just for mums?


There are loads of absolutely brilliant parenting/mum groups out there and this is in no way meant to take away from their value, but I wanted to focus on groups/events/opportunities that are aimed at the mum or parent and not solely the baby. Being a new mum is such an incredible time, but comes with lots of challenges - new responsibilities, new things to learn, adjustment from your work life, feelings of isolation and overwhelm, not to mention physical healing and lack of sleep! These are tried and tested pick-me-ups for when the overwhelm is real and you're trying to remember your old self. Full of laughs, endorphins, new friends, movement, advice, music, creativity and always coffee - dive on in and fill your cup.

THE PARENTING COLLECTIVE


The Parenting Collective is a fantastic CIC working in the local community to offer support for new parents. They offer fourth trimester groups (cake for breakfast anyone?), sling libraries, private consultations and breastfeeding support. Just a great place to meet new parents and access invaluable professional advice.

For more info I wrote a separate blog on the Parenting Collective and their fab work as well as why I love baby wearing here.


A group of adults sitting in chairs cradling and caring for young infants in a waiting room setting.

babywearing DANCE


Mama & Me is part of The Parenting Collective and has to be up there of one of my favourite classes while I was on maternity leave with my second baby. The classes are run by qualified baby-wearing consultants and they have a library of slings for you to try and and borrow for class if you don't already have your own.

I think it's the kind of class mums can feel reluctant about, perhaps feeling self-conscious about dancing, but honestly there's absolutely no judgement - it's a room full of supportive and fun-loving mums all having a blast and you always leave the session feeling great. To get a real feel for what a Mama & Me class is like see the video I made for them below!



A dance class underway showing dancers following along to choreography in a bright studio space.

PRAMACTIVE


Another firm favourite of mine, Claire's Pramactive classes are a brilliant way to get some fresh air and do some exercise when you've got a newbie in tow. (something that let's face it isn't the easiest task) There's no need to be worried if your baby needs a feed, a nap or a cuddle (Claire is always happy to hold your babe while you do a lap or reps) I loved the class for the opportunity to get outdoors and get moving. You feel like you've done a 'proper' work out and can certainly feel it the next day. Really gives the endorphins a boost and it's a lovely community of mums who are always up for a coffee and a chat after.


Woman exercising outdoors on grass doing bridge pose while playing with infant in pink outfit on a sunny day.

transcend studios


Transcend offer a huge range of classes, (I'm a fan of the trapeze yoga and am booked on to try a sound cradle) but also have quite a unique focus on classes that are parent-focused while also being family and baby friendly. There's Mama Zen circles, mum & baby sound baths, Luna Love monthly full moon circles, pregnancy yoga, family yoga and much more! With a site in Eccles and a new site in Media City there's loads to chose from! Check out a blog I wrote about their 'Babychella' festival to get more idea of their uplifting vibe here.

Parents and babies practicing yoga together on mats during a mommy and me fitness class.

Mother Zen


Mother Zen is a stay and play cafe located in the centre of Ramsbottom and describes itself as a 'holistic family cafe making a difference'. It's a space to take your babies and kids and have a well-deserved coffee and cake/lunch without having to worry about your baby as they play. There's lots on offer from regular yoga classes and BYOBB (bring your own baby) date night where you and your partner can share charcuterie, bring your own booze if you like and have some time to yourselves where your baby can play or sleep. Tori is also constantly planning one off sessions too - like art and crafts with clay, watercolours and stone painting coming up. For more info check out a blog I wrote here.

Parent and child participating in a colorful sensory activity session on a rainbow-colored fabric spread.

cinema for baby and carers @ home


Going to the cinema during the day seems like such a treat and there are various cinemas now operating 'baby and carer' sessions offering 'grown up' films. My personal favourite is the one at Home as it's a quick hop on the tram for me and offers a tasty lunch option after as well as a walk into town if I fancy.

A retro movie theater sign reading "Movie 2" against a teal sky background.

MUMS THE WORD COMEDY CLUB


Located at The Edge Theatre in Chorlton, this monthly show isn't to be missed. Run by a cohort of comedians who perform their usual adult material (babies under 18 months only) it's brilliant opportunity to get out of the house and have a good laugh.


A microphone on a stand positioned against a dark background with blurred golden bokeh lights.

Mothers Who Make


For mothers who are makers MWM is a monthly peer support and creative exchange session '...every kind of maker welcome, and every kind of mother' This is a friendly and sociable group run by Alice Robinson.

Being a creative working from home can sometimes be isolating and these sessions have been a brilliant opportunity to get out of the house and talk to like-minded mums. And babies/toddler/older kids are always welcome.

A musician in a black outfit sits with an acoustic guitar on a wooden floor.

getting outdoors


I find that if all else fails a walk outside whether sun or rain (let's face it we don't always get much choice in Manchester!) is an absolute tonic. So if your baby is fussy and you've both not slept sometimes getting out of the house is all you need to reset and refresh (a coffee obviously helps!) I hope some of these suggestions have appealed to you and that you enjoy something for yourself very soon. And remember mama, you're doing great 🤍


Someone wearing a winter hat carries a child while hiking along a dirt trail through evergreen trees.