Antenatal & Beyond - Resources

It takes a village...

An age old saying that still rings true. Birth preparation and antenatal classes are a great place to begin your journey into parenthood. They can be the basis for starting your village and creating those magical support networks that hold you as you transition into mamas and dadas.

I want this page to be an online community of sharing and support for families.

Please explore the resources and links on this page to find local support groups and other practitioners who you may find useful as you navigate those early days, weeks, months and beyond. I am regularly updating this page so please let me know if you spot anything that needs updating or if you are a local provider that wants to join the Antenatal & Beyond community.

Local Breastfeeding Support Groups

Here is a list of local breastfeeding support groups in the Lewisham area. Even if you are breastfeeding confidently, they can be a great place to meet other parents and make new friends. They can also act as a regular meet-up and some adult company, which can be a lovely thing as a new parent.

Mondays

Downderry Children’s Centre

Shroffold Road, Downham BR1 5PD, 1-3pm

Bump & Babies (Term time)

St. Peter’s Church, Wickham Road, Brockley, 1-3pm

Tuesdays

Bellingham Family Hub

109 Randlesdown Road, SE6 3HB, 1-3pm

Wednesdays

Lee Health Centre

2 Handen Road, SE12 8NP, 10am-12pm

Thursdays

Evelyn Family Hub

231 Grove Street, Deptford, SE8 3PZ, 10am-12pm

The Leander Centre,

Ship Street, Deptford, SE8 4DH, 10am-12pm

Fridays

Ladywell Family Hub

30 Rushey Mead, SE4 1JJ, 10am-12pm

Quaggy Children’s Centre/Parkside

Orchard Hill, SE13 7QZ, 12pm-2pm

Breastfeeding Helplines

Association of breastfeeding mothers 0300 330 5453

National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 (24 hours)

NCT 0300 330 0700

La Leche league 0345 120 2918

First Steps Nutrition: https://www.firststepsnutrition.org/parents-carers

(Evidence based information on all infant nutrition including formulas)

Breastfeeding Resources

This padlet shares great unbiased, evidence based information about breastfeeding. I have included useful videos, websites and support and helpline information.

https://padlet.com/meganantentalandbeyond/breastfeeding-information-1j02b4hlc7lnqpvr

Local Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)

Penny Heywood - IBCLC

Penny is a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who supports at the Bumps and Babies Monday groups mentioned above and offers individual support. She supported me on my breastfeeding journey. I would recommend without hesitation.

www.pennyheywood.co.uk/

You can find more local IBCLCs at https://lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc-map

Mental Health Support

Looking after your mind is just important as looking after your body when you are recovering from birth. Needing support does not mean you are a bad parent. Please always reach out for support if you need it.

PANDAS - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Mindful Mums - https://selmind.org.uk/mindful-mums/

Mindful Dads - https://selmind.org.uk/being-dad/

LGBTQ+ - https://selmind.org.uk/mindful-mums/pride-parents-lgbtq-group/

Osteopathy

Flurina Thali

Flurina specialises in mother and baby osteopathy and offers home visits in SE London so when you're not quite up for leaving the house yet in your newborn bubble, she is there for you.

www.flurinathali.com/contact

Local Sling Libraries

There are many benefits to babywearing. Here are some local sling libraries that may be helpful to borrow a sling/carrier and also get support with getting one that fits comfortably and supports your baby well.

South London Slings - https://southlondonslings.co.uk

South East London Slingers - www.selphub.com