NHS England leaders visited Medway to see how the award-winning BumpClub Medway is supporting pregnant and postnatal women through online programmes, walks and expert-led sessions.
Visiting on Tuesday, 19 August, the delegation included Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer and Professor Donald Peebles, National Clinical Director for Maternity.
BumpClub Medway was launched in March 2021 to help support pregnant and postnatal women make positive lifestyle changes.
At the start of pregnancy, around 50% of women are outside of an optimal weight range – BumpClub Medway is a six-week free, online programme which focuses on staying healthy both during and after pregnancy. It covers key topics like baby first aid, pregnancy yoga, how to stay active and question and answer sessions with midwives and more.
Over time, BumpClub Medway has continued to evolve with the popular BumpClub Medway Walks launching in March 2022. Walking is the most frequently cited physical activity for pregnant people, and it offers potential solutions to reported barriers such as lack of time, childcare responsibilities, bad weather and a lack of exercise equipment.
The weekly walks are open to anyone who is pregnant or has a child under two-years-old, and they give parents to be and new parents a great way to keep active and make connections.
Last year, Medway Council’s BumpClub Medway was recognised at Royal College of Midwives Awards, with Jemima Ward, Project Manager, picking up the Excellence for Public Health Award.
Following the award, the NHS England delegation wanted to come and see first-hand how BumpClub Medway supports residents across Medway, joining in one of the walks during their visit.
After taking part in the walk, Kate, Donald and the team headed over to Medway NHS Foundation Trust to meet with hospital staff, learn more about the journey BumpClub Medway has been through and the strong partnership working between Medway’s Public Health team and the hospital.
Support physical and mental wellbeing
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “BumpClub is a fantastic initiative which helps to support both the physical and mental wellbeing of residents in Medway, and it was fantastic to welcome our colleagues from NHS England so they can see the impact this work is having on the ground in our community. The social aspect of BumpClub is just as important as the physical, as it lets people in similar positions connect with each other and expand their support networks. If you are interested in joining one of the sessions or walks I would encourage you to get in touch with our friendly team.”
Such a great initiative
Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said: "It’s been fantastic to see such a great initiative in action here at BumpClub Medway.
"We know how important it is for mums-to-be and new mums to stay active and what better way to do that than through walking or yoga as part of a group like this one. It also showed just how much women really valued the opportunity to socialise and share experiences with other parents to be and new parents.”