Jenny and Honey

Before having a volunteer I was finding it hard to care for all of Honey’s needs. Now I understand the importance of having a routine and meeting other mums.  I feel more confident as a parent and am enjoying my daughter for the first time.

Reason for Referral

Jenny and her baby daughter Honey were referred to our service by their Health Visitor. Jenny had moved to Shoreham shortly before having her daughter Honey.  Jenny is originally from China and has been living in England for the past year and a half.  Jenny’s family still live in China and although her sister had visited Jenny for the first month of Honey life, her sister had little experience of babies. Jenny was referred to our service as she was feeling overwhelmed in caring for a small baby.  Jenny had little experience and knowledge of basis care and was finding it increasingly hard to deal with the daily routine of caring for such a small child. Jenny was getting little rest and had not bathed or left the flat with Holly prior to my initial visit.  

Input from Home-Start

A Home-Start volunteer, Zoe, started visiting the family on a weekly basis three months ago.

The main focus of Zoe’s visits was to offer Jenny practical support in caring for Honey. They looked at the importance of establishing a daily routine around feeding, sleeping and bathing. This enabled Jenny to feel more organized around the home and allowed her to rest and build her strength up when Honey was asleep. Jenny and Zoe also discussed Honey’s development and the importance of Honey having baby toys, books (stimulation) and personal interaction. During these discussions it became clear that Jenny was unaware that she needed to talk and interact with Honey, as Jenny felt that Honey was too young to interact with.  Jenny also had lots of questions regarding postnatal care for herself and Honey and Zoe was able to guide and support her within this area.   Jenny and her volunteer discussed the importance of building a support network and accessing suitable groups.  As a result of this Jenny has started attending the Home-Start Fishersgate family group and Kingston Buci Children Centre. As Honey grows and develops the support continues to help build Jenny confidence in her parenting skills .

All names have been changed for reasons of confidentiality.