Advice for mums-to-be

The morning is aimed at expectant mothers to help them prepare for their first moments after their child is born.

The event is open to first time mothers as well as mothers expecting a second or subsequent baby. Local mothers and health visitors will be offering information on how to make the first few moments after birth as special as possible and explain how to access support if required.

Sinead Lynch, breastfeeding co-ordinator for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust explained: “The first sources of pleasure for a baby are its sense of smell, touch and sound. Health professionals know that we can use these senses to enhance the early relationship between a mother and her baby.

“We hope to show mothers how to encourage the production of ‘happy’ hormones which have a calming, stress-reducing effect on mother and baby and help mothers fall in love with their babies.

“This early communication between the mother and baby can have lasting impact on the infant’s long term development and improve the emotional wellbeing of the mother. It also helps mothers understand their babies and helps babies begin to make sense of the world as well as getting feeding off to a good start”.

The coffee morning is informal and should be relaxed and fun as mothers from the group will have their own babies with them. Mothers–to–be will be given a beginners kit to take home and information on support available.

For more information call 028 9083 1505 giving your name and contact details.