Support for vulnerable new mums

With the right support, being pregnant and becoming a mum can be an incredibly exciting time in a woman’s life. If, however, a woman is experiencing hardship, having a baby can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s where The Babes Project in Frankston can help.

It was founded in 2009 by Helen Parker, who had her own experience of crisis during pregnancy in 1999. "I just needed someone to tell me that I could be a parent, and then show me how to do it," she said. Eleven weeks after Helen's daughter was born, a couple took them into their home. “They taught me about love, about family, and showed me that my daughter and I could be a family and have a great future without being defined by my circumstances.”

Helen realised she wasn’t the only woman walking a path to motherhood alone and overwhelmed, so she created The Babes Project to show women what’s possible with the right support.

The Babes Project came to the Peninsula in 2014 after research showed that some of the most acute need for perinatal support in Victoria was in the southeast. “We piloted an outreach program without a pregnancy support centre, confirming how great the need for our work was in the area and how impactful it could be here. We crowdfunded in 2015 to open on O'Grady Ave in Frankston in 2016. It is our second centre of three.”

The Babes Project works with women referred by other service providers, social workers, or a family member or friend who has identified that they need support preparing for and entering motherhood. Women referred to The Babes Project are experiencing difficult circumstances such as family breakdown, domestic and family violence, homelessness, addiction, isolation, and mental health issues.

The Babes Project delivers a proven perinatal program from any stage in pregnancy through to one year after a baby's birth. The program includes support such as assisting women to address challenging circumstances in their life, engaging with other healthcare and support agencies, and workshops teaching life skills and baby care. And importantly, the program provides women with a safe and nurturing space to plan a different future for their family. While participating in The Babes Project, women have access to midwives and can apply for other programs including material aid and labour support.

There is no cost to participate in the perinatal program that has been developed by a wide range of professionals in health care and midwifery, psychology, social work, and parental education. Volunteers are trained as pregnancy support workers to deliver the program. The Babes Project is funded purely through philanthropy and grants so it is always looking for financial support to continue its important work.

One program participant said: "I've been supported by the Babes like they're family, helping guide me through all things pregnancy and baby/mum life. They've given me confidence, guidance, and reassurance on my journey into motherhood. The Babes Project is the community I needed.”

For more information or to contact The Babes Foundation, visit its website at www.thebabesproject. com.au