As a family we were so excited to start our floaties sessions again after the summer break. This time we also had less of those, first time belly butterflies, as we knew our venue and the lovely Donna who was going to be looking after us in the water.
Its great getting out and about, but it wasn't always easy.
I had been in quite a dark place during the first few months of Freda's life due to struggles with her feeding and growth. Things are a million times better now, but I really felt that isolation and needed to find my community.
Freda's Daddy, Keith, who has gone back to work now, was able to join us at poolside to watch mummies first lesson with Freda. It is really important for us to be able to still enjoy these wonderful moments as a family, which is possible with the opportunity to have a spectator at the poolside.
The changing room was a buzz with families who had already attended before the holidays and a couple of newbies who were asking lots of questions and finding their feet.
The connection with Freda during the sessions starts here! Connecting with other parents is a great way to share the joy and show Freda the supportive Puddle Ducks community we are now a big part of. A quick chat about milestones, infant feeding, local support and transitioning into new parents for the first time or for the fifth in my case. Sharing stories and listening to others I feel part of something and excited for our journey ahead.
As we make our way to poolside, we can also see the older babies enjoying the lesson before ours. Its great to see how they are so confident and happy in the water as they grow. I'm excited for the Puddle Ducks future for Freda!
Once in the pool, We feel relaxed and supported as Donna welcomes us back and explains the sessions ahead. Feeling connected to the teacher has really made a huge difference. As I've said before, I have little confidence in the water myself, let alone being responsible for keeping Freda safe and making sure she enjoys the water. But Donna's confidence and ability to hold us and support us is like a life saving float. As we learn, Donna also has time to connect with Freda. For some activities she is the one supporting and holding Freda, Demonstrating movements for me or bringing us both into the activity. Its really important for me to have confidence in Donna, passing over my little bundle and we are in great hands.
After the session the chatter and support in the changing room continues. Parents reflecting on how well each baby has done and what they are up to for the rest of the day. A quick pit stop for a breastfeed in the reception next to another mum feeding just adds to that feeling of being around like minded people.
We are so glad we've found our Puddle Ducks community.