Pen
PARENT BLOG: My Pen Green Story
My Pen Green journey (so far)
A Pen Green parent
1. Attending Great Expectations Support Group
I was referred to this group by my Health Visitor when she completed the antenatal visit and heard how I was feeling isolated. I also felt anxious about my impending labour and was questioning how I would cope with the recovery and with being a new Mum.
This support group was my life line and I looked forward to it every Wednesday afternoon. Being amongst other expectant Mum’s and hearing similar concerns, and supporting each other was a huge help. Having Mary, a Midwife, present to answer any labour and pregnancy questions was brilliant and Elaine, who also runs the group, was very nurturing and supportive. It was lovely to be able to attend this group until our baby was 12 weeks old, and be with the other new babies too and discuss the sleepless nights!
2. Breastfeeding Support Group
Elaine from the Great Expectations Support Group recommended the Breastfeeding Support group to me, and suggested I go before baby arrived to ask any questions. This I did and I have been attending most Monday afternoons ever since. Georgina is so knowledgeable and it is so nice to speak with other Mums too, and feel comfortable breastfeeding in the group. You can also weigh your baby and fill in their red book.
I have found breastfeeding to be the hardest thing ever, even over the c section and recovery. Knowing that Georgina is at the end of the phone and having this group to come to even if I didn’t have any questions has enabled me to continue breastfeeding. Michelle also helps run this group and helps answer any questions and makes a lovely cup of tea!
3. NorPIP
This is a wonderful charity. Elaine from the Great Expectations Support Group referred me to this service, for family counselling due to the issues I brought up in group. I was concerned my difficult childhood could impact on my relationship with my daughter, and I didn’t want history to repeat itself.
I would see Gail in The Annexe at Pen Green every Thursday morning with my daughter and I would play with her whilst discussing things. It was a good support. My Husband was welcome to join us but chose not to.
4. Baby Massage
This was the first class we took our baby to and it was lovely. My Husband came too, which helped him bond with our daughter and she loved it. Pen Green provides everything you need but we chose to take our own massage oil. The songs are lovely to sing with baby whilst you massage them.
5. Sensory Room
We booked this out for half an hour but our daughter had had enough after 20minutes. We put the music on and enjoyed showing her the lights and things. It was very relaxing whilst stimulating.
6. Christmas Meal
We were invited to this and it was very nice to have a hot meal cooked for you. Michelle looked after baby for me whilst I ate and the staff from Pen Green were very attentive. They said that left over meals would be taken to families in need and that they had hampers and gifts that had been donated, also for families in need; such a wonderful and caring place!
Pen Green has provided us with multiple avenues of support and I find the staff to be very supportive and knowledgeable; no question is too silly. They are non-judgemental and they clearly want to support you and your baby. I find all of the groups a great distraction from feeling exhausted and it is great to get out of the house! All of the above was free to attend, apart from the Christmas meal which was £3.
We are very lucky to still have this children’s centre, as so many have had to close due to government cut backs. The more of us that can use it, the more it shows it is needed.
I enjoy their Facebook page and seeing how their nursery is rated Outstanding with Ofsted and their courses at their Education Centre are so tempting!
Well done Pen Green and thank you; you are very much appreciated.
For more information about any of the groups mentioned in this post, visit https://www.pengreen.org/parent-and-child-support/groups-for-under-5s/