Antenatal Support for Parents-to-Be

Parents-to-be in Lincoln, Sleaford and Skegness can now access free antenatal 'top tips' classes in a new pilot programme.

The programme is a partnership between Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) and Lincolnshire County Council (LCC). It will be delivered by Health Visitors, Midwives and Children Centre Early Year’s Workers, and will consist of six weekly sessions held in Children’s Centres.

The Children’s Centres delivering the programme will be Sleaford, Skegness and Birchwood and is for mums-to-be from 32 weeks of pregnancy and their partners. Only parents in the catchment areas for these Children Centres will be eligible, with postcodes required to check eligibility when booking.

Parents can expect to gain information in a wide variety of areas including; preparation for birth and labour, what to expect in the early days of parenthood, safe sleeping and bonding and attachment.

Stephanie Heathcote, Clinical Project Lead at LCHS said: “This is a great opportunity for expectant parents to gain knowledge and skills. We understand that these sessions will be extremely popular, and support at this stage for new parents is something we are passionate about.”

Rebekah Calladine, Acting Matron for Community Midwifery ULHT said:  “We are so excited to be involved in this project. All of the professionals involved in this area have come together to pool our knowledge, and create a ‘one stop shop’ approach to share with mums and new families. Everything will be provided from one place, alongside the mum’s pregnancy as it happens, right through into new parenthood.”

Places are limited, and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. We would advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Parents-to-be who attend the programme will also be invited to a postnatal celebration event, where they can bring along their new arrivals and share experiences.

Fiona Railton, Children's Services Team Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The pilot antenatal programme based in Children's Centres will be a fantastic opportunity for parents to access free advice and support in a friendly environment. It will also allow parents to build a network of support with others which will hopefully continue after their babies are born."

If the pilot is a success, the programme will be rolled out to other locations in the area.

To book a place, contact one of the Children’s Centre’s listed below.

Session Times and Locations 

Sleaford Children's Centre 
Money's Mill Complex
Carre Street
Sleaford
NG34 7TW
Tel: 01529 306888         

10:00 - 11:30, September, 16th, 23rd, 30th and October, 7th and 21st.
Postnatal celebration - November 30th

Skegness Children's Centre 
Brunswick Drive 
Skegness
PE25 2QT
Tel: 01522 555652         

1:00pm - 2.30pm, September 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th and 12th
Postnatal celebration - November 30th

Birchwood Children's Centre 
Birchwood Avenue 
Birchwood
Lincoln
LN6 0JE
Tel: 01522 689991    

1:00-2.30pm, September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th and 12th
Postnatal celebration - TBC

7.30 - 9:00 September 12th, 19th, 26th and October, 3rd and 10th

Postnatal celebration - November 28th