SHARING ideas, experiences, concerns and information is so important when you have just had a baby. The benefits are undeniable.
This can be achieved along with much more at the Bridgetown Baby Playgroup which meets on a Thursday morning at the Bridgetown Family and Community Centre (BFCC).
BFCC Centre Coordinator Trish Brandt said the Baby Playgroup had been running for many years at the centre and was a great opportunity for parents to come along and meet other parents.
"It can be really hard to get out of the house with a new baby," Ms Brandt said. "But there are so many benefits to coming along to groups like this. For new families to town, this is a great place to meet other families and make new friends."
Once a month at the Baby Playgroup, counsellors from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) also comes along to offer support and advice to new mums. ABA counsellor Tessa Dietrich was present at the playgroup last week and said it was a great way to meet people and develop long term connections.
"I have been involved with ABA for 17 years and my son has just graduated from school with three people that we met at this particular group in this very room, when he was just four months old," Ms Dietrich said. "It is a fantastic way to develop long term friendships.
"ABA offers a relaxed service for all mothers as we provide support with the challenges associated with breast feeding. We have Abby Fetter training up as a counsellor as well which is just great."
Bridgetown mother of three Dianne Chadwick said she had been coming to the baby playgroup on and off for the past seven years.
"Every time I have another baby, I come back to the baby playgroup," Mrs Chadwick said. "The best part is meeting people and getting out of the house. It also helps ensure that your kids have formed some friendships before they start at school."
More information can be found on the BFCC Facebook page or by contacting the office on 9761 2139.
