Boost for babies in Boarshaw

Breast feeding mums are invited to a new social group at Boarshaw Children’s Centre on Stannycliffe Lane.  A number of Middleton mums have already joined the group and are encouraging others to come along.  The group meets every Friday morning from 10am - 11.30am.

The group was set up as an informal get together, for mums who are feeding, for them to share experiences and chat with mums who are in similar situations to themselves.  The aim is to give mums a time where they can relax and talk openly with others about feeding and the development of their baby.  A health visitor will also be on site to offer advice and reassurance. 

Research by the National Childbirth Trust shows that women are three times more likely to stop breastfeeding in the first two weeks if none of their friends breastfeed and 21% of mothers who started breastfeeding had stopped in the first 2 weeks.  93% of these women would have liked to breastfeed for longer.  It is hoped that this new group will encourage mothers who wish to feed their infants to continue.

Babies are also invited to the new Baby Clinic which has been added to the already popular Baby Play session at the Boarshaw Centre.  The clinic is held by professional Health Visitors from Durnford Street Medical Centre each Tuesday.  The drop in session encourages parents to check up on their baby’s health and development on a regular basis.  Parents can have their babies weighed and pick up top tips on keeping the whole family healthy. 

Baby Play has gone from strength to strength at Boarshaw Children’s Centre as now up to 40 babies and parents are attending the lively Tuesday afternoon sessions.  The two hour slot is for children from birth onwards.  The sessions aim to allow parents to play more one to one with their babies and to enjoy the social element of the informal setting.  Meanwhile children can enjoy messy play, craft activities or story time.

The tiny tots session has been highly successful and has attracted parents from the local area.  More and more local residents are using the purpose built centre on Stannycliffe Lane as it boasts an action packed weekly timetable for pre school children. 

The Baby Play and Clinic run each Tuesday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.