Having a baby can be very joyful, but it can also be challenging. All families need some help to give their babies the best start in life.
After your baby is born, your midwife will support you for about 10 days. Around 2-3 weeks later, your health visitor will come to see you. Learning to understand your baby can be tough, but your health visitor can help. They’ll support you until your child starts school.
Our start for life and family hubs offer booklet shows all the support available in Portsmouth for the first few months and beyond.
Home-Start Portsmouth and Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Healthcare run this session for families with children up to nine months old. It helps you connect with your child after birth using the Solihull Approach.
You need to book in advance. For details on upcoming sessions, visit Home-Start Portsmouth website, or email familyhubchampions@hsportsmouth.org.uk.
The Parenting Network runs this four-week course to help you bond with your baby and learn baby massage techniques.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit The Parenting Network website.
The Breastfeeding Network Support in Portsmouth.
Our team of peer supporters and volunteers are here to help you throughout your feeding journey. Whether you’re pregnant, combination feeding, expressing, exclusively breastfeeding, chestfeeding, have a newborn or toddler, ending your breastfeeding journey, or need to talk about a previous journey, we’re here for you. Everyone is welcome.
All our support is free, and we offer both virtual and face-to-face options:
For our antenatal sessions or to request 1:1 breastfeeding support via Zoom, email bfnsouthcoast@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
For 1:1 Zoom requests, please include a brief outline of your questions or concerns and the first half of your postcode. Our team will aim to reply within 48 hours
Our timetable of support differs between term time and school holidays. We no longer require booking for face-to-face groups—just drop in.
Timetable
Monday
Our support schedule may change, so please check our social media accounts for updates.
Our timetable of support during school holidays will be shared weekly on our social media pages. Please check for any changes.
The National Breastfeeding Helpline is also available 365 days a year 0300 100 0212
Drop in to see an infant feeding specialist to support your breastfeeding journey. This service is provided by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Solent NHS Trust, with support from The Breastfeeding Network. You can get help with increasing breastmilk for longer breastfeeding and safe formula feeding.
The sessions are available:
Around six months, your baby is ready to start solid foods along with breast or formula feeding. The Parenting Network runs a relaxed and informal workshop to help you make the best choices for you and your baby.
You need to book in advance.
To book, please visit The Parenting Network website.
Home-Start Portsmouth runs this session for parents to meet other parents and families with children aged 0-5.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit the Home-Start Portsmouth website.
Home-Start Portsmouth runs this session for children with special educational needs and their families.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit the Home-Start Portsmouth website.
Home-Start Portsmouth runs a play session for LGBTQ+ families.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit the Home-Start Portsmouth website.
Home-Start Portsmouth runs a play session for Polish families.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit the Home-Start Portsmouth website.
The Parenting Network runs a stay and play group for the whole family.
You need to book in advance.
To book, please visit The Parenting Network website.
The Parenting Network runs a stay and play group for mums aged up to 25.
You need to book in advance.
To book, please visit The Parenting Network website.
There’s also a Young Mums’ Club every Tuesday, 10-11:30am at Beacon View Primary Academy in Paulsgrove.
The Parenting Network runs fun and creative weekend groups for dads and father figures.
You need to book in advance.
To book, please visit The Parenting Network website.
There’s also a Dadzclub coffee morning every Monday, 9-10am at Beacon View Primary Academy in Paulsgrove.
Connor’s Toy Library runs a play and toy loan session for families. It costs £3 per family.
Groups run during term-time and you don’t need to book.
For more information, visit the Connors Toy Library website.
Families In Mind runs this group to support parents’ emotional wellbeing after having a baby.
Sessions are delivered in six-week blocks and alternate (every six weeks) between Family Hubs.
To learn more or express interest in attending, email the Specialist Health Visiting Team or call 0300 123 6629.
Families In Mind runs this group to support parents with the transition to parenthood.
Sessions are delivered in six-week blocks and alternate (every six weeks) between Family Hubs.
To learn more or express interest in attending, please email the Specialist Health Visiting Team or call 0300 123 6629.
This invite-only session is for families already receiving support from the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service, provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Solent NHS Trust runs this session for anyone struggling with low mood, anxiety, or fatigue. Therapists and researchers offer talking therapies to help you cope and feel better.
To book, email Buckland Family Hub or call 023 9288 2588.
The Parenting Network runs an evening of peer-led discussions for dads to share experiences and tools to improve their journey of fatherhood.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit The Parenting Network website.
Your health visitor might set up appointments at the Family Hubs. You can also find lots of support on Family Assist, an online platform with a wide range of information and resources for parents, their friends, and families.
Some sessions are still part of our Start for Life offer but are held at other venues outside of family hubs. These include:
The Parenting Network runs this session for dads and father figures to meet over coffee.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit The Parenting Network website.
The Parenting Network runs a stay and play group for mums aged up to 25.
You need to book in advance.
To book, visit The Parenting Network website.
Check our Family Hubs timetables to find out what classes, support, and events are available to you.
