Ballarat families are learning specific sleep and settling information for their babies as part of a new program.
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The City of Ballarat's maternal and child health sleep and settling information groups is a free program currently being offered to parents.
The state government funded initiative is playing a crucial role in helping to support families with early parenting and organisers say the outcome has been extremely positive so far.
The City of Ballarat has provided specific sleep and settling training for the MCH nurse team, venue support and the promotion and communication of the sleep and settling information groups with families.
The sessions give parents information and choices on baby's sleep patterns and how sleep works, and how to link that to the baby's development. Parents can use the information to suit their family.
City of Ballarat deputy mayor Amy Johnson encouraged parents to join the program.
"The MCH sleep and settling information groups program is critical to any parent needing the knowledge and assistance to settle their child," Cr Johnson said.
"Whether understanding typical sleep patterns, or more detail on child settling behaviours relative to their child's development, the program offers a range of strategies that will help optimise sleep habits for babies and young children."
- Amy Johnson
The sessions are targeted to two key age groups, six to12-month-old babies and 18 and 24-month-old toddlers, and the free sessions run for up to 90 minutes.
City of Ballarat community wellbeing director Matthew Wilson said the MCH program had followed specific advice from the Chief Health Officer relating to the continuation of offering parent groups during the pandemic.
Where COVID-19 has prevented attendance in person, participants have been given the option of completing an online session which has turned out to be a more tailored session for parents.
"Whether in person or even online during the pandemic, increasing the support in early parenting through building the knowledge of a child's sleep patterns can significantly influence a family's wellbeing," Mr Wilson said.
"Early feedback to the maternal and child health program has been outstanding with nothing but praise for the service delivery and results."
MCH sleep and settling Information groups remain open for bookings with dates and details available from the City of Ballarat website.
Where possible, sessions will be offered in a face-to-face forum from Lucas Community Hub site. To get the most out of the sessions, it is advised parents only join.
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