WATCH: "That was the first instance where I connected with my baby"

Saturday 24 November 2018

A father who bonded with his "kicking" unborn baby through reading stories to her has praised a local programme that he says helped him to become a stronger parent.

Roderick is one of several to have taken advantage of the 'Baby Steps' programme, which supports new parents as they learn more about caring for their baby over a five-month period, with nine sessions, six of which take place before the birth.

It includes information on baby development, communication skills, physical and emotional health as well as practical advice on how to change and feed a baby.        

Victoria Vale, Baby Steps Champion, explained: “Baby Steps is an interactive, relationship-based programme that aims to support new parents in the emotional transition to parenthood and build strong relationships with their babies."

Video: Family Nursing & Home Care produced a video to celebrate taking over the Baby Steps programme.

Parents who have followed the programme have recently praised it for helping them in their transition to parenthood. Jaile said it had benefited her family in many ways. “Baby Steps allowed me and my partner to have open communication, to understand that it isn’t going to be easy and that sometimes there are going to be stressful moments, but that’s okay that’s makes us normal people. Just being able to talk about it openly has made us the strong parents that we are," she explained.

Roderick said that joining the programme was one of the biggest favours he had done to himself in recent times. He explained that after learning his baby could hear what he was saying from inside the womb, he started reading stories to her.

“The most amazing thing happened sometime,” he said. “As I was reading to her, she kept on kicking throughout and I realised that every moment after that when I read her a bedtime story she kicked. So for me, that was the first instance where I connected with my baby and developed a bond at that stage.”

Pictured: Bronwen Whittaker said FNHC is delighted to provide the Baby Steps to all expectant parents.

The programme, which was previously offered by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to vulnerable families, is now being delivered by Family Nursing and Home Care (FNHC) to every parent on the island from 20 weeks of pregnancy, completely free of charge.  

The Baby Steps team includes FNHC’s health visitors, midwives from the States of Jersey, as well as Baby Steps facilitators. The sessions are delivered at various venues across the island to make the programme accessible for all expectant parents.

Bronwen Whittaker, FNHC's Chief Executive, said: "The Baby Steps programme has been recognised nationally for its achievements in supporting parents at this critical and special time in their lives. We’re delighted to now be able to provide the programme to all expectant parents on the island.

"It aims to support and educate parents and reduce the stress that can often occur whilst caring for a new-born. We believe the programme will positively impact the babies’ lives by creating a better understanding of their health, development and emotional needs."

FNHC will be celebrating the handover on 30 November between 13:30 and 16:00 at Samares Pathways, Child and Family Centre. The charity is inviting all expectant and potential parents to join to learn more about the programme and meet the Baby Steps team.