Doncaster Health Visiting Service offers a variety of health-led, free playgroups and parenting classes based in family hubs, schools, and community halls. These groups provide a safe space for families with young children to receive the support they need.
Why playgroups are great for babies, toddlers, and parents:
- Social interaction: Playgroups give babies and toddlers the chance to interact with others their age, helping them understand and adapt to different situations.
- Confidence building: Socialising in these groups encourages confidence, which is vital for children’s development as they grow.
- Meeting other parents: Playgroups provide a supportive environment for parents to connect, share ideas, and make friendships with others who may be facing similar challenges.
- Mental and physical needs: These groups offer valuable stimulation for babies and toddlers, supporting their mental and physical development.
- Head start for pre-school: Attending playgroups prepares children for pre-school, giving them a strong foundation for future learning and socialisation.
For further information about our groups please visit Doncaster health visitors Facebook (opens in new window) or call 0300 021 8997 to speak to a health professional.
Antenatal parenting classes
Doncaster Health Visiting Service offers antenatal classes online via Microsoft Teams and in-person across the Doncaster region. These classes are available to all pregnant women, their partners, and supporters. If you’re interested, ask your health visitor or family hub for more information.
Antenatal classes help prepare you for your baby’s birth and teach you how to care for and feed your baby. They provide advice on staying healthy during pregnancy and build confidence in your ability to manage the changes ahead. The classes cover different options for labour and birth, helping you to create your own birth plan.
In addition to the practical benefits, antenatal classes offer a social opportunity, allowing you to meet others in your area who are experiencing similar journeys through pregnancy and early parenthood.
The classes include:
- support for you and your baby throughout pregnancy and birth
- understanding your baby in the womb
- exploring the stages of labour for you and your baby
- guidance on supporting both you and your baby during labour and birth
- information on feeding your baby
Breast start
Our breast start groups run weekly at various venues across Doncaster. For more information, speak to your Health Visitor, a member of our Health Promotion team, or contact us through the Doncaster Health Visitors Facebook page (opens in new window) or phone 0300 021 8997.
Life with a new baby is full of surprises, and you may have questions and concerns, even if it’s not your first child. Breast start groups are a great way to make new friends, get accurate breastfeeding advice, and share experiences of feeding and caring for your baby. Experienced professionals are available to offer support and tips on baby and family health.
In the group, you can:
- meet other breastfeeding mums in a friendly and relaxed environment
- build confidence with breastfeeding, including breastfeeding in public
- discuss breastfeeding and parenting topics
- receive professional advice and support
- access health advice and a listening ear when needed
First friends
First Friends is a supportive programme for mums with babies from birth to when their baby starts crawling. It offers a welcoming environment where mums can:
- receive advice on healthy baby brain development
- engage in interactive and safe play activities
- get tailored emotional and practical support to ease the transition into parenthood
- build confidence through responsive parenting guidance
- form connections with other parents and share experiences
It’s a great opportunity to create lasting friendships, learn together, and support each other in those early months. First friends is available at various venues across Doncaster, just ask your local family hub or health visiting team for more details.
Page last reviewed: January 30, 2025
Next review due: January 30, 2026
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