New NHS Durham Support Group Aims to Strengthen Parent-Baby Bonds
A new support group in NHS Durham helps parents bond with their babies through guided sessions and community support.
Durham, NHS, Parents, Babies, Support Group
Durham: A new support group is making waves in the community. Sally Swinbank, a community support worker, leads the initiative. She loves seeing the connections between mothers and their babies.
Sally feels lucky to support women on their recovery journey. The group, called Watch Wait Wonder, meets at Lanchester Road Hospital. It runs in six-week blocks for new and expecting parents.
The group uses video interaction guidance (VIG) principles. They record sessions to highlight special moments between mothers and babies. This helps parents see their bonding in action.
This initiative is part of local NHS efforts to support families. Research shows that strong bonds give babies the best start in life. Sally emphasizes the importance of these early connections.
She explains that the first 1,001 days are crucial for a baby’s development. Strong attachments lead to better outcomes for children. The group also offers a safe space for new parents.
Many parents feel nervous about joining community groups. They worry about being judged. Attending with others helps them feel less isolated and builds friendships.
The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust runs this program. They provide perinatal mental health support across several regions.
Laura Wilkinson, an advanced nurse practitioner, praises Sally’s kindness and dedication. She highlights the positive feedback from parents about the bonding group.
For more tips on bonding, parents can visit the StartForLife section on the NHS website.