A space for warmth and connection: our Wednesday Baby Group
This September, we opened a special Wednesday baby group at Michael Hall for parents and carers with babies up to crawling.
My intention was to create a warm, held space for families, with a spacious rhythm to settle into and time to simply be together. Holding this group and the parents within it is particularly close to my heart as I feel passionate about supporting families through the postpartum season and recognising the importance of being held and nurtured during this time.
We begin each session with a warm cup of tea and a moment of grounding. Slowing down our breath, taking a moment to arrive, settling the nervous system and checking in with ourselves. This small ritual sets the tone for the session, offering a transition from the busyness of everyday life into a space where there is no rush and nothing that needs to be achieved.
Alongside this, I bring the perspective and practices of the Pikler approach into our sessions, sharing insights into infant development and creating opportunities for parents to practise attentive, unhurried observation. We make space to notice each baby’s individual journey, their emerging abilities and the many little changes that unfold from week to week.
There is also room for deeper conversations and questions around infant development and the experience of parenthood. These conversations are an important part of our time together: a chance to share experiences, explore questions and feel less alone in the many transitions that come with welcoming and caring for a new baby.
It is such a joy to witness the babies changing each week, each one unfolding in their own time and in their own way.
As the morning continues, we gather around the table for more tea, fresh bread and conversation. It is nourishment in more ways than one, an opportunity to replenish ourselves, connect with one another and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing food and company.
We close our sessions together on the floor, with singing, gentle rhymes and playful interactions with the babies. Some of our songs and games are inspired by the work of Wilma Ellersiek, whose beautiful approach to gesture games and movement brings a special quality to these shared moments.
Our Wednesday baby group is a rich and nurturing space for both babies and their grown-ups. A place to pause, to connect, to observe and to share the experiences of early parenthood. A little pocket of time in the week to be held in community, while the babies are held in our care.
If you are interested in joining please complete our booking form here . We would love to welcome you and your baby.
Anna Schmidt
Parent and Child Teacher
