Preparing for parenthood together
Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but it can also bring lots of questions. Welcome to the World is a free, friendly group for expectant parents, designed to help you feel more confident as you prepare to welcome your baby.
Delivered by trained group leaders, the programme provides a relaxed space to meet other expectant parents, learn about your baby’s development, and explore the emotional and practical aspects of becoming a parent.
What is Welcome to the World?
The programme consists of eight weekly group sessions for parents from around 22 weeks of pregnancy onwards.
Together, you’ll explore topics including:
- Understanding your baby’s brain development
- Your future as parents and as a family
- Your own experiences, traditions, hopes and expectations
- Breastfeeding and caring for a new baby
- Looking after your own wellbeing during the transition to parenthood
Throughout the programme you’ll have the opportunity to discuss common questions such as:
- How is my baby developing?
- How should I feed my baby?
- What can I do when my baby cries?
- Where can I go for help and support?
The sessions are informal, welcoming and give you the chance to connect with other parents who are at a similar stage of their pregnancy.
Who can attend?
The group is open to expectant parents from approximately 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Partners are warmly welcomed, but you are equally welcome to attend on your own or bring another relative or friend for support.
Each group usually includes 8–10 parents and is led by two trained facilitators.
To get the most from the programme, we ask that you attend all eight sessions where possible. Some groups are able to provide a crèche—please ask when booking if this is available.
What parents have said
“If understanding and knowledge is power then this course definitely empowers parents to get it right from the very beginning.”
“I didn’t realise I needed to start talking to my baby while he was in the womb.”
“I find it friendly and fascinating from a man’s point of view.”
“I’ve been interacting with my baby since birth through facial expressions and looks which, until I attended the group, I would have thought a newborn too young for.”
Register your interest
Courses are delivered at venues across Calderdale and are organised based on local demand. This means dates, times and locations are not fixed and will vary depending on where participants are based.
If you’d like to attend, simply register your interest using the form below. We’ll add you to our waiting list and contact you when a course is being arranged in your area with details of the next available sessions.