Support for families

Antenatal and postnatal

A family of two adults and two children smiling at the camera.

Antenatal support

Home-Start Edinburgh Antenatal Support

Home-Start Edinburgh provides antenatal support, including the Antenatal Peep program.
The sessions help parents-to-be to focus on:

  • thinking about their baby, tuning in to their baby's feelings and responding sensitively (also known as a reflective function),
  • understanding the importance of sensitive parenting to developing a loving, consistent and secure attachment,
  • becoming more aware of the social and emotional aspects of the transition to parenthood,
  • managing their own (sometimes difficult) feelings that are aroused by a new baby,
  • reducing the risk to the early parent–infant relationship (by helping to prevent, for example, isolation, anxiety and low-level depression).

Self-referrals are welcome although priority will be given to referrals from partner agencies. 

For more information visit the website, Facebook page or contact

admin@homestartedinburgh.org.uk

0131 553 7819

Crossreach - Pregnancy support group for expecting mothers

A safe supportive group with an opportunity to meet other pregnant mothers and learn about postnatal support. Donations towards the running costs of the group are welcome but not necessary for families on a low income.

For more information email

pnd@crossreach.org.uk

Edinburgh Lothians Twins and Multiples - Antenatal and practical parenting classes

This class currently runs bi-monthly online and costs £5 or is free for low-income families. 

For more information visit their Facebook page or email

antenatal@edinburghtwins.org

Members can also join a Facebook selling page for baby items.

Dads Rock - Free dads antenatal workshops

Dads Rock provides face-to-face and online workshops.

For more information contact

hello@dadsrock.org.uk 

www.dadsrock.org.uk.

07807 498 709.

Dads to Be Course

The Pregnancy and Parent Centre runs this free two-day course created by midwives for expectant dads with lots of discussion, practical advice and workshop activities. This is an invaluable practical course for men who would like to build their confidence around early parenting skills. Sessions will cover the below topics and give plenty of time for questions. 

  • Supporting your partner during labour and birth
  • Baby care –  handling, clothing, dressing, nappy changing, bathing.
  • Life with a baby including coping with crying, sleeping, playing
  • Emotional issues including postnatal depression

Find more information and book a place to attend.

Stepping Stones Pregnancy Café

Stepping Stones Pregnancy Café is free for any pregnant or new parents in North Edinburgh. It's a space to relax and chat with other parents and to get creative. This runs on Tuesdays from 11 am to 1 pm at 

Heart of Newhaven Community, (Previously Victoria Primary School)
Newhaven Main Street,
EH6 4HY

For more information email

info@steppingstonesnorthedinburgh.co.uk.

Bump Start

Bump Start is for pregnant women and their partners in North Edinburgh who need emotional or social support. You can attend from conception through to the early postnatal months. It provides one-to-one support and group work to support the holistic well-being of the family during pregnancy. It enables women to have better experiences in pregnancy and early parenthood. 

Download a referral form.

Edinburgh home birth support group- Pregnancy and Parents Centre

This free group is open to everyone who wishes to find out more about homebirth, support those interested in having a homebirth or who wish to tell their homebirth story to support others with the option. The group meets on the first Sunday of each month from 11 am to1 pm at  

The Parent and Pregnancy Centre
118 Pleasance
EH8 9RT

Find more information and to book a place to attend.

Bumps and Bairns

This perinatal group runs at Dr Bells. The group is for expectant parents and those with newborn babies (up to 6 months). This is an informal group where families can meet over a cuppa and a chat, giving parents a chance to meet other families in a safe space for support and advice. This group meets on Tuesdays at 10 am and is suitable for those in the Leith area.

Book via Eventbrite.

For more information contact

info@dbfc.org.uk

0131 553 0100

Kin PositiviTEA

These bi-monthly sessions are hosted by Kin Collective in partnership with Positive Birth Edinburgh and provide an informal gathering to meet others and discuss all things pregnancy birth and baby. With of course a warm cup of tea! Everyone is welcome. Sessions are free to attend or participants can make a donation to pay it forward. Session run at

Kin Collective
4 Duncan Place
Leith
EH6 8HW

Sessions can be booked via Eventbrite. For more information email

kincollectivecic@gmail.com

Kin SolidariTEA

These bi-monthly sessions are hosted by Kin Collective and provide a postnatal circle to chat, enjoy moments of mindfulness and relax. With of course a warm cup of tea! These sessions are about nurturing and prioritizing you. Sessions are free to attend, or participants can make a donation to pay it forward. Session run at

Kin Collective
4 Duncan Place
Leith
EH6 8HW

Sessions can be booked via Eventbrite.

