Dungog has a healthy birth rate with over 15 newborns across the Shire already this year and counting.
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Becoming a new parent can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience.
The stresses and challenges of adjusting to life with a newborn are well known.
Along with the priceless first smiles, first words and first steps, life with babies often brings new expenses, sleep deprivation and anxiety about how to care for a growing, changing bundle of joy.
According to Beyond Blue, up to one in seven women (almost 16%) experience postnatal depression, which develops between one month and up to one year after the birth.
Babies have their own needs.
Neuroscientists are discovering more about the importance of secure attachments between babies and their caregivers. Where a strong bond is developed and nurtured, these children are most likely to grow into emotionally and socially intelligent, resilient people who thrive.
Access to quality health care, family support and social connections can make a huge difference in the transition to parenthood.
Becoming part of a parenting group can provide a place for new mums, dads and caregivers to access information and share the journey together.
A new parents group will commence this week to support and connect families in the Dungog Shire with babies 0-6 months of age.
This is an exciting opportunity to connect with other new parents in your local area, as this can sometime be difficult as most local babies are delivered in Maitland or Newcastle.
The New Parents Group aims to support new caregivers’ attachment with their babies, enhance their own confidence and emotional wellbeing and gain practical and positive parenting skills.
It will be an informal, reassuring environment for caregivers to come together and share the ups and downs of their new season with their baby.
The initiative is a collaboration of Dungog Shire Community Centre, Wesley Mission and Hunter New England Health and aims to provide participants with access to professional support.
Parents or caregivers are welcome to attend the first session – 10am this Thursday March 1 at the Day Care Centre, Hospital Rd, Dungog.
For more information please contact Tonya on 0438115582 or Ali on 0412552546.
