Mums and dads-to-be in Hounslow and Ealing have given glowing remarks to the NSPCC's baby steps programme.
Findings from a report published on February 12 on the antenatal programme revealed expectant parents were enthusiastic about the service and said it made them better prepared for parenthood.
Couples at the West London Service Centre at Swan House, Hanworth, praised practitioners for their help and support which allowed them to better prepare for the arrival of their child as well as the role of parenting itself.
A parent from the West London Baby Steps programme said: “Thank you to the Baby Steps team for all your time, compassion, help and support over the past 6 months or so.
"I found the course very helpful and it was a nice timeout from day-to-day tasks to spend one-to-one time with my baby.
“I found the discussions very helpful and the handouts were a useful summary of some of what was discussed.
"Beyond that I felt that you went out of your way to help by emotionally supporting me and for this I can never thank you enough.
"Your passion and enthusiasm are wonderful qualities.”
Last year, 147 families joined the nine-session group programme at the NSPCC centre in Hanworth from surrounding areas including Hounslow, Ealing, Richmond and Surrey.
There are six sessions before the baby is born, followed by a home visit and three more classes after the birth.
It includes interactive activities and discussions as well as a health and children's service practitioner covering topics about birth, breastfeeding and practical baby care, focusing on strengthening parent-infant relationships, strengthening couple relationships, building social capital, improving emotional wellbeing and helping parents to understand babies’ development.
Chris Cuthbert, NSPCC’s head of strategy and development said: “The results have been incredibly positive.
"Parents who took part in the Baby Steps programme reported decreased anxiety, improved relationship satisfaction with their partners and babies, and improved birth outcomes such as reductions in instances of premature birth, low birth weight, and cesarean sections*.”
Over the past three years around 3000 expectant parents have taken part in the in programme in nine locations across the UK.
NSPCC West London Service Centre are currently looking for volunteers for the toddler group which runs every Wednesday, during term-time, from 9.30 to 11.15am.
If you are interested email sandiethomson@nspcc.org.uk.
