New and Expectant Parents

Are you looking for free antenatal classes in Dorset? 

Are you about to or have you just welcomed a new life into this world? 

We want to offer you Congratulations as new Parents 

Have you had a gradual or sudden dawning realisation that your little one is entirely reliant on you? Perhaps you are experiencing lots of different emotions? 

At DorPIP we understand and recognise that new parents, whether it is your first time or third, you can experience a roller coaster of emotions, from feelings of pure bliss and unconditional love to moments of exhaustion, doubt, and even feelings that you aren’t good enough.  

• Becoming a parent takes time, you and your little one need to get to know one another, you may be recovering from a difficult birth or tricky pregnancy.  

• Those last few weeks of pregnancy can be a time of calm and peace, making the first few weeks with your new born all the more overwhelming as you struggle to find a new rhythm, get some sleep and physically recover from bringing your baby into the world.  

• It is often a time when parents can experience self doubt, especially when sleep deprived. 

• Perhaps your partner is struggling adjusting to their new role, feeling isolated, like they have lost their identity or are out of their depth 

 

Perhaps you are too? 

All these factors will impact how you are feeling, yet all too often mums and dads don’t reach out for support. 

You may feel like people around you, your community or society are placing pressure on you as a new or expectant parent. Perhaps you are trying to meet unrealistic ideals and standards, or have that “Instagram lifestyle”. From the moment you announced your pregnancy, did you feel that you were expected to be ‘glowing’ and handle everything that comes your way?  

If you have recently given birth, are you feeling like you must be on top of everything, keeping house, yourself and little one perfectly presented at all times?  

Are you wondering when your ‘natural instinct’ for parenting your baby will kick in?  

Please don’t worry, as DorPIP we understand that this isn’t what parenting is all about. We recognize that it is natural to have feelings of self-doubt, especially when exhausted. Those feelings of exhaustion and inadequacy are perfectly normal.  

PeaPods can support you to grow and learn effective ways on how to support yourself and your child, enabling your family to flourish.

Click here to sign up for our FREE Peapods Sessions

During our time together we will discuss  

• The importance of the first 1001 days.  The impact they have on your baby’s emotional, cognitive, social and physical development 

• Getting to know your baby. 

• How important your own mental health is. The research around when you feel low, you are less likely to sing, read and dance with your baby  

• Bonding and attachment. The importance of skin to skin and baby massage and how this can help your brain rewire and feel connected to your baby  

• Communication. Feeling ok with speaking openly to your partner and trusted family and friends  

• Useful strategies. To help increase mental health and resilience, such as mood diaries, sleep, exercise, gut health  

• Explore more about the role of a parent. What does it mean to you and others in the group? What do you have in common and what do you do differently?  

• Resources. Learn what pathways of care and other support are available locally to you 

• Group empowerment. The benefits of setting up a parent's walk and talk group  

• Q&A with health professionals.  

After this course you will 

• Be aware of the barriers you may experience that are stopping you being the best parent you can be 

• Be knowledgeable about mental health during pregnancy and the early newborn stages 

• Have clarity around how babies develop and how vital the first 1001 days of your little ones life are. 

• Have practical tips and techniques to help your family flourish 

After benefiting from our services families often feel like they want to give back. If this is you, thank you, we appreciate your support.

You can do this in a number of ways…

 

Write a Google Review: Your review of your experience with DorPIP could encourage others to reach out for support, and benefit from our services as well. Click here to Write a Google Review

 

Volunteering: Volunteer a little of your time to help with small tasks or projects. For instance, you could help spread the word about the DorPIP’s services on social media. Click here to find out more

Spread the Word: Simply telling your friends, family, and colleagues about DorPIP the organization and the positive impact it has had on your life can go a long way.

 

Make a Donation: If you're able, consider making a donation to our Local Giving Page. Donations help us run our services, reach more people, and continue making a positive impact on families' lives. Click here to make a Donation