Minding the baby

Helping young, vulnerable first-time mums cope with the pressures of having a baby

'Babies are most vulnerable in the first few months of their life.

Our 'Minding the Baby' programme is offered to young, first-time mums who are struggling with problems such as depression, homelessness, poverty or violent relationships.

The main focus of the service is to develop secure attachment relationships between mum and baby, and increase a parentâ€™s ability to reflect on their childâ€™s needs and development.

Giving intensive support to mums in the crucial early years

Supporting young mums and dads who are struggling to cope with parenthood is one of the ways to give babies the best possible chance in life. It also means children need fewer support services as they get older.

NSPCC social workers and health practitionerâ€™s work in pairs to visit new, first-time mums aged 14 to 25, and develop long term therapeutic alliances with high risk families.

Weekly home visits start in the seventh month of pregnancy and continue up to the childâ€™s first birthday, reducing to fortnightly visits until the child is two years old.

These mums may also have suffered abuse or neglect in their own childhood. As well as providing practical support like feeding tips, help with housing or financial advice, the workers will help mums who are struggling emotionally.

Pioneering the service in the UK

Getting help to parents and babies early can make a big difference to their lives - and to society as a whole.

'Minding the Baby' is a pioneering service in the UK as it is delivered by practitioners who work as a pair with families â€“ social workers and health practitioners visit alternative weeks for two and a half years.