As part of our guide we also wanted to share some brilliant local pregnancy & new parenthood related businesses, services as well as individuals who have something to offer. We invited them to also offer a little advice, tips or reassurance for expectant parents and we hope you find this useful.
Have a look at the ‘Who’s Who’ of Pregnancy & Postnatal businesses within the guide and find out how these wonderful local people can help you with everything from hypnobirthing and first aid courses to classes for your little ones. We have so many fab, friendly local businesses you really are spoilt for choice in BCP.
Hypnobirthing starts with the physiology of birth – the muscles, hormones & nervous system. Meaning we can support our bodies to birth in the way that they were created & designed to. Over time everything around us has told us that we can’t birth without help & even more incorrectly – that our uterus, hormones & instinct need help too!
So the physiology of birth is science but the mindset is all about Neuroscience – this is the ability that each of us has to shape and rewire our brains – by using affirmations, visualisations, breathing techniques & the repetition of positive birth imagery, we are then capable of changing our fears surrounding birth which then goes on to change our physical response to birth. All alongside harnessing the ability to deeply relax at a time when we need to.
And what does it mean when it comes together?
Well, it means that when you learn the science & the neuroscience, the knowledge & the tools, to navigate your birth, in the right way for you – You WILL reduce the likelihood of birth trauma & have a positive birth too – which is just what you & your new family deserves.
Offering positive birth classes based on hypnobirthing plus pre & postnatal wellness events showcasing local services to parents and parents to be.
Shelley’s birth preparation classes will work with you to prepare positively for birth.
Classes will leave you understanding the science of birth, full of knowledge, empowered to make informed choices, all alongside your birth partner learning how they can support you best throughout birth.
Come & change the way you view birth with Shelley – offering group, online and 121 classes, starting from £75 per couple.
Please contact Shelley via email.
You can find out more about The Empowering Birth School on our website here or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Daisy First Aid offers fun and fear-free first aid courses designed specifically for parents and childcare professionals.
In our parent class, which takes place in the attendees’ own home or local venue, the world of emergency first aid unfolds, as parents, grandparents and caregivers interact and learn the skills they need to save a life and to treat the most common accidents and emergencies.
Our level 3 courses for childcare professionals are fully compliant with the requirements of Ofsted and EYFS.
We also offer a comprehensive teaching package for schools for their students.
Please contact Kerry via email or check out all the upcoming first aid courses here.
You can find out more about Daisy First aid on our website daisyfirstaid.com/kerry-paediatric-first-aid-bournemouth or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Growing a human being is hard work…. You’ve aches and pains, lots of questions and your tummy keeps getting bigger! I am an NHS midwife and provide complementary therapies to help you with pregnancy related ailments. For example, nausea & vomiting, stress, anxiety, insomnia, pelvic girdle pain and sciatica and much more, you no longer need to suffer in silence – trust me, there will be a treatment suited to you!
Being a midwife, every one of the therapies provided works alongside your standard/traditional maternity care. They are evidence-based holistic treatments that help relieve physical discomforts and ease worries and allow you to really enjoy your pregnancy.
I am proud to be a midwife and whilst you enjoy your treatment, you’ll find I share little golden nuggets of wisdom in a fun, approachable, and non-stuffy way, enabling you to take in the information you need to make better decisions for you and your baby.
The nurturing power of complementary therapies can really enhance your pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period allowing you to feel empowered, supported and listened to. Woman Centered – Midwife Led!
Please contact Sam on 07725 303032 or via email.
You can find out more about Bloom & Balance Therapies on our website bloomandbalancetherapies.co.uk or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
When my eldest arrived I quickly realised something…I had no clue about newborn sleep. I just expected him to sleep. Spoiler alert – he didn’t. Both my boys also had reflux which added an extra layer to their sleep! Years later, I am now a certified Baby, Child and Autism Sleep Coach with further qualifications in Reflux, Colic and Infant Allergies. I am here to support you and your new arrival to implement healthy sleep habits from the start. You don’t need to search Google for hours, or read all the baby sleep books. I tailor my support to match you and your baby’s needs and your day to day routine.
