Becoming a parent is life-changing – and sometimes overwhelming – but you don’t have to face it alone.
Parents 1st has a caring network of staff and volunteer peer supporters who offer practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Our peer supporters are all parents themselves so they use their own lived experiences to help other pregnant or new parents.
Having a peer supporter is different to talking to family or friends – it is always non-judgemental, informal and reassuring. Peer supporters are always “in your corner” – they’re there to talk to about any worries, big or small, and to help parents emotionally and practically prepare for birth and adjust to parenthood.
We offer peer support in many different ways, whether that’s one-to-one support, group workshops or activities.
Peer support:
- Is a listening ear – providing emotional support and the opportunity to talk through worries or concerns.
- Involves sharing reliable, evidence-based information so that parents can make their own, informed decisions.
- Provides a parent with time to help make sense of the changes ahead.
- Supports parents to speak freely - without prejudice and build compassionate trusting non-judgmental relationships
- Is different from simply being a friend – it is a relationship with a purpose that has clear ground rules and boundaries.
- Empowers parents to do the best they can for their babies.
- Avoids giving advice - A peer supporter does not give advice but supports a parent to explore options for their own situation.
- Sits alongside professional services and can be a “bridge” to accessing support for example, a peer supporter might accompany a parent to an appointment or baby group.
- Involves connecting parents to groups and activities in their local community that help parents to feel socially connected with others.
I am not good with things being taken out of my control. So, when I became pregnant again, other people set up appointments for me with midwives, doctors, consultants, nurses and other health professionals without telling me what they were for. I found this very confusing and I felt extremely helpless and alone...
Then I was matched with a Pregnancy Pal. She was there for me at every step throughout my pregnancy and beyond. I could tell her anything and sometimes we would just chat. She would go with me to all medical appointments and help me understand what was happening."
Parent