The idea
Baby Umbrella was created from a passion to support and empower families in their journey through early parenthood. When starting the charity, we asked parents what they struggled with and what information and support would have had a positive effect on their physical and mental wellbeing. The top responses were breastfeeding, a way to meet other parents, sleep, adjusting to parenthood and anxiety/low mood.
This project is all about supporting new parents with understanding their infants sleep. We plan to increase the skills and knowledge of our staff and volunteers so that they can offer evidence-based information to families with questions and those struggling with sleep as they adjust to their newborns sleeping patterns.
Families will then have the opportunity to receive support one to one from our lactation consultants and breastfeeding counsellors as well as peer to peer in a more informal group setting when lots of questions and experiences are shared in our social groups.
What we'll deliver
- Train at least 10 staff members and volunteers in evidence-based sleep support
- Offer sleep support as one to one session appointments
- Offer sleep support in a more social environment
- Offer specific sleep support group sessions in-person or via zoom
Why it's a great idea
• Staff and volunteers will be better equipped to answer questions about sleep that are asked all the time.
• New parents will have access to local, free support with sleep concerns that they may have.
• Parents will be empowered with evidence-based information so that they can make informed decisions.
• Sleep strategies can be created that work alongside any feeding plans that families have been given by their healthcare providers.
• Group sessions facilitated by trained staff and/or volunteers will give parents the opportunity to share their struggles and receive peer to peer support, build local connections and make new friends.
• Getting enough sleep is important for staying physically and mentally healthy.
Steps to get it done
- 10 staff and volunteers will complete training on infant sleep
- We will offer one to one sessions for families struggling with infant sleep
- We will offer support via volunteers for sleep within our social groups
- We will offer at least 6 specific sleep information sessions in-person or via zoom