In my newborn package I am available to you through WhatsApp, 5 days a week, 7am to 9pm. I am there for you every step of the way. By the end of the Newborn Support package, your baby will have solid sleep foundations in place and you will have an amazing understanding of your baby’s sleep which will benefit you and your little one hugely as they grow up!
Would you like to know more? Head to my website to book a FREE Discovery Call and let’s chat!
You can also contact Lauren via email or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Are you a parent to be or a parent with a young baby and finding things more difficult than you anticipated? Are you feeling concerned that you’ve not formed a bond with your baby in the way you’d hoped you would? Has parenting stirred up some unexpected and difficult feelings? We want to let you know… You are not alone.
DorPIP is an independent, local charity that provides specialist services for parents and carers to help form safe, secure relationships with their baby. Through our specialised services, DorPIP provides support and guidance to help strengthen that important bond, promote mental well-being, and ensure children receive the best possible start in life. We aim to inspire and nurture, fostering flourishing families for generations to come.
At the heart of DorPIP’s services is our Parent-Infant Talking Therapy, a safe and confidential space where parents can explore their emotions and difficult feelings, alongside their little one building on the emerging connection, that will last a lifetime. Our compassionate therapists guide parents gently, helping them navigate the complexities of parenthood and fostering a secure, loving environment for both parent and child.
For those seeking a more hands-on approach, our Infant Massage courses are a magical bonding experience. Our certified facilitators expertly teach parents how to incorporate massage into their routines, creating a strong connection between them and their little ones. With a focus on observing and understanding their baby’s cues, parents learn to respond effectively and respectfully, strengthening the foundation of trust.
Amidst the challenges of parenting, feeling isolated can exacerbate emotional struggles. Our Support Group, Little Pips can allow parents can connect with others with similar experiences. These facilitated groups allowing babies to play and build early relationships, while parents explore various themes each week that will promote parenting confidence and wellbeing.
DorPIP’s services, including Parent-Infant Talking Therapy, Infant Massage classes, and Little Pips Groups, and our online courses, are accessible across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Find upcoming course dates on our website: www.dorpip.org.uk
DorPIP also has two specialised online open access facilitated courses tailored for parents and carers.
Our “DorPIP Dads” course, exclusively designed for fathers and facilitated by award-winning fathers’ mental health campaigner Mark Williams, offer valuable insights into men’s mental health and its impact on baby development. These sessions empower fathers with essential knowledge on their significant role in their child’s life.
Similarly, “PeaPods” course designed with expectant and new parents in mind, provides vital information on mental health, emphasising the significance of nurturing the parent-child
bond during the early stages of parenthood. Conducted by DorPIP’s Clinical Lead, experienced mother, and specialist Midwife Lisa Villa, these sessions create a confidential space for parents to explore their thoughts and feelings about parenthood, promoting overall wellbeing.
As parents, we all strive to provide the best for our children, but sometimes, we all need a helping hand. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to feel vulnerable. If you find yourself facing unexpected hurdles in your parenting journey, take comfort in the knowledge that DorPIP is here to nurture and inspire you, every step of the way.
For general enquiries please contact the DorPIP team on 07813 989707 or email.
You can find out more about DorPIP on our website dorpip.org.uk or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
HE AQUATICS swimming programs are the perfect introduction to the pool environment and swimming class.
Seahorses (0-6 months) Slow down, ground your feet and observe your breath. Let little floater be rather than do. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact. Lay down the foundation for swimming and confidence. Experience magical bonding with your baby, floating, splashing, and creating lifelong memories.
Dolphins (6-18 months) Your toddler will love dipping cheeks, blowing bubbles, pushing toys, scooping hands, kicking legs, holding on, turning, gliding and diving. Learn to guide your toddler gently and keep close contact with safety holds and positions in the water.
