It’s been 5 years this summer since three local breastfeeding practitioners came together to form a new charity called Baby Umbrella. They had a very simple dream: a safe place where every local family was welcomed with open arms as they landed in the chaos of new parenthood.
Having supported local parents for years, they knew only too well the distress and overwhelm that difficult births, feeding journeys or experiences in early parenthood could bring. They were frustrated with underfunded, unpredictable services and unreliable information. Covid happened and, shockingly, birthing parents were afforded fewer rights than pub-goers and critical face to face postnatal support was shut down overnight. They were galvanised to do something and Baby Umbrella was born.
Since 2020, Baby Umbrella has supported over 4,500 local families, providing a lifeline of time, kindness and trustworthy expertise to new parents across West Kent. Parents come in pain, worried about their baby’s feeding or behaviour, or just feeling ‘not themselves’, and we always aim for them to leave with a little more hope and some options on routes forward.
Every parent is welcome in our services which are all accessible for free, and they can visit as often as they like. Tears are shed, successes are celebrated, brownies are shared, and there’s always tea and more tea! Many firsts happen here – first latches, first pain-free feeds, first outings alone with baby, first connections with other parents, the first time someone asks how are you, really? Over time, many of our once unsure and vulnerable visitors become supporters themselves, either informally in conversation with other parents, or through joining us as volunteers or undertaking Peer Supporter training. Many will go on to fundraise for us or even join our charity as trustees.
If you’re reading this, would you like to be part of our movement to support local families? Why not come along to one of our groups, or join us as a volunteer or fundraiser.
This summer we’re excited to be holding a family-friendly 5th Birthday Celebration in Otford on Saturday August 2nd 10am-1pm. Featuring fun and games, taster sessions, and delicious brownies and ice cream, it’s a great way to find out more and we are inviting our whole community. We hope to see you there!
Find out more about our services or RSVP to our Summer Party at babyumbrella.org.uk
Jennie, Karen & Laura – Baby Umbrella Founders
