This week has been a real mix of first and second time parents – some are pregnant, some are in the thick of it with their baby. As ever no two weeks are the same and there has been a range of antenatal and postnatal questions, comments and conversations this week. Here’s a brief round-up of what we talked about It really does help to talk it all through, to plan and to focus on what would help you most. My job is to build you up, to give you the space to talk, discuss and ask questions and to have more knowledge and confidence. You can message me below with any questions or queries. Based in the North East and working with parents everywhere Consultations | Groups | Digital Guides | Mother Cuppa Lounge

Postnatal Conversations: “I always feel better after the Mother Cuppa sessions – less alone, supported and able to deal with the different challenges.” The Mother Cuppa Bump & Baby group runs each week – it is a place for conversation, questions, reassurance and support about all things bump, birth and baby. As an informal space, parents can offload and speak openly without judgement or criticism – there isn’t a right way to birth or parent and it is a unique experience for everyone. I also see parents one-to-one for more in-depth and specific conversations and support. No two months are ever the same and May was busy with birth preparation sessions, as well as older baby/going back to work sessions. The birth prep sessions have ranged from knowledge and focus as a first-time parent to preparing for birth again, with birth debriefs, induction preparation and new baby prep in-between. In addition to practical information and strategies we have talked through fears and concerns, their individual needs and could help them. Postnatal sessions have focused on …

Postnatal Conversations: “Your sessions are like therapy – we get to offload and talk openly.” All of my sessions – groups and consultations – are focused on you as a parent – in pregnancy, with a baby, with a young family, so you can be open. We’ve had so many postnatal conversations this month, so much of it about the different aspects of change and the challenges that come with being a parent, specifically being a mum. It’s important to stress that no-one is particularly unhappy, there can be plenty of chat and laughter during sessions, as well as pride and contentness. But there is also exhaustion, loneliness, moods, lack of confidence, adjusting and resentment. We have talked about friendship changes and challenges within relationships. For some people friends can shift when a baby comes along because your social life takes a hit and you don’t have the energy for going out or listening to other people’s problems. And relationships can change in couples – you are going from a couple to a family or …