Support groups for first-time parents (also known as new parent groups) have been provided by maternal and child health nurses since the 1920s.
The purpose of first-time parent groups is to:
- Enhance parental and emotional well-being.
- Enhance parent-child interaction.
- Provide opportunities for first-time parents to establish informal networks and social supports.
- Increase parental confidence and independence in child rearing.
The groups in Yarra are facilitated by qualified Maternal & Child Health Nurses. Families start attending these groups when their baby is between 1 month and 4 months of age. The program is held weekly and run for approximately 2 hours and the topics covered in the group meetings include:
- What to expect in the early weeks
- Transition to parenting
- Sleep and settling guidance
- Child development and the importance of playtime
- Introduction to children’s library services
- Family Health and emotional wellbeing
The first-time parent groups runs for 6 weeks. On completion of the program parents are referred through to age appropriate playgroups. Members of parents groups often forge long term friendships with each other whilst gaining valuable support and information.
Support groups for first-time parents (also known as new parent groups) have been provided by maternal and child health nurses since the 1920s.
The purpose of first-time parent groups is to:
- Enhance parental and emotional well-being.
- Enhance parent-child interaction.
- Provide opportunities for first-time parents to establish informal networks and social supports.
- Increase parental confidence and independence in child rearing.
The groups in Yarra are facilitated by qualified Maternal & Child Health Nurses. Families start attending these groups when their baby is between 1 month and 4 months of age. The program is held weekly and run for approximately 2 hours and the topics covered in the group meetings include:
- What to expect in the early weeks
- Transition to parenting
- Sleep and settling guidance
- Child development and the importance of playtime
- Introduction to children’s library services
- Family Health and emotional wellbeing
The first-time parent groups runs for 6 weeks. On completion of the program parents are referred through to age appropriate playgroups. Members of parents groups often forge long term friendships with each other whilst gaining valuable support and information.
