New charity, Baby Umbrella, launches face-to-face support for parents across West Kent

April 19, 2021

Baby Umbrella, a new local charity formed in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, is set to launch their face-to-face support on Tuesday 20th April 2021.

Offering face-to-face appointments in Otford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells during the week, as well as continuing their online appointments, Baby Umbrella is supporting parents with their breastfeeding journey as well as providing a much needed support network for new families.

Laura Shtaingos, Breastfeeding Counsellor and one of the founding Directors of Baby Umbrella says, “We are delighted to finally be able to bring our services together and support parents across West Kent in a face-to-face setting. After running our services online due to covid-19, we have noticed first-hand the effects that the pandemic has had on parents and we are pleased to be able to offer these crucial services for families once more.”

Jessica Nisbet, a local mum who has benefitted from the online services run by Baby Umbrella says, “Having had a premature baby during the first lockdown, Baby Umbrella was a lifeline for me. I’m still breastfeeding a year later and I can hand on heart say I wouldn’t be had it not been for the amazing support I was given by the Baby Umbrella team. Alongside individual support I received, the weekly zoom groups kept me sane in the hardest weeks during this past year and gave me a support group of likeminded Mums to connect with! An incredible support network during these challenging times.”

Baby Umbrella offers breastfeeding and early-parenting support for parents of newborns through to preschoolers, across the West Kent region. Having previously operated under two separate services, Baby Umbrella has brought together Kent Baby Matters, previously run by Lactation Consultant Karen McCully, and Baby Cafe Tunbridge Wells, previously run by Breastfeeding Counsellors Jennie Yelverton and Laura Shtaingos, to form one new service which provides support in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

Baby Umbrella Charity:

Baby Umbrella provides breastfeeding support and early parenting services through face-to-face appointments, Zoom groups, an online facebook community and individual Zoom appointments (services previously run by Baby Cafe Tunbridge Wells and West Kent Baby Matters).
In order to keep everyone safe, all face to face appointments adhere strictly to COVID guidelines and our specialist team are fully equipped with the required PPE.
Services are run by a team of six qualified practitioners, with over 80 years combined experience in supporting early parenting and breastfeeding.
Our practitioners are supported by 31 volunteers and peer supporters who all dedicate their time to supporting the work of Baby Umbrella.
Baby Umbrella holds an average of 25 private appointments, as well as Zoom groups, for free each week, along with an online facebook community of over 600 Mums.
Baby Umbrella relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and raises vital funds through the generosity of its supporters.
Baby Umbrella’s vision is for every family in West Kent to have access to skilled and compassionate support during their parenting journey. Baby Umbrella listens, supports and empowers parents and babies.
For more information on our charity please visit: www.babyumbrella.org.uk

For more press information or opportunities please contact:

General Information and Enquiries

Email: info@babyumbrella.org.uk

Laura Shtaingos - Director

Tel: 07787143550

Email: laura@babyumbrella.org.uk

Karen McCully - Director

Tel: 07951600777

Email: karen@babyumbrella.org.uk