Birthscapes coming to Hexham

Occupational therapist Katy Williams, of Birthscapes, will run sessions for caregivers in Hexham.

Katy had a difficult birth and postpartum journey and set up the company, which runs Beyond Birth classes, to support others from conception onwards.

"To be there for our little ones and be the parents that our babies deserve, we need to look after ourselves rather than having self-care at the bottom of the pile", she said.

"All parents will have their struggles; coming together in this group means that it's recognised, the realities of parenthood, and sharing that in a safe space. 

"What we need is a village of other parents to connect with and talk to, and to share the highs and the lows of all the realities of parenthood rather than just seeing all of the lovely pictures on Facebook or Instagram.

"So often parents just have no idea of what to expect when it comes to parenthood and many of us are quite shocked at the reality once baby arrives.

"It (the group) would have been something I would have absolutely loved once I had my daughter."

Parental wellbeing classes will run out of The Wabi Sabi Studio from September 4 where caregivers and their babies, aged between 0-12 months, will explore themes including nurture, emotions and connections.

The group, which will run for six weeks, will take place between 1.15-2.30pm but attendees will be welcome to stay for tea, cake and play after.

An antenatal group will also run from the same venue from September 2 from 7-8.15pm, with each of the six-week sessions giving expectant mothers time to relax, meet other parents and engage in simple wellbeing practices.

Katy, who is trained in hypnobirthing and birth trauma, is also running a Mindful Mamma Walking Group from the start of September for mums and babes in arms, with many of the sessions also welcoming older children. The sessions will initially start in Wylam fortnightly.

A once-a-month, free bumps and babes session is also being planned for Saturdays.