Mums benefit from new support network

NEW and expecting mothers now have access to a local service hub with the launch of the Bellarine Mums Support Network.

Envisaged as ‘a village for mums and mums-to-be’, the group was set up to connect mums with local help rather than having to make the trip to larger centres like Geelong.

The group’s first meeting provided presentations on how a doula, a pelvic floor physio and a personal trainer can help them in their journey.

“The main aim of these events is to create a network of trusted referrers that mums feel confident accessing, knowing that we will be working together to support them through multiple aspects of their care,” said Ocean Grove physiotherapist Alex Humphrys, a founding member of the group.

Meeting for the first time in early April, Ms Humphrys said interest in the service has already exceeded expectations and it has now joined forces with BirthCo, a live online directory for caregiving services across Australia.

The group has also managed to secure a more permanent meeting site at the Whitehouse in Barwon Heads.

“We want the Bellarine Mums Support Network to be a place women can turn to for advice when they know they need help but are not quite sure what kind of services they need to be seeking for a given problem, so that they don’t go ‘oh it’s too hard’ and give up on prioritising themselves and their health,” Ms Humphrys said.