Our Holistic Perinatal Education Program

At The Babes Project, we offer a structured program that supports women through regular, fortnightly engagement. This consistent approach is key to building trust and delivering the steady, holistic care that mothers and their babies need to thrive.

We know that every woman’s journey is different, but experience has shown us that the best outcomes come from ongoing participation, rather than one-off or occasional support.

Our dedicated team of trained staff and volunteers walks alongside each woman, offering practical assistance, emotional encouragement, and tailored guidance through pregnancy and early parenting. Together, we’re empowering women to navigate challenges, strengthen their confidence, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Key Components of Our Program:

1. Personalised Support
   We work closely with women via fortnightly appointments at one of our Centres to help them address their unique challenges, whether they are related to financial stress, mental health, lack of support, or social isolation. Our volunteers assist women in engaging with other healthcare providers and support agencies, creating a robust network of care tailored to their individual needs.
2. Pregnancy, Labour, and Parenting Education
   We provide practical, evidence-based education to prepare women for pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. From understanding labour and birth to breastfeeding and newborn care, our program supports women to feel informed, confident, and empowered every step of the way.
3. Workshops and Education
   Our program offers a variety of workshops where women can learn essential life skills and baby care techniques. These educational sessions cover topics such as food and nutrition, paediatric first aid, budgeting, and self-care, empowering participants with the knowledge and confidence to manage their parenting journey effectively.
4. Future Planning
   We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to envision and actively pursue a different future for her family. Our program fosters a supportive and empowering environment where women can engage in self-reflection, explore their aspirations, and identify their unique strengths. We assist them in setting meaningful goals for their future and developing plans to achieve those objectives, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to create lasting, positive change in their lives.

Inclusivity and Accessibility
The Babes Project is committed to inclusivity; there are no age restrictions for our services. We welcome self-referrals as well as referrals from family, friends, support agencies, and healthcare providers. Due to the high demand for our services, we prioritise referrals for women who are willing to engage actively in our program, ensuring that we can provide the best support possible.

As we strive to create a nurturing and empowering environment, we are reminded of the importance of trust and support. As noted by Bowlby (2011), "Evidence is accumulating that human beings of all ages are happiest and able to deploy their talents when they are confident that, standing behind them, there are one or more trusted persons who will come to their aid should difficulties arise." At The Babes Project, we aim to be that trusted support for every woman who walks through our doors.

Making a referral

At The Babes Project, we are dedicated to making our services as accessible as possible to women in need. We welcome referrals from a variety of sources to ensure that we can reach and support those who may benefit from our program. To ensure that women receive the comprehensive support they need, it is essential that they begin the program during pregnancy.

We accept referrals for women up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, allowing us to provide timely assistance and guidance throughout this critical period. By receiving referrals before this deadline, we can effectively engage women in our holistic support services, empowering them as they prepare for motherhood and navigate the early stages of parenting.

Referrals can be made by:

1. Self-Referrals
   Women are encouraged to reach out directly to us if they feel they need additional support during pregnancy or early parenting. We believe that individuals are best positioned to identify their own needs and seek help when they recognise it.
2. Family and Friends
   We also accept referrals from family members and friends who may recognise a loved one’s need for support. Personal connections often provide the encouragement necessary for women to take the first step towards accessing our services. Please make sure that you have consent prior to referral
3. Healthcare Professionals
   Referrals from healthcare providers - such as doctors, midwives, nurses, and mental health professionals - are vital in connecting women with our resources. Professionals often identify women who are at risk of falling through gaps in the healthcare system and who could benefit from our holistic support during their perinatal journey.
4. Community Organisations and Support Agencies
   We collaborate with various community organisations and social support agencies that share our mission of empowering women and families. These services can refer individuals they work with to ensure comprehensive care and support.
5. Schools
   Schools are welcome to refer students or families in need of support during pregnancy or early parenting, helping to ensure that those within their community have access to vital services.

Due to the high demand for our services, we prioritise referrals for women who are willing to engage actively in our program and attend fortnightly appointments at one of our centres. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all women seeking assistance and ensuring that every referral is treated with care and respect.

Important Information for Referrals
Before making a referral, please note the following:

1. Limited Spaces
   As a donor-funded charity with no government funding, our capacity to accommodate participants in our programs is limited. While we strive to support as many women as possible, there may be times when we need to implement a waiting list or temporarily close referrals.
2. Program Duration
   Our program is designed to support women throughout pregnancy and into the first year of parenting. We accept referrals for women up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, ensuring that they receive timely assistance and guidance during this crucial time. By accepting referrals before this deadline, we can effectively engage women in our holistic support services, empowering them as they prepare for motherhood and navigate the early stages of parenting.
3. Prioritisation
   We prioritise women who have not previously participated in our Perinatal Education and Support Program, as we aim to provide our services to those who are most in need.
4. Attendance and Capacity Management
   Due to the limited capacity at each of our centres, it is essential for us to manage attendance effectively to ensure that we can support as many women as possible. If a client struggles with consistent attendance and engagement in our program, we may need to close their file. This policy allows us to open spaces for other women in need of support. We encourage all participants to communicate with us regarding any challenges they may face, as we are committed to working together to find solutions and facilitate their continued involvement in our services.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to empower women and their families during this important journey.

To make a referral, please visit our referrals page