Pregnancy and Birth Support South Somerset Facebook group
Pregnancy and Birth Support South Somerset - How it began
As a specialist newborn photographer in Somerset I am regularly in contact with families who are expecting a baby soon or who have just had a baby. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic I realised that many families in South Somerset would not only miss having a newborn photoshoot with me but they would also miss many other important things during their pregnancy and 4th trimester. I made it my mission to support these women and their families through this incredibly anxious time by creating a support group on Facebook.
How I am supporting these women
Live videos in the group
I am part of a baby business networking group called South West Bumps and Beyond. There are many baby businesses involved including Babywearing South West, Birthzang, Motherslove, Daisy Foundation Yeovil and Sherborne, Kim Jones Wellbing Pregnancy Yoga and Hypnobirthing, Hand on Heart Baby Massage, Placenta Encapsulation Devon and Somerset, Clarity Doula, Moo Music Crewkerne and Ilminster and many others. Together we have provided the group with Babywearing information, talks on birth, relaxation, Baby massage, Placenta Encapsulation, Hormones in Birth, 4th Trimester, Pregnancy Yoga and Baby music classes. All of these talks and classes have been provided free of charge to all group members
Blog posts
I have written many blogs covering subjects raised by the group members including:
- Coping with Pregnancy Anxiety during the Covid 19 Pandemic
- DIY Maternity photos for during covid 19 pandemic
- DIY Newborn photo shoot at home guide
- Online baby shower ideas for during lockdown
- Creating a Time Capsule for the covid 19 pandemic
- Potty training during lockdown including free printable reward chart
- Pregnancy apps you need in your life
Support
Everyone in the group is so supportive and has really made an effort to provide support to those who need it. Not just the businesses involved but the other Mums and Mums to be. No question has ever been left without an answer.
Freebies
I have also been working on creating a free of charge birth announcement for all group members when they have their babies which can be shared on social media and printed. Some businesses have offered discounts just for group members which are mentioned in their live video in the group.
Useful information
If I see it I share it! Any information relating to the maternity hospitals, birth experiences, pregnancy and beyond, if I think it's useful it's shared in the group.
The future of the group
Being a valuable support network for these women and families has been a fantastic use of my time during the lockdown period. As lockdown restrictions reduce I have to make a decision on the future of the group going forward. I am pleased to say that the group will be continuing to run for the foreseeable future. Obviously I won't be able to be around as much as I have been once I am back doing photography sessions and the live videos won't happen as often as classes and pregnancy and birth services resume. But I will still be there in the group ready to answer your questions and support you as much as I can.
How to join
The group can be joined on Facebook by clicking the link below.
Group for parents of older children
I also have a group for parents of older children. The group has been quite quiet lately but thats likely to change soon. The group can be joined by clicking HERE
