The network of childcare workers in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and the UDAFs in Côte-d’Or, Doubs and Saône-et-Loire are launching the “parents’ circles” this weekend. These groups offer, free of charge, to take time for oneself and discuss topics such as sleep or baby food.
The first 1000 days are where it all begins. This campaign initiated by the State Secretariat for Children and Families offers a website and an application for young parents.
In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, the “parent circles” project is one of the 190 to have received the label from the ministry. He proposes three free support sessions, on themes determined by the participants, fathers and mothers. The premieres take place this weekend in Dijon, Besançon and Chalon-sur-Saône.
As soon as the creation of these appointments was announced, Elodie Emo, childcare nurse and project manager, received dozens of calls from mothers who feel the need to talk after the birth of their baby, the first appointments in January and February are already almost complete. ” There are no perfect parents. Between theory and reality, it’s not the same. Podcasts, social networks, it can help, but nothing replaces real exchanges “. These groups will meet in a small committee of 3 or 4 families.
Among the first to register, a single mother who has “ need a valve so as not to crack. Others question the generalities heard, such as ” no screen for three years ” Where “ no spanking “. Many questions are also related to sleep, food, breastfeeding support or emotional management.
« It must be admitted that until then there was a certain pride in silencing these questions “says Elodie Emo. Co-founder of ” myjollyfamily ” which offers paid consultations, she is delighted with the support by the ARS, the Regional Health Agency, of three free two-hour sessions, distributed over the first two years, when the parents need them.
Many women are victims of depression after childbirth, often around six weeks of baby, but the blues can come back.
The “parents’ circles” do not replace other existing services such as PMI centers, Maternal and Child Protection, public services managed by the departments. Only 15% of families use it. ” Midwives and paediatricians know how to listen too, but consultations don’t last as long. It’s sometimes difficult to find the place to empty your bag and admit that it’s hard to be a parent. One in two believe they are not sufficiently supported, according to a recent report published by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health ».
For other difficult moments in life, structures exist such as the teenage house from Dijon.
Dijon inaugurates the “parents’ circles” on Saturday morning, on appointment. They will take place in early childhood relays, midwifery offices or even multi-professional centres.
To make an appointment, you can contact UDAF21, the departmental union of family associations, which carries the project. You can contact Elodie Emo directly at 0698897462.
If many moms have already shown up, dads are of course also welcome!
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