Hotel Collingwood, West Cliff, Bournemouth
Mondays 4-4:30pm
Tuesdays 11-11:30am
Fridays 1:30-2pm
Avon House, West Moors, Ferndown
Wednesdays 12:15-12:45pm
Parents will be supported to build their own confidence and safety in the water, enjoy playful time with their baby, sing and float all together in warm water.
Our Aqua Sensory teaching approach offers duets and group swimming games. The class pace is baby-led, flexible and sensitive to the needs of every baby.
Parents will be guided to observe their baby’s progression, provide soft cradles, holds, transition, blow beautiful bubbles, enjoy the calm and deeper connection, firm foundations for baby swim.
Baby swimming and water experience is like an invisible imprint lasting a lifetime. Babies have a natural affinity to water, and our class creates sensory harmony to feel safe and in flow.
All the sights, sounds and smells of the pool are new to the baby. Baby needs the security of parent presence in the water with baby and the lightest support to allow baby to explore this new environment through movement.
Baby takes in the light and reflections from the water. Baby senses the water on cheek, takes in the new smells and the gentle sounds of the water. Baby stretches out a hand towards the light, and body starts to feel the freedom of movement in the water.
Aquatic Smiles
Helena 😃💦
Please contact Helena 07902925487 via or email.
You can find out more about HE AQUATICS on our website heaquatics.com or come and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Our Baby Monkey sessions for Newborns-10 months focus on how movement and sensory experiences are essential to cognitive development, we enhance this link for babies through physical and sensory activities.
Our activities, songs, rhymes and exercises allow Baby Monkeys to open their senses and progress with their physical, cognitive and social/emotional development in a safe, stimulating environment.
Movement activities, using our specially designed soft playgym equipment, promote babies’ body awareness and strength as they practice tummy time, rocking, rolling, sitting and sliding!
We provide an important time for bonding with your baby and socialising with like-minded parents in our relaxed friendly classes.
Our Baby Monkey classes are available; Monday 12.45 – Corfe Mullen
St Nicholas Church Hall, 30 Wareham Rd.
Wednesday 12.45 – Kings Park
Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Centre, Kings Park Drive.
Friday 1.15 – Poole
Limelights youth centre, Learoyd Road.
These classes are available through our subscription or as PAYG classes. Book now (pay nothing until 4th September) for a September start or simply join our classes whenever your baby arrives.
Please contact Vickie on 07876710427 or email.
You can find out more about Mini Monkey Gym on our website minimonkeygym.co.uk/poole or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Puddle Ducks Dorset teaches children, from birth to 10 years, to swim independently, beautifully and confidently, and to love and respect the water. Our baby and pre-school swimming lessons are taught in lovely, warm pools with a maximum of 10 children and incorporate rhyme, music and movement based on extensive child development research. We are the only national swimming school that is 100% child-led by a passionate team of STA trained swimming teachers.
We swim at several hand-picked schools around Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Blandford, Christchurch, Wimborne and more! Find out more here.
We want every child to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully. Swimming is one of the most amazing experiences you can share with your baby!
Babies have a real affinity with water and can be taken swimming from birth. Very young babies love the freedom, massage and gentle exercise that the water offers.
The benefits of both parent and baby swimming together are immense:
– Plenty of eye contact
– Plenty of skin contact – it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby
– Helping you and your baby feel relaxed and confident in the water
– Make swimming a fun and socially stimulating activity (for both you and your baby)
– Even parents who can’t swim can enjoy relaxing in the water
Baby swimming is an entirely safe and gentle activity, but coming to classes often provides a parent with the necessary support to enable them to relax and enjoy the experience. Our brilliant baby swimming teachers are trained to understand the needs of both parent and baby and are also qualified in lifesaving skills.
Most importantly of all, baby swimming should instil a love of water for the rest of your child’s life.
Please contact Jane on 01202 674676 or via email.
You can find out more about Puddle Ducks Dorset on our website here or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