For more information email

kincollectivecic@gmail.com

Kin Weigh and Stay 

Monthly weigh session, meet other new parents, stay for a chat, refreshments provided. Sessions are free to attend or participants can make a donation to pay it forward. Sessions run at

Kin Collective
4 Duncan Place
Leith
EH6 8HW
Sessions can be booked via Eventbrite.

Ps and Gs Baby Bank

Ps and Gs Baby Bank supports new and expectant parents, particularly those in financial difficulty. It provides a starter pack of essentials for the mum and baby and gives information and support. You can collect your starter pack on a Thursday between 10 am and 11.30 am or 2 pm and 3.30 pm.

For more information email Rachel Cooney at

children@psandgs.org.uk.

One Parent Family Scotland -Baby bank 

The baby bank is open on Mondays from 9:30 am until 12 pm and on Tuesdays from 9:30 am until 4 pm. The bank provides essential baby items to single parents. Period care items are also available. No referrals or booking is required.

Diadem Building of Stenhouse Church (Entrance on Chesser Avenue)
537 Gorgie Road
EH14 1TA

For more information contact

Raji.kelly@opfs.org.uk

07770 350 951

Ready Steady Baby

Ready Steady Baby is an NHS guide for pregnancy, labour and birth.

www.readysteadybaby.org.uk.

Parent and Infant Relationship Service (PAIRS) 

PAIRS works directly with infants and their parents/carers, as well as professionals who support families, to help understand and support the parent and infant relationship. They are a small team from a range of professional backgrounds, all with a shared interest and expertise in infant development and the importance of early relationships. They provide support to parents/carers and their babies during pregnancy and following birth, up to the age of three. Evidence-based tools are used to support parents and carers to better understand the baby’s/infants’ communications and strengthen the relationship. This includes one-to-one and group interventions. Initially, the team will be working with families living in South Edinburgh. All referrals can be made via the health visitor, midwife or FNP nurse who are then offered an initial consultation. 

Useful resources for families and professionals on supporting the parent and infant relationship can be found on their website.

Post-natal depression support

Juno pre and postnatal parents peer support sessions

These are support sessions for mums who are suffering or have suffered post-natal depression. They provide a relaxed time for people to chat and gain advice and support. They take place in a face-to-face group setting on Tuesdays fortnightly from 10.30 am to 12 pm at

LifeCare 
2 Cheyne Street
Stockbridge
EH4 1JB

Alternatively, you can join an online Zoom group on Mondays from 8 pm to 9 pm. 

Book your place at least 24 hours before by emailing

juno.enquiries@gmail.com

For more information visit the Facebook page.

Crossreach- Perinatal Services 

CrossReach Perinatal Services offers support to parents and families expecting a child or living with a child under two years of age. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties during pregnancy or in early parenthood and finding it hard to cope sometimes these challenges can lead to difficult feelings, they are able to support you. The Specialist Perinatal Team offers different types of support that might suit you, including one-to-one counselling, perinatal relaxation, art therapy, therapy groups, family therapy and infant massage.  Support is delivered from two city centre premises as well as remotely by phone and video calls.

For more information contact

pnd@crossreach.org.uk

0131 220 2488

Dads Rock- Free perinatal support for dads

Dads Rock provides one-to-one support for new dads and dads-to-be experiencing anxiety or depression, having difficulty bonding with their baby, struggling with relationships or feeling isolated. A dad's WhatsApp group is also available.

For more information visit the website or contact

hello@dadsrock.org.uk 

07807 498 709. 

www.dadsrock.org.uk 

Breastfeeding support

Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies

Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies is a free and friendly breastfeeding peer support group. It runs weekly in-person drop-in groups, provides peer support in the Postnatal wards, in the Birth Centre and the Neonatal Unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and offers online one-to-one peer support by appointment. 

Weekly Drop-in groups run on: 

Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm at Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, EH14 3JF and 

Thursdays 10.30 am to 11.30 am at Cameron House Community Education Centre, EH16 5EU.

1:1 Online Peer Support is available seven days a week, by appointment, at a time that works best for you. Please register for an appointment.

