Second Nature

What to expect

Welcoming a new baby into your growing family can bring big changes to life and has lots of challenges! That is why Second Nature aims to provide a supportive, secure, friendly space for women to talk as they navigate the ups and downs of integrating their new baby into their existing family structure.

The weekly group is topic based and information giving, but with plenty of time for discussion and sharing experiences.

The group explores how the challenges and changes associated with bringing home a sibling can feel huge, but are normal. We talk about birth stories, challenges to identity, relationships, bonding & attachment, expectations, mental health, support networks and more - helping mums feel they are not alone.

There is space for 12-15 women and their infants (up to 12 months) in each group.

We have a number of sessions planned over the coming months. To register your interest, please choose the location that suits you (there is an option to indicate multiple locations at sign up)

Planned Sessions:

Next Group scheduled for Hove - 1 May - 26 June 10:15-11:45am (break over half term - 31 May) - sign up to “Hove” to get more information.

Future Sessions: Lewes - September 2024 | Peacehaven - November 2024 | Hove - February 2025

Ellen Baldwin, Creator of Second Nature explains:

"I developed our Mother Nurture course following my own personal experience of becoming a first-time mum, over 10 years ago. I realised there were lots of parent & baby groups to go to, but very few spaces where I could be really honest about all the changes and feelings I was experiencing. I developed Mother Nurture to support first time mums with their transition, as everyone deserves that safe space to be held and supported.

"After running the Mother Nurture course for some time, I started to receive feedback from past attendees that they had birthed another child and the challenges they were experiencing were totally different. This inspired the creation of our Second Nature support group."

How Much Does it Cost?

As demand grows and funding dwindles, we want to run as many courses as we can, in as accessible a way as possible. We know that times are tough, and as our groups are led by trained therapists, they aren't cheap to run. That's why we are trialling a Pay What You Can scheme, coupled with allowing you to break the payments down into affordable monthly contributions across the year.*

We have three pledge tiers; you may choose to Contribute to your space, Cover the cost of your space, or Champion our cause by paying for your space and contributing to that of another mum. We also have a limited number of Free Places for those most in need which can be applied for by clicking here. You're completely free to decide which option best suits you.

Each 90 minute in person session costs £36 per person, about 60% less than the  cost of 90 minutes of 1:1 counselling. The 8 week course costs us £288 per person to run.  Zoom sessions are cheaper, as they save on room hire cost, and work out as £24 per person, or £192 per 8 week course.

*Please note, once set up the Direct Debit will run until cancelled.

Testimonials

“The course exceeded my expectations in supporting me emotionally as a mother of two. It has given me the confidence to accept the changes in my life and validated my feelings in motherhood. It was fascinating to learn more about the theory behind each theme and I found it to be a safe and open space to explore my own experiences. It has given me strategies to apply when these challenges arise so that I can be the mother I want to be for my children.” Second-time Mum 2023

“I wholeheartedly recommend this group to all second time mums! It really is the best course I have ever done… it felt safe, supportive, empathetic and hugely helpful on a practical and emotional level” Second-time mum 2022

“I was impressed by the structure and how thoroughly all aspects of mummy-ing was covered. It felt really contained and holding for me - very different from other spaces.” Second-time mum 2023

“It’s so important to acknowledge your mental health as a mother, whether it’s your 1st or 5th baby, and this group provides a wonderful, protected space for you to be open and honest with your feelings.” Second-time mum 2022