Mums’ support group seeks members

Mums’ support group seeks members

4 July 2018

WHETHER you are a woman with a bump or have a new baby, help and support is at hand from other mothers at Northern Ireland’s first club of its kind.

The Down Bumps and Babies Club meets the third Wednesday of every month and helps bridge the gap between hospital and the community.

It was established by volunteer members from Mum Matters, the Downe Hospital group of the Maternity Services Liaison Committee, who are also members of the National Childbirth Trust.

The volunteers — Veronica Bailie, Ciara Bell, Kirsty McQuoid, Colleen Rice, Erin Savage, Fiona Ritchie and Donna O’Neill — are hoping that the club will soon attract new members.

“Each month at Bumps and Babies we try and get a speaker or expert in to talk to the mums and mums-to-be about resources and services in the local area,” said Donna.

“To date we have had a midwife from the Downe, a pregnancy yoga instructor, and a baby sensory class instructor. We have a paediatric first aider booked in for July as well.

“It’s just a great way of meeting with other women a similar situation or about to be in it and get information and support at first hand.”

She added that the group is open to anyone who has used the Downe MLU (Midwifery Led Unit) services at any point and they would love to get more mothers — and fathers — interested in coming along.

The next meeting will be held at Pepper Johns Memorial community centre in Church Avenue, Downpatrick, on Wednesday, July 19, from 7.30-9.30pm.