Adapting to life with your new baby

People often say that nothing can prepare you for the birth of a new baby. It’s such an overwhelming experience, and so unlike anything else, that it can come as a bit of a shock. Caring for a newborn is a demanding, 24-hour job. It can be especially hard when you are recovering from the birth, coping with discomfort or pain, and dealing with new emotions. 

Getting to know your baby can be rewarding and joyful, but there’s such a lot to learn – how to feed her, how to soothe her to sleep, how to keep her clean and warm. In these first days, it can feel as though you will never adapt to this new way of life. 

You’ll soon start to work out your own ways of coping with parenthood, and your ways will most likely be different from your family’s or your friends’. You are sure to get plenty of advice from everybody, but remember – this is your baby and you are in charge. 

We hold an Early Days session for new/soon-to-be parents at Bumps and Babies group on the first Friday of each month, at St Marks' Church Hall, Braemar Gardens, West Wickham, 10.00-11.45am. 

Our Bumps and Babies (see link on right-hand side) group can offer you support and friendship with parents going through the same experience as you. This is a relaxed friendly group for those expecting a baby, or with a new baby. It is run by local mums, and refreshments are provided. You don't need to be an NCT member - absolutely everyone is welcome. Breast and bottle feeding welcome. Meet other local parents, have a chat and a cup of tea! 

Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones, is the NCT’s free information service for parents. It takes you up to your baby’s 2nd birthday and makes sure that you get the right information at the right time by basing distribution on your baby’s birthday. So whether you’re wondering about weaning, troubled by teething or want some ideas on making time for yourself, Stepping Stones will be with you every step of the way! To sign up for the free guide please visit www.nct.org.uk/care/stepping-stones.

Post Natal Course

Why not join our next Early Days Postnatal course starting in Autumn 2011? Aimed at Mums with babies under 8 months, the six week course gives you the opportunity to explore all the challenges and changes which happened since you had a baby, in a small group of women. Whether you’re feeling tired, content, overwhelmed, sad, blissful, confused or a mixture of all these things you are NOT alone! For more information contact bookings4j@nct.org.uk.

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Helpful books for new parents

·                                 Breastfeeding for Beginners - Caroline Deacon 

·                                 The NCT Book of Breastfeeding - Mary Smale, Renfrew, Fisher and Arms 

·                                 The Baby Sleep Book - William Sears, Martha Sears 

·                                 Your Baby’s First Year, NCT 

·                                 Baby Massage, Peter Walker 

·                                 The Birth of a Mother, Daniel Stern 

·                                 Feelings After Birth, Heather Welford 

·                                 Life After Birth, Kate Figes 

·                                 The Father’s Book, David Cohen 

·                                 The NCT Complete Book of Baby Care 

All these books are available from NCT Shop on 08458 100 100 or visit www.nctshop.co.uk

Early Days Drop In Discussion Groups

The National Childbirth Trust organises Early Days Drop-In sessions. These are a series of Discussion Groups held in Bromley from 10:30am – 12:00pm most Tuesday mornings for new mums with babies up to about six months. Second time mums are also welcome.

The rolling programme generally runs as:  Pregnancy and Birth stories, Motherhood – The reality & Expectations, Time for you, Mad to be Mum, Body image & Healthy Self Esteem, Relationships – changes for the better or worse?, Advice – wanted or not?, Weaning, The important ‘Ings’ of life, Moving forward.

We ask for a donation of £5 per session to help cover the cost of refreshments, venue hire, leaflets & leader costs. However, the NCT is a charity that’s wants all its services to be accessible to everyone so please pay what you can afford if the suggested donation would be hard on the family budget. You may wish to take advantage of our special offer – pay for 5 classes & attend 6.

 For further details, please contact   Lesley Rock (Postnatal Discussion Leader)
Email: lesley@graley.co.uk
Telephone: 07528 231998 

Early Days Line - 0300 330 0773

9am-1pm, Monday to Friday. 

For useful information and support about life with a new baby, please call our Early Days helpline.  Our services are provided by a small team of trained and experienced NCT workers.

If you find our helplines useful, please support them by donating to the NCT. Your donation will help the NCT to support other parents just like you.

Local Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Counsellors

If you would like some information and support then our breastfeeding counsellors are here to help, please contact; the NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771.  See West Wickham and Hayes Breastfeeding section for local support groups.

Our online shop has lots of lovely items you may need with a new baby from bras and breastfeeding tops for you and slings, nappies and clothes for baby.  Have a browse at http://www.nctshop.co.uk Shop    NCT

Breast Pump Hire

For mothers in West Wickham & Hayes with difficulties in the early weeks of breastfeeding, or who want to return to work and continue to breastfeed, electric breast pumps are invaluable. If you or someone you know needs a breast pump please contact your local agent Janet Simms (West Wickham) on 020 8462 9244 or Jane Tyler (Bromley) on 020 8289 2918.