A NEW baby club has launched to help support parents in Taunton and the surrounding areas.

Our Baby Club was founded four years ago by Victoria Warnes.

The classes in Taunton began in February 2022, with the aim of supporting parents during pregnancy and beyond.

Organiser of Our Baby Club Taunton classes, Zoe Thomas, said she became interested in helping others after she became a first-time mum in August 2020.

"I felt very alone when I became a first time mum in August 2020," said Zoe, who is a FEDANT accredited antenatal educator.

"I had very little support from maternity services, due to the strains on midwives, and the many restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"All these things empowered me and gave me the courage to do something better, and that was to become a part of the modern antenatal revolution.

"I wanted to provide a service to new mums, dads, siblings and grandparents so that they don't feel unsupported and alone just like I did.

"Postnatal depression is on the rise for both mums and dads, and this is something I feel very passionate about supporting. I really do feel that parents and families of today deserve better."

At the moment, Zoe is hosting one-to-one sessions at her home in North Petherton.

Her group classes will be held at The Walnut Tree Hotel in North Petherton.

"Our antenatal and postnatal classes are there to support you every step of the way, so you feel practically prepared for your new arrival," Zoe added.

"At Our Baby Club we inform you of the most up to date evidence based research, so that women, partners and their families are fully aware of all the choices they are entitled to.

"We fully support your physical and emotional well-being, which is why we provide classes to suit all, we truly believe in you making the choices, and feeling confident about the choices you make.

"Our classes have zero judgment, they are informed yet informal and ensure that your journey into parenthood starts off the best way. As a birth and parent coach, I will provide continuous support when you really need it most, through out your pregnancy, right through to when your baby has arrived.

"My role is to support, empower and guide families, which is why it is super important that new parents know there is support out there and that they really do deserve the best as they embark upon this wonderful journey as parents."

Zoe currently provides the following classes:

  • Birth and early days preparation course for first time parents (five sessions)
  • "Then there were two... or more" refresher courses for families that are expanding (three sessions)
  • Grandparents rewind class (two sessions)
  • Early days sanctuary postnatal course (four week course)

All classes include an afternoon tea and a goody bag. There is also the option to take part in paediatric first aid alongside each of the courses.

To find out more visit ourbabyclub.com/taunton.