For more information email 

lothian.peers@nct.org.uk

Pilton Community Health Project Breastfeeding Buddies

A drop-in group focusing on encouraging and supporting local breastfeeding mums (or mums-to-be who are thinking about breastfeeding) living in Muirhouse, Wester Drylaw, West Pilton, Granton, Royston and Wardieburn. Supported and delivered in partnership with Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies on Thursdays 1 pm to 2.15 pm at

Pilton Community Health Project
73 Boswall Parkway
EH5 2PL

For more information visit the website or contact

sallyfindlay@pchp.org.uk

07518 756 330

Breastfeeding support group- The Parent and Pregnancy Centre 

This group meets each Wednesday at 10am to 12 pm at

The Parent and Pregnancy Centre
118 Pleasance
EH8 9RT
 
For more information and to book a place to attend visit the website.

La Leche League Edinburgh online antenatal classes

These two free sessions help parents prepare to breastfeed, and link to support and a community of breastfeeding families. Visit the website.

La Leche League Edinburgh's free breastfeeding support

This is run by volunteers and each meeting is facilitated by a skilled breastfeeding counsellor. The group meets online every Friday at 10.30 am and on the first Saturday of the month at 11 am. Face-to-face meetings run monthly at the Cornerstone Centre, LifeCare Centre, Bulleuch Free Church and Gilmerton Community Centre. Some outdoor meetings also run and one-to-one breastfeeding support is also available. For more information and to join a session visit the website.

NCT Edinburgh Branch

This group is run by parent volunteers who arrange free and low-cost events for parents to access support and information. We host informal coffee mornings and walks to give parents a chance to meet each other. 

For more information visit the website, Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Breastfeeding helplines

  • NCT Infant Feeding is available between 8 am and midnight by phoning 0300 330 0700 and pressing option one
  • Breastfeeding Network is available between 9.30 am and 9.30 pm by phoning 0300 100 0210
  • National Breastfeeding is available between 9.30 am and 9.30 pm by phoning 0300 100 0212
  • La Leche League is available between 8 am and 11 pm by phoning 0345 120 2918

Breastfeeding Advice

For more information and advice on breastfeeding visit www.feedgood.scot or this page

Baby massage

Home-Start Edinburgh Baby massage support

Home Start delivers baby massage sessions to new parents to improve confidence and promote positive mental health and attachment. Sessions focus on the benefits of touch and communication to support bonding and attachment. Sessions are delivered by trained staff members and volunteers in groups or on a one-to-one basis. The sessions are most appropriate for parents and carers with babies aged 6 weeks to 6 months. The groups are held in community venues for families in South East, South West, North West and North East Edinburgh. Self-referrals are welcome, although priority will be given to referrals from partner agencies.

For more information visit the website, and Facebook page or contact


admin@homestartedinburgh.org.uk

0131 553 7819
 

Circle Haven- Baby massage

This six-week course is for parents with babies 6 weeks plus.  Baby Massage has many health benefits for babies such as relief for colic and constipation as well as promoting bonding and communication with babies. Sessions run on Mondays at 10 am at 

The Haven
Craigroyston Primary School
Muirhouse Place West
EH4 4PX 

For more information on booking a place, contact

julie.calder@circle.scot

 07703 714766

Baby Massage with Dr. Bell’s Family Centre

This is a four-week course allowing Leith's parents to relax and enjoy this special time with their baby. It is suitable for babies from six weeks up until crawling. The course runs on Wednesdays at 10 am and requires a referral from a health professional or support worker. 

To sign up contact

info@dbfc.org.uk

0131 553 0100.

Weaning

Edinburgh Community Food- Weaning Workshops

These workshops are aimed at parents and carers who are introducing foods to their babies for the first time, the workshop looks at:

• signs of readiness to look out for
• what first foods to start with and how to progress through food groups and textures
• tips for preventing fussy eating in later life
• lots of recipes to try
• chat with other parents and carers with babies the same age

For information on the next workshop contact 

Circle Haven Baby Weaning

This baby brunch group provides parents and babies with healthy food, advice and information on weaning each week. Sessions run for parents and babies 6 months plus in North West Edinburgh on Tuesdays from 12.30 pm to 2 pm at 

The Haven
Craigroyston Primary School
Muirhouse Place West
EH4 4PX 

For more information or to book a place contact

julie.calder@circle.scot

 07703 714766

B Healthy Together- Good food for little ones

This is a five-week weaning course that includes cooking sessions for parents of babies in South West Edinburgh. A creche is provided for babies so mums can relax and focus on the course. The course runs twice a year on Thursdays from 11 am to 12.30 pm at

Gate55
55 Sighthill Road
EH11 4PB

To book a place contact Alicja Wypasek at

alicja@bhealthytogether.org.uk

Buggy walks

Edinburgh Buggy Walks

Edinburgh Buggy Walks offer free, friendly and attractive walks for new parents to enjoy with their baby. The walks help prevent social isolation, offer a structured way to get out in the fresh air, exercise and an opportunity to gain confidence by meeting up with other new parents. Each walk lasts around an hour, with a baby-friendly cafe or community centre at the end. There are walks in different locations around Edinburgh and a dedicated Dads Walks at the Meadows. 

