Pregnancy & Birth

Giving birth is a transformational rite of passage and our aim is for you to have the best possible experience.

Find out about our Nesters & Nestlings groups, our peer supporter network of volunteers, mums’ walking group, workshops & classes, online resource library, and our Hire, Borrow, Buy service all on this page.

Our Pregnancy Group can help you focus on having the best possible experience as you prepare for birth and parenting, and also meet people within a like-minded community. Nesters is hosted by an experienced facilitator as well as our team of perinatal peer supporters.

All mums, non-binary, trans and gender-fluid birthing people of all ethnicities are really welcome to our inclusive group. Many people start coming in pregnancy and then continue after their baby has arrived as we support the transition to motherhood, also known as the matrescence. There is a closed WhatsApp group for people to connect in-between sessions.

Nesters Antenatal Peer Support Group: Every Tuesday from 7.30pm

Week 1: In person in Exeter (please see our what’s on page for location confimation)

Week 2: Online on ZOOM

Some people come only online, or only in person or a mixture of both. It’s up to you.

Our baby & parent support group is a relaxed and friendly space where you can meet other parents/carers, learn about your child’s development, enjoy a hot/cold drink and spend time chatting and playing with your baby. Siblings welcome. Nestlings is hosted by an experienced facilitator as well as our team of perinatal peer supporters.

All mums, non-binary, trans and gender-fluid birthing people of all ethnicities are really welcome to our inclusive group. There is a closed WhatsApp group for people to connect in-between sessions.

Nestlings Baby & New Parent Support Group: Mondays 10 – 11.30am

Please check out What’s On page for location and to book a space

Our perinatal groups are supported by our group of peer supporters who support the facilitator to run the session. These volunteers are local mums who have given birth and then gone on to train with The Nest to become part of our Perinatal Peer Support Network (PPSN).

They offer a friendly, listening ear over a cup of tea from someone who has been there, they can help you to explore your options to find the best choice for you.

All pregnant people and new parents are welcome to join us for a gentle walk and a chat in a variety of green spaces in and around Exeter. Babies and siblings welcome. All mums, non-binary, trans and gender-fluid birthing people of all ethnicities are really welcome to our inclusive group.

Walks are led by friendly volunteers who are both trained walk leaders and perinatal peer supporters. Walking outdoors together enables us to connect with nature and each other whilst being physically active, all of which can help our well-being. Come as you are, no experience necessary. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Every other Wednesday at various locations. 10.30 – 11.30am.

Please see out What’s On page to book

This 6 week course is led by Nancy Osborne, an experienced physiotherapist and Nest co-director, specialising in post-natal recovery. Sessions run consecutively for 6 weeks from the start date for 1 hour from 10.30am to 11.30am. BABIES & TODDLERS ARE WELCOME

These sessions are designed to help re-build functional core strength following childbirth and will involve a mixture of physiotherapy, Pilates and Yoga based exercises in standing, sitting and lying down.

These sessions are designed for the post natal person and are suitable after the 6-8 week postnatal check and onwards. You don’t have to be newly postnatal or even to have had a baby to attend as anyone who has would like to re”core”nect will benefit. Non gestational parents are also very welcome. These sessions will be suitable for post c-section, instrumental delivery and if you have had perineal tears. We do recommend that if you are having any particular issues in your recovery then please consult your health care provider first (GP, Midwife, pelvic health physio) or feel free to get in touch with Nancyto discuss if these sessions will be suitable. HERE

We offer 1 x funded session for each course so if you are struggling financially, please get in touch.

For your home-birth experience

HIRE, BORROW & BUY


Hire is available for 6 weeks from 37 weeks pregnant. Should you require for a longer period then please ask. We offer discounts to those on low income and/or benefits. This has been possible thanks to funding gratefully received from Exeter City Council.


Resources

Our carefully curated list of videos, groups, websites and books

Local Groups

The Nesters Group – for Pregnancy and Beyond. In-person in Exeter, and alternative weeks online. https://thenestsw.org/events/ 

Exeter Home Birth Group http://www.exeterhomebirth.com/

Exeter Babies, for real nappies, peer breastfeeding support and playgroups in Exeter http://www.exeterbabies.co.uk/

Exmouth ‘Bosom Buddies’ Breastfeeding support https://www.facebook.com/exmouthbosombuddies/

Talkworks for wellbeing in parenthood groups:  https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/workshops/wellbeing-for-parenthood

Breastfeeding

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: http://abm.me.uk tel: 0300 330 5453

Breastfeeding Network: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/ 0300100 0212

La Leche League: www.lalecheleague.org/

NCT: www.nct.org.uk/parenting/breastfeeding-concerns

Sleep & breastfeeding: www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk

Exeter Babies, for real nappies, peer breastfeeding support and playgroups in Exeter http://www.exeterbabies.co.uk/

Exmouth ‘Bosom Buddies’ Breastfeeding support www.facebook.com/exmouthbosombuddies/

Parenting

Family Lives, Information and support for parents and families: www.familylives.org.uk/

Parenting by Connection: www.handinhandparenting.org/who-we-are/our-approach/

Childs 1st year: www.naturalchild.org

Natural Parenting UK: www.natural-parenting.com

Steve Biddulph www.stevebiddulph.com

The Informed Parent: http://www.informedparent.co.uk/

Grief & Loss

The Lullaby Trust, 0808 802 6868 (Bereavement support), 0808 802 6869 (Information & advice), Information and support for people affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): www.lullabytrust.org.uk

The Miscarriage Association, 01924 200799, Information and support for anyone affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

Tommy’s, Information and support for people affected by stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth: www.tommys.org

Sands, Information and support for anyone affected by the death of a baby: Sands.org.uk

Choices. Exeter & Teignmouth. Baby loss and post abortion support. www.choicespregnancycentre.co.uk

Mental Health Support

Talkworks parental mental health info:  https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/parental-support-for-mental-health

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/. Info-line: 0300 123 3393, Text: 86463

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), Information and support for anyone affected by postpartum psychosis: https://www.app-network.org/

Anxiety UK, Advice and support for people living with anxiety: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

The Association for Post Natal Illness, Provides support for women experiencing postnatal depression: https://apni.org/

Birth Trauma Association, Support for anyone affected by birth trauma, including partners: https://birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/

Family Action, Supports families of any kind, including with mental health problems: https://www.family-action.org.uk/

Maternal OCD, Information and support for people experiencing perinatal OCD, and their families: https://maternalocd.org/

No Panic, 0844 967 4848, Provides a helpline, step-by-step programmes, and support for people with anxiety disorders: https://nopanic.org.uk/

PANDAS Foundation, Information and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem during or after pregnancy: https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

PND & Me, Online network connecting people with experience of perinatal mental health problems through Twitter. http://pndandme.co.uk/

Women of Colour and/ or from diverse cultural backgrounds

Birthing In Colour UK. Health & wellness website https://www.instagram.com/birthing_incolour/

‘Black Mums Matter Too’ Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/blackmumsmattertoo

FIVE X MORE
COMMITTED TO HIGHLIGHTING AND CHANGING BLACK MATERNAL OUTCOMES IN THE UK https://www.fivexmore.com

Birthrights: Your basic birth rights (translated into 16 languages) https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/your-basic-birth-rights-translated/

Pregnant then Screwed support line https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/support-for-black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-women/

Want to make a resource suggestion? Pop it over to us via our contact form


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