A friendly space for mums and babies

For new mums wanting to vent, learn more about babies, or meet other new mums, Space is an initiative that allows them to do so.

Space Pukekohe is held weekly at the Pukekohe Anglican Church during school terms, and is run by Pukekohe Community Action. Mums with babies under threemonths-old can join the group, and progress through the programme until they are one, where they can then join the church’s playgroup.

The group is facilitated, and is an opportunity for mums and babies to take part in a variety of play experiences, and mums will discover ways to support their baby’s learning and development.

The weekly topics include touching on different parenting perspectives and discussions, arts, craft, and music and movement.

Sam McMiken and her eightmonth-old Addie joined the initiative along with a few others from her coffee group.

‘‘There’s lots of support.There’s always someone who has gone through something similar, so you know you’re not alone.

‘‘The topics are something you probably wouldn’t touch on at home, or they have musical instruments and things that I could never afford to have otherwise.’’

She added the programme, which has been running for six years, showed mums ways to create inexpensive ways to help entertain their babies at home.

‘‘It teaches you that you don’t have to spend a lot to do things that they love - we have expensive toys at home, and her favourite thing is a rattle made with rice - it’s all stuff you can replicate at home.’’

Annabelle Hamilton said she and her seven-month-old son Parker Churches loved going to Space.

‘‘I enjoy seeing him play with other babies, especially because it’s just me and him at home. He loves it all, the music and the songs, and shaking the instruments and eating them is definitely his favourite.

‘‘It’s just a really great, supportive environment where you can get out the house and vent and relax. Everyone else is in the same boat as you, and it’s a chance to make friends.’’

The next intake for the programme will begin in the first week of May. Contact Space coordinator Lorna Thompson on 0274497290 for more information.