Find the full details of each walk on Meetup 

Up-to-date information is listed on Facebook and Instagram.

Buggy Fit with Dr Bells

A weekly outdoor buggy fitness class for parents in the Leith area. Sessions take place each Thursday at Pilrig Park. Suitable for families with children under 1. To participate you must have had your postpartum check by a healthcare professional. Book via Eventbrite.

For more information contact

info@dbfc.org.uk

0131 553 0100.

B Healthy Together BuggyGym

This post-natal class is for mums with babies in South West. The group meets on Thursdays from 9.30 am to 10.30 am at

Gate 55
55 Sighthill Road
EH11 4PB

To book a place contact

alicja@bhealthytogether.org.uk

Motherwalk - Pregnancy and Parents Centre

Motherwalk is a free walking group for mums with babies under six months old. The group meets on Thursdays between 11 am and 12.30 pm - booking is required. Local Meadows walks are led by a skilled facilitator. For more information and booking visit the website

Baby groups

Circle Haven's Baby Sensory project

Baby sensory groups are for parents in North West Edinburgh and their babies from six weeks to six months. This group introduces babies to sensory materials which help to stimulate the senses, as well as arts and crafts with parents and singing. 

The Haven
Craigroyston Primary School
Muirhouse Place West
EH4 4PX 
 
For more information or to book a place contact 

julie.calder@circle.scot

07703 714 766.   

Stepping Stones Baby Steps Group 

A group for parents who have a child aged 6 months to 1 year. Sessions are delivered over 8 weeks and cover a variety of topics such as weaning, sensory play, infant first, sleep and child development topics. Sessions run on Thursdays from 1 pm to 2.30 pm at

Stepping Stones 
G3 Inchgarvie Court
Ferry Road Drive 
EH4 4DA

For more information or to attend visit the Facebook group or contact

0131 551 1632

Info@steppingstonesnorthedinburgh.co.uk 

 

Peep Learning Together 

Peep provides you the chance to explore activities with your little one to promote the bond between you both. It is an opportunity to discuss topics surrounding development and the benefits these provide to your little one, whilst having the chance to socialise with other parents and carers.

Home-Start Edinburgh Peep Learning Together

This Peep Learning Together Programme focuses on singing storytelling and activities you can do in the home to support your baby’s learning and development and enhance your relationships.

Peep Learning Together Programme is delivered in 5 themes:

  • personal, social and emotional development
  • communication and language
  • early literacy
  • early numeracy
  • health and physical development

Sessions are delivered by trained and supported staff members and volunteers in groups or on a 1-1 basis. Groups are run for parents/carers with babies from 4 months and parents/ carers with toddlers. Groups are held in community venues for families in South East, South West, North West and North East Edinburgh. Self-referrals are welcome although priority will be given to referrals from partner agencies.

For more information visit the website and Facebook page or contact 

admin@homestartedinburgh.org.uk

0131 553 7819.

Peep Learning Together Sessions - Babies

These Peep Learning Together sessions are run by Lifelong Learning for parents and carers and their babies and toddlers in South East Edinburgh. Peep sessions share simple ways of supporting your child’s learning and development in everyday life, whilst connecting with others. You can make a real difference by talking, singing, sharing books and playing together. You and your child can make friends, have fun and share ideas. No need to book. Free sessions for parents and babies aged up to one-year-old run on Mondays from 1 pm to 2 pm from the 25th of September 2023 until the 11th of December 2023 at 

Southside Community Centre
117 Nicolson Street
EH8 9ER

For more information contact 

0131 667 0484

Melinda.peto@ea.edin.sch.uk

And on Fridays from 9.30 am to 10.30 am from 20th September 2023 until 8th December 2023 at

Pentland Community Centre
Oxgangs Braew
EH13 9LS

For more information contact

0131 445 2871

Melinda.peto@ea.edin.sch.uk

Motherspace - Pregnancy and Parents Centre

This is a social meet-up space for mums with babies under six months old. They meet on Mondays between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm at

188-192 Pleasance
EH8 9RT.

Booking is required and the sessions are facilitated by a qualified post-natal worker. For more information and to join visit the website. 

Ready Steady Toddler

This is an NHS hands-on guide to help you through the toddler years. For more information visit the website.