How support group helping parents and babies thrive

"It’s amazing to see the connections and the bonds formed between mums and their babies," enthused Sally Swinbank, a community support worker with the NHS Durham and Darlington Perinatal team. "I feel really lucky to have been given the opportunity to walk alongside the women on the journey to recovery."

Sally and her colleagues have initiated a baby bonding group known as Watch Wait Wonder, which operates in six-week cycles at Lanchester Road Hospital, forming a key part of the team's commitment to aiding new and expectant parents.

"The group is based on the principles of Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)," she detailed. "We record the women with their babies during the group sessions and share clips and videos highlighting moments of exception in the mother-baby relationship."

READ MORE: Minister's visit to once crime-plagued Stockton street where multi-agency focus having 'big impact'

READ MORE: Look back at disco fuelled pictures from legendary nights at The Mall in Stockton

This initiative is just one facet of the comprehensive support offered to new parents by local NHS perinatal services, with the aim of bolstering both parents and their infants.

The perinatal mental health assistance comes courtesy of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, serving as the mental health and learning disability NHS Foundation Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby. Such support is crucial, as studies indicate that strong parent-baby bonding is instrumental in ensuring the best possible start in life for children.

Sally highlighted the significance of early child development, noting: "It’s important for mums and their babies to have the best possible outcomes as the first 1,001 critical days are an important time in a baby’s lives. If that early attachment and bond is formed, there are better outcomes for the children of our future."

Providing a supportive space and listening ear to new parents is an important part of the service.

Sally mentioned the concerns some women face: "The women we see are sometimes afraid to access groups in the community, due to fear of judgement," and she elaborated on the benefits of group support: "So, it’s nice for them to attend with other parents, as it helps them feel less alone. And it’s really nice to see the friendships flourish."

Compassionate care for new parents may be crucial, as Sally's efforts in establishing a mother and baby bonding group have been well received. Laura Wilkinson, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Durham and Darlington perinatal team, praised Sally's contributions: "Sally is so kind, compassionate and caring. We are so lucky to have her on the team. She has helped set up a mother and baby bonding group and has received fantastic feedback from patients."

For those looking for guidance on parenting support, StartForLife provides useful resources, including bonding tips, as presented by the NHS on its ‘Start for Life’ website.