Parents-to-be need places to be!
Expecting parents, new parents, new to the area parents! This one is for you! I asked my crew of Little Wonders to recommend their favourite baby groups, service givers and hang out spots and they did not disapoint!
Of course you've already sorted your maternity and baby portraits with me at Little Wonderland Photography(!), but if you're looking for something more to do with your bump or mini in the Widnes, Runcorn, Warrington, Frodsham and St Helen areas, read on and get ready for this adventure that is parenthood!
Halton Family Hubs
www.haltonfamilyhubs.co.uk/feeding-family
For local parents to be, new parents, and those well in to their family journeys, Halton Family Hubs is the resource an network you need. Running everything from Antenatel Workshops, to Stay and Play Sessions for your toddlers, you can register with this service to find out all of the support, much of it free, available to parents in the borough. Family Hubs provide a welcoming space where families in Halton can access free support and take part in a wide range of inclusive activities.
You can also find out about all the local Breastfeeding Friendly businesses in the area by clicking here
Danielle the Doula
Danielle is a wonder. Based in Widnes, she's an advocate for quality education to enable parents to learn about their bodies, birth like a boss and thrive through the postnatal period and beyond. She's also pretty good at creating belly casts of your blooming bump- you could even bring it along to your session with me and pose baby inside your cast for extra "wow" factor!
Vicki's Sanctuary
www.vickismassagesanctuary.com
Vicki's Sanctuary in Cronton, Widnes, not only offers Doula services to help you prepare and plan for the birth of your child, but also specialises in Pregnancy massage, Baby Massage classes and postnatal massage too. Vicki offers luxury holistic treatments in her cosy sanctuary. It's the perfect spot for you to relax, learn how to calm your baby and also meet other new parents through the baby massage courses and Stay and play sessions- cosy, judgment-free meet-up for parents/ guardians to relax, share experiences, enjoy a warm drink together and let your baby play & explore.
Mama Sling & Halton Sling Library
Mama Sling - Liverpool and Halton Sling Library
And if you are new to "baby wearing" and fancy trying it out to find the right sling for you, check out Mama Sling and The Halton Sling Library,set up to give people the chance to try out different types of baby slings and carriers before they invest in one. With regular dates in Liverpool and in Moo & a Brew, Widnes, you've just got to try going hands free!
Which leads me seamlessly on to...
Moo and a Brew
This gorgeous little coffee shop is not like other coffee shops, it's a play cafe in the heart of Widnes which focuses on building lasting connections in the community. Your Little Wonders can play and explore whilst you enjoy a brew in a space that's custom designed for those with young children. It's also the home of Moo Music Widnes, parties, events and community groups so pop in when you are next in town and milk that moment (pun intended) of relaxation for all it's worth.
Followed by...
Moo Music Widnes & Runcorn
My little wonders crew tell me these baby and toddler classes are outstanding "such a comfortable class for new parents that helped me and my PPD so so much! It was the only time I’d get out the house and the class was full of gorgeous mums, some new mums some 2/3rd time mums and they were all so kind and everyone’s just happy to be there.. the staff are also unreal". With classes for babies and toddlers, this community has cultivated such a safe and welcoming space for parents of babies and toddlers loved by many and definately worth checking out to help your baby learn and socialise.
The Yoga Lounge- BYB Club
The Yoga Lounge in Widnes is not only the place to go to soothe your mind, body and soul, it's also home to the BYB Club (Bring your baby). As a midwife, pt + pelvic health specialist I can help you rehabilitate your body post birth! 😙
"We use a combination of yoga, pilates and strength exercises to strengthen your core, repair diastasis recti and to improve your strength and fitness".
Dance Like A Mother
This award winning baby wearing dance class and social club is all about fun, movement, and sharing joy with your baby. All you need is a sling (although they do have some you can borrow), your baby, and the desire to cut some rug! Classes are all over the North, with the nearest to Widnes folk being in Warrington. Funky and fit. What's not to love?
La Leche League Widnes & St. Helens Breastfeeding Support
https://www.facebook.com/lllwsth
La Leche League are a national organisation that provide mother-to-mother, parent-to-parent breastfeeding support, with local groups and also online antenatel courses lots of resources and support for anyone who is struggling with breastfeeding.
Just Yoga With Ali
With classes accross Warrington, Sandbach, Newton-Le-Willows for those 15 weeks+ pregnant. It is a gentle class that will help you lengthen and strengthen, relax and prepare for your baby whilst also learning breathing and hypnobirthing techniques, and of course getting to know other local mums.
Massage by Holly
Based in St Helens, Holly's Pregnancy Massage is designed to bring comfort and relaxation to expecting mothers, offering a soothing experience tailored to the unique needs of pregnancy. The gentle techniques help alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension, while also enhancing circulation and reducing stress. Special cushions ensure that you’re fully supported and comfortable throughout the session, providing a safe environment to unwind and recharge. This treatment promotes both physical relief and emotional relaxation, helping you feel rejuvenated and supported during this special time.
What have I missed?
If you are a local service giver for new parents that I should know about, or if you are a new parent with a recommendation for other parents, please let me know by filling in this form.
Becca x
