A group of pregnancy and baby practitioners in Frome have collaborated to create a new guide to the wide range of pregnancy, postnatal and parenting services available in the area.

Eleanor Hayes, who co-ordinates Frome's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Practitioner Networking Group, told Frome Nub News about the project.

"Frome is bursting with incredibly experienced and talented practitioners and charities offering everything from yoga, massage, and doulas, to baby classes, counselling and free support groups," she said.

"Sometimes it is not that easy to see at a glance all of the incredible ways parents can get support, advice and attend activities during pregnancy and with their baby.

"The leaflet we have launched is a way for all of us to showcase our antenatal and postnatal talent, and give parents a wealth of information all in one place."

In a true collaborative spirit familiar to Frome, the group collectively paid for the design and printing of the leaflet, sharing the costs equally and offering free listings to charities and non-profit groups who qualified for a free listing such as Frome Positive Birth Movement and the PANDAs support group (for parents affected by postnatal depression).

The group are aiming to help mums and dads in Frome discover and access more services and classes so they can get prepared for birth and baby, receive vital support and advice if they need it, and also connect with other parents in the community by attending classes.

Copies of the leaflet will be distributed to doctor's surgeries, shops and noticeboards in and around Frome.

"We are so excited to be able to get our businesses and organisations out into the local community," said Eleanor, "and we are planning to create an online directory in 2020 so watch this space if you want to get involved."

If you would like a copy hand-delivered in the Frome area you can request a copy via [email protected].

If you are a birth or baby practitioner and you would like to join the network, search for "Frome Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Practitioner Network Group" on Facebook.