Following last year’s success the Island’s ‘Baby roadshow: bump and beyond’ has moved location to Ryde for the next event in July and features a special guest speaker.
The Roadshow is for people with an interest in pregnancy, birth or beyond which may include pregnant mums-to-be or new parents, their families and/or support network. It takes place on 9th July 2016 at Westridge Centre in Ryde, from 10:30-14:30.
Again, the Island-centric roadshow brings together everything that parents-to-be or new parents and their families may need to know about pregnancy, birth and early days with their baby; in one informal location. There will be a variety of exhibitors, stalls and information available, as well as chances to ask more personal questions in a private and supportive environment. The event is also an opportunity to ensure that Island parents-to-be are receiving all that they need to know, including any information and support needed to have a good pregnancy and start to parenthood; feedback from local families about this will be encouraged on the day.
In a new addition to proceedings, special guest; male midwife and author, Mark Harris, will be attending the baby road show in July. Mark will offer two sessions for families, in particular men, about the best support they can offer to new mums. Mark is a highly accomplished and engaging speaker, and will be offering a workshop to local birth workers and professionals on Friday 8th July from 14:30. Copies of his 2015 book: ‘Men, Love and Birth’ will also be available to purchase at the show.
Mark said:
“There’s a wealth of information out there for expectant mums on pregnancy and birth, but so often the dad is left out of the conversation. If partners are going to be present at the birth, then not only do they need to be there physically, but need to be fully engaged mentally.”
Both midwifery services and members from the Health Visiting Team will be on-hand to answer any questions, as well as give more explanation about their role in pregnancy, labour, birth and a baby’s first 100 days. There will be information on breastfeeding, bonding with a baby, understanding how new babies brains develop, baby sleep, new parents’ emotional health and more.
A variety of local businesses will also be there, showcasing the range of additional services that are also available on the Island, such as: hypnobirthing courses, independent midwifery, breastfeeding support, pregnancy yoga and Pilates classes, baby development activities, real nappies, sling library and Bebeccino cafe. This year both One Leisure and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue will also be attending.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive Member for Public Health, said:
“Visitors will learn about the huge range of supporting services, both commercial and non-commercial that are available on the Island. Over one hundred families attended the previous event and we had some excellent feedback from people who learnt about many things they weren’t aware were available on the Island.
“We want to engage with everyone who has an interest in pregnancy, birth and those early days with baby; including dads-to-be, grandparents, same sex parents and ‘older’ parents. The roadshow is the perfect chance for people to come along and find out what they need to know.”
First time mum, Olivia, whose newborn son was a few weeks old at the previous event, said:
“The Baby Roadshow was a really great event! As a new mum I met loads of professionals who gave me some great advice and I have used many of their services. I also found out about lots of services available to me during my next, hypothetical, pregnancy.”
Grandparents, friends, partners – anyone supporting new parents – are all welcome to come along and find out about all things pregnancy and baby related.
Information about how Family centres support parents and babies will also be available.
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service will be there to talk about home safety, and can discuss car seat options
