Where to look for help and support (Sources of support) (Sources of Support)

Member Name: jenjade

Product:	Sources of Support
Date:	17/02/09 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: There could be loads of support, know where to look and how to ask

Disadvantages: You might not like all the groups, you might have to look in loads of places!

When I gave birth to my daughter back in 2002, it seemed like there was little in the way for support. I had my family for support, which really helped me. My mum was fantastic as was my partner they helped me with the day to day things but when I began to suffer with postnatal depression I felt very alone and there was no one for me to talk to my family were to close for me to open up and I felt embarrassed. Now looking back there was a lot of support available I just never knew where to look. I work with families with young children so thought I would review the services available now.

Midwife- They will support you through the pregnancy, birth and for the first few weeks after the birth. The midwife will take care of all your health during pregnancy and discuss the labour and other aspects with you. They tend to be based at hospitals. When you go to the doctors and get the pregnancy confirmed they would pass your information onto a midwife who will then contact you to arrange appointments scans etc.

Doctor- Your local doctor may overlap with the duty of the midwife so if you have any worries or concerns you can try the doctor first then they may tell you to seek advice from the midwife.

Health visitor- You will be appointed a health visitor after the baby has been born. When the baby is a few weeks old the midwife will hand over your note to the health visitor who will then pop out to your home or a local doctors surgery to meet you, check your baby and speak to you about any concerns you may have. The health visitor will be aware if all the available support so they are the best person to speak to about help and support. Services vary from area to area so what is available to one person may not be available to another.

Parent and baby groups- Some of these are run by parents others volunteers these groups can be a great place to make friends and get support from other parents. Other parents can be a great source of information, support and advice. Some groups are easier to settle into then others so if you do not like one try another or try again in a few weeks as how you feel depends on the families that attend etc

Children's Centres- These often run a variety of groups from parent and child groups to more structured parenting groups. Staff that tends to be qualified in childcare so these groups might be more friendly and easier to settle into as the staffs is employed to make everyone welcome run children's centres. There are often family support workers at the centre that can help and support families through difficult times and help with parenting and other issues.

There might be anti-natal, post-natal, breastfeeding etc groups running in your area contact your local Children's Centre, health visitor or doctor for information.

There are many other specialist groups, which vary from area to area. These could be for single parent like gingerbread, twins, children with additional needs, there are groups where I live that are specialist like groups for families with Down's syndrome, Autism, etc

There is a lot of support available over the phone or on the internet. There are sites such as net mums where parents can arrange to meet up or chat online. There is information website to support parents with weaning, parenting, sleep issues etc. There are is also support available from good Samaritans etc if a parent feels really bad. The Samaritans is more of a last place to go really. Parents should be able to get enough support from the doctors, health visitor etc not to need the Samaritans.

In our area, we have a magazine called the Grapevine which lists all the local groups, nurseries, play centres etc. We also have a magazine called Primary times which gives information on things to do in the school holidays.

Like I said earlier the support available ranges from area to area but your health visitor should be able to give you information on groups and support sites. The internet is a great place to look for information on groups and get advice but you need to be aware that the internet is also a dangerous place so take care when arranging to meet people or sharing information. Your local council should hold information on groups running and other places for support.

I would advice any parent who is looking for support to start by asking your health visitor and friends with children about local groups. Also look for your local Children's Centre and contact them about the groups they run. Keep looking until you find the right place for you and your child. Don't give up and stay in if you need help be strong and find it.

Summary: This might help you find out where to look for the support