New monthly group Cuddly Cubs Parenting Hub comes to Congleton
A new monthly get-together will help improve parent-baby relations in Congleton, and boost local baby businesses.
Cuddly Cubs The Parenting Hub will meet at the start of each month at Congleton Cricket Club.
The morning event hopes to be a one stop shop with a lot of different services that new parents can benefit from.
There is the Congleton Sling Library, where you can try out different types of slings for you and your baby.
As slings and carriers aren't a 'one size fits all' having a local library means people get to find the perfect solution for their needs. The library allows people to try a wide range of options.
There's also infant feeding support with an international world certified lactation consultant.
It also covers all of the situations where a mum might not be feeding herself, and may need to be feeding other kinds of milk or donor milk.
It is also a chance for Congleton mums, dads and little ones to socialise in an open, friendly environment.
Clare Watson and Nicolle Higginbotham are behind the new endeavour.
The two already run their open niche baby businesses Milkwitch Lactation and Congleton Sling Library respectively, so decided to join forces to become stronger together.
"I run the sling library via drop-in sessions at Congleton, Biddulph, Leek and Crewe," said Nicolle.
"I offer 1:1 consultations in the comfort of peoples homes as mother and baby are more calm in their own environment.
"I said to my friend Clare why not come along with me to network, and now we have built up a community to have more of a permanent hub in Congleton where people can come and get what they need and meet parents in similar situations.
"It is amazing to have a space to meet like-minded parents in a one-stop shop for early parenting needs.
"We're both mothers ourselves, and whilst you can go to your health visitor, midwife or 'Dr Google', nothing reassures you as much as speaking to another mum or dad that has been through the same thing as you."
"We'll be there every month," Congleton resident Clare added.
"We're next meeting at 10am on Friday March 3.
"As well as trying out our services and being able to book us for private consultations, we are inviting other local baby businesses to come as special guests.
"This is so they can reach a new clientbase. And they will promote us in return.
"Next month, we have Gina from Cheshire Impressions [of Victoria Mill, Foundry Bank in Congleton]. Previous special guests have included a will guy, Victoria from the YogaTree, a toddler swimming coach and finally the baby clothes swap."
The monthly meet costs just £6, and lasts for two hours.
You can pay cash or card for the monthly event, however cash is preferred to best support these independent Congleton businesswomen.
"The Cricket Club is a wonderful venue for this, as in the summer we can host it on the lawn outside," added Nicolle.
"We've got our families involved too. My mum is on the door, and is always available for baby cuddles.
'From my expertise, you can hire the slings and carriers of all shapes and sizes, so you can get a feel for what suits best for you and your baby.
"Cuddly Cubs is born from a love and passion of attachment parenting.
"Babies who are carried more cry less, allowing them to learn more and take in their surroundings, noises, smells. Slings can allow you to take care of your baby and give it the attention it needs, while also doing other things.
"Say if you've got a toddler or dog or relative to look after too, you can have that skin-to-skin baby bonding contact with a sling while also multi-tasking as well, making things less stressful for everyone. It is amazing.
"As human beings we are a carried species. When babies are put down their immediate reaction is to cry, they think they're going to be attacked or eaten. This is cave man instinct and they settle when we pick them up. We are designed to carry our young.
"That closeness releases a hormone called oxytocin, but it also allows brain connections to flourish.
"Because our babies are so immature when they are first born, a lot of their brain development happens in the first two years. So the more oxytocin that goes around their bodies, the more safe and secure they will feel in the long-term.
"It helps to establish the breastfeeding as the oxytocin releases the milk. It can also help the mum stave off post-natal depression. Slings also make things easier on your hands. So why wouldn't you want to try out a sling?"
"I went through quite a traumatic birth with my eldest. If it wasn't for the knowledge I had about slings and breastfeeding, I wouldn't have be able to bond with him in the way I do now."
Multi-talented mum Clare is Cuddly Cub's breast-feeding guru. You may also know Clare from Congleton craft company Knotting Special,
She explained what she can offer to Congleton mums through the new Congleton Cricket Club group.
"I cover all of the situations where a mum might not be feeding herself, and may need to be feeding other kinds of milk or donor milk," she explained.
"I share tips for bottle feeding, when you start introducing solids, and anything to do with infant development as well.
"I have full knowledge about infants sleep and a lot of issues that mum or baby might have.
"We cover a broad range of subjects at the hub. You can have an informal chat with my about any type of issue to do with feeding.
"I also have baby scales you can use, as some parents struggle to find somewhere where they can weigh their baby.
"Knowing your baby's weight can help track feeding progress, and also identify any potential health issues."
With ten more meet-ups planned this year, Clare and Nicolle hope to help hundreds of newborns and parents in the Congleton area.
"We all lead busy lives. But by having all these resources in one place, once a month, it makes life a little easier for everyone," concluded Nicolle.
Congleton: Follow Cuddly Cubs The Parenting Hub on Facebook.
They next meet at 10am on Friday March 3. RSVP here.
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