How we can support you to be a calm, confident parent
- Hannah Webster
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Last year I wrote a wee post about how Hailey and I can support you to have a calm, confident birth and what having a 'positive birth' means. When you are pregnant it is hard to imagine life beyond pregnancy! You are so focused on growing your baby and then the birth of your baby, that is can be hard to imagine the first few days and weeks. And they can be scary. Hailey and I were both experienced midwives when we had our first babies, and there were so many things that met us with surprise (like the true reality of those sleepless nights). Over at Grow+Gather, our aim is for you to be fully supported in this whole journey, not just the birth. And whilst the birth of your baby is so, so important, it's really just the start of all the fun. So how can we support you to be calm and confident parents once your new baby is here?
Antenatal classes that truly prepare you
Our antenatal classes are designed to help you feel calm, capable, and ready for birth and beyond. We blend evidence-based information with honest, practical insight from our professional lives as midwives, and sometimes, our lived experience as mums. We spend an entire day looking at the early days and weeks with your newborn. Not just an hour or so. We talk about red flags in the early days and what you can expect from your newborn in terms of feeding cues and nappies. We keep our groups welcoming and relaxed, with plenty of time for questions (there are no silly ones). Many parents tell us they leave feeling reassured, empowered, and far less anxious about what’s ahead. And that makes us so happy!
A genuine support network
Over the course of the weekend our aim is to support you to build a network and community of others who are also expecting babies. When you come to our classes, it's not just about sharing information, it's as much about the community as anything else. There are always opportunities to chat over cups of tea and we set everyone up with a whatssap group too prior to the weekend. It is so lovely to watch these groups grow and to see the shared conversations and laughs. Often this goes on to become pals you can meet for walks and messages you can send in the night asking “is this normal?” These friendships can carry on well beyond pregnancy. Parenting can feel isolating at times, especially in the early days, and having people around you who get it can make all the difference.
Our support continues after your baby arrives
Birth isn't the end of the road, it's surely the beginning! Hailey and I don't disappear once your baby is here. We always encourage parents to get back in touch with us, whether you need some reassurance, practical advice or somebody to talk things through with. Sometimes a quick check in with us can restore your calm and confidence when you are feeling uncertain or exhausted. We also run a monthly group called the No Sleep Club and anyone is welcome. We come together over a cup of tea to chat about everything and anything.
Mummy MOT and Breastfeeding Support
Hailey and I have been working hard this past year. Hailey has been working towards her Mummy MOT qualification and she is now one of a small handful of midwives across the UK who are also Mummy MOT trained. Hailey has a background in yoga and is passionate about getting your body and pelvic floor aligned. Meanwhile, I am in the midst of undertaking my lactation consultant training. Becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a lot but I really feel like breastfeeding support matters so much when you are struggling. We are always happy to hear from you with any questions so please do get in touch if you think we might be able to help.
We believe confident parents are supported parents. By combining our years as midwives, as well as our real-life experience as mums with a strong sense of community, we aim to walk alongside you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. You don’t have to do this alone. We’d love to support you as you grow into parenthood feeling calm, confident, and connected.
If you would like to hear more about our classes then why not get in touch? We would love to hear from you. Or give us a follow on instagram.
@growandgatherbirth
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