New Parent groups in English

[Mezza]

Hi,

 

Are you a new mother/father living in Norway, but not from Norway? Feel like you don't fit in at the helsestasjon and that the helsesøster doesn't really understand you? Would you like to learn more about parenting and at the same time, meet other international parents living in Norway?

 

I am a nurse and community child health nurse (helsesøster) from Australia. I have met quite a few new mothers who haven't been able to go to the group sessions at the helsestasjons here, because they don't understand norwegian yet etc.

I have been thinking about starting up 'new parents groups' in english. In Australia, we run a 6-8 week course with 10-15 parents in each course. Each week has a different theme, ranging from 'bonding with your child', 'child development', 'introducing solids' etc, and a bit of information is given as well as discussion between the parents. It's a great way to get the information you are needing as well as meet new parents in the same situation and area as you.

 

I was just wondering how much interest there would be for these sorts of courses, as well as individual help with breast feeding, settling, and whatever else people need.

 

I live in Bergen, so am looking at setting it up here. But give me your feedback even if you live somewhere else.

Hope to hear from you!

 

Melanie

[Leary]

I would be interested, but I live in Trondheim. Had first baby on the 9th, premature with a c section. so Its all very new to me!

[amandan]

This sounds like a really great idea! I live in Trondheim and am expecting my 2nd in late Feb/ early March...

My experience with the helsestasjon wasn't so bad, but I did find it hard to fit into my barselgruppe as my norwegian wasn't so good at the time. Would have been nice to have some of the info in english!

 

Looking forward to hearing more

Amanda in Trondheim

[FGO]

Hi Melanie,

 

I think this is a fantastic idea. I'm sure there's a real need out there!!

Take care,

Fungi

[Sandida]

Melanie, this is a great idea! We need it also here in Oslo! xx Sandra

[Anonym bruker]

i think that's a wonderful idea. there are so many foreigners in bergen as of the moment. i am one of those. i speak norwegian, but i think it's great if there's an english version as well

[Mirela]

Hi Melanie,

That is a very good idea. Oslo needs one group like that too.

My son was born there 13 months ago and I felt so lost without any friends or family to give advice or even just to chat.

I am not in Oslo at the moment but will be returning in couple of months or so, so if anyone decides to start up a group like that in Oslo please let me know.

Cheers!

[Sandida]

Hi Mirela

 

We start up an international mother group here in Oslo about a year ago and it is very successfull we were mothers from different countries but our language was in english.

Meanwhile our babies are at the Creche (barnehage) but we still meet up sometimes for coffee or wine. Contact me, if you are interested to join us when you are back in town. Hilsen Sandra.

[Kseniya02]

Hello Melanie!! I live in Bergen only 6 months and I think this is a good idea!! