk of post-natal depression, isolation and loneliness and having no one who really understood. After reflecting on my own feelings and listening to the other mums, most of whom were first time mums I decided that I had to create a group with what these mums really needed.

So, I applied for funding to the Linking Communities PB Fund, Barrhead Housing and Voluntary Action Mental Health & Wellbeing fund and was successful and have used the money to provide a group for not just the babies but also for the mums to enjoy.

Activities so far have included –

• Mum & Baby Yoga, Baby Massage
• Messy Play Sessions
• Weaning & Oral Health Chat
• Baby & Child First Aid (all that attended were provided with first aid kit & booklet)
• Rouken Glen Pottery (all mums got a piece of pottery from their baby for Christmas)
• Mum and baby photoshoot (all received a pic for Mother’s Day)
• Moo Music class
• Breakfast & A blether

A lot of our mums are truly grateful that not only have they found a group that they feel comfortable and welcomed at but also that this a group able and willing to provide a service that people don’t have to sign up to for 4-6weeks at a time and doesn’t cost them £60-80 which is an unsustainable commitment because of babies being babies and catching all viruses going leaving them be able to attend a class/group they have paid for but unable to gain the benefits of.

Hear directly from the mums who come along:

“I have enjoyed the social side of the group as being a first time mum its challenging trying to take time to look after yourself and meet new people in the same position. Talking to other mums at the group has helped so much navigating this minefield of being a new mum and the mental health strains of being a new parent, you realise you are not alone in your struggles of sleep deprivation and teething” Rosanne and baby Isla

“The mum and baby support group has been an amazing group to attend with my baby” Jen & baby Sophie

“It’s a group that I feel like benefits me as a person and a mum” Sinead and baby John Paul