Parenting and Family Relationships

This pregnancy programme is for first time parents to be in the third trimester of pregnancy. The programme is delivered in person and will support you with key information around labour and birth and caring for your new-born baby, as well as providing a great opportunity to meet other parents to be. Delivered in partnership by midwives, health visitors and family workers the programme will cover labour and birth information, responsive feeding, baby’s brain development, looking after yourself and your baby. The programme runs as a 3 week course or a one day course, see options below.

Suitable for: first time parents in the third trimester of pregnancy (from 28 weeks) *exceptions will be made for some second-time parents*

Course details (3 Week Tuesday Evening OR 1 Day Saturday):

• Saturday 27th April- 9.30am to 2.30pm at Chaul End Community Centre (515 Dunstable Road, LU4 8QN) *May/June ’24 Due Dates* FULLY BOOKED
• Tuesday 7th and 14th May 5pm to 7pm and 21st May 3pm to 5pm at Flying Start Park Town Centre (Bailey Street, LU1 3DU) *June/July ’24 Due Dates
• Saturday 18th May- 9.30am to 2.30pm at Chaul End Community Centre (515 Dunstable Road, LU4 8QN) *June/July ’24 Due Dates*
• Tuesday 4th and 11th June 5pm to 7pm and 18th June 3pm to 5pm at Flying Start in Hockwell Ring Community Centre (Mayne Ave, LU4 9LB) *July/August ’24 Due Dates*
• Saturday 29th June- 9.30am to 2.30pm at Chaul End Community Centre (515 Dunstable Road, LU4 8QN) * July/August ’24 Due Dates*

• Tuesday 2nd and 9th July 5pm to 7pm and 16th July 3pm to 5pm at Flying Start Park Town Centre (Bailey Street, LU1 3DU) *August/September ’24 Due Dates

• Saturday 27th July- 9.30am to 2.30pm at Chaul End Community Centre (515 Dunstable Road, LU4 8QN) *August/September ’24 Due Dates*

If you’re preparing for your new arrival, the videos linked below have been created in partnership with midwives and the NHS Baby Friendly Team in Central Bedfordshire. They are designed to help you find out more about birth, caring for you and your baby, and feeding your baby. Please be aware that the contact number will be different for Luton families. Please call 0300 555 0606 for the Health Visiting Duty Desk in Luton or email ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net

• Click on one of the following links to watch a video about:
  • Introduction to the course
  • Brain development
  • Baby’s transition from womb to world
  • Feeding your baby
  • Bathing your baby and changing nappies
  • Safe sleep
  • Car seat safety
  • Stages of labour
  • Birthing options
  • Pain relief
  • Where to get help and support (Central Beds)

Luton’s PREGNANCY CLUB (HYBRID: In Person & Zoom) *Women only*

Women at any stage of pregnancy are able to join others for this monthly hour-long group which has a Midwife and Guest Speaker available for questions/answers. It aims to support a healthy pregnancy with advice on nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellbeing. You can join from home on zoom or come in person.

RUNS THE LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (EXCEPT DECEMBER) 12.30PM TO 1.30PM ONLINE AND AT FARLEY

Upcoming dates:

• Tuesday 26 March- 12.30pm to 1.30pm on ZOOM or at Farley Community Centre (Delphine Close, LU1 5RE)
• Tuesday 30 April- 12.30pm to 1.30pm on ZOOM or at Farley Community Centre (Delphine Close, LU1 5RE)
  

Register and mention this group: Flying Start Registration Form

KEEPING BABY SAFE WORKSHOP (on ZOOM)

Safe at Home offer free advice and support to expecting and new parents in Luton in a small group session- currently run on zoom. Those who attend and provide feedback receive a FREE child safety gift bag.

100% of previous attendees recommend this session

Our safety advisor offers top tips on how to make informed and safer choices when buying nursery equipment for your baby and you can learn important techniques on protecting your new-born in the early months of life.

Upcoming dates:

• Monday 29 April- 5pm to 7.30pm

• Thursday 6 June- 10am to 12.30pm

• Tuesday 30 July- 5pm to 7.30pm

Parent Feedback:

“The session was very informative and helpful for me, especially for choosing baby products. I have realised the things I thought would be safe are not safe and even bring danger to my baby. Also learned about co sleeping and bed sharing tips. Thanks for a wonderful session”

Register and mention this group: Flying Start Registration Form

MANAGING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP (In Person)

This workshop aims to help parents to:

• identify how disagreements start
• identify how disagreements impact themselves and their children
• identify helpful and harmful behaviours during arguments
• log in to One Plus One online training

Upcoming dates:

• Tuesday 23 April from 5pm to 7pm at Hockwell Ring Community Centre and Family Hub (Mayne Ave, LU4 9LB)
• Tuesday 25 June from 5pm to 7pm at Park Town Family Hub (Bailey Street, LU1 3DU)

Register and mention this group: Flying Start Registration Form

ACTIVE LUTON AQUANATAL

Aquanatal classes are back – a fun and safe way to enjoy exercise with your bump. Keeping fit during pregnancy helps you adapt to your body’s changes and can help you cope better with labour. Join Jessica every Wednesday, 12:10 – 12:40pm OR 12:45 – 1:15pm at Inspire – Competition Pool.

Find out more: https://activeluton.co.uk/me-time/aquanatal

*Please note that addresses close to Luton but are technically under Central Bedfordshire council or Hertfordshire council, will not be included in our free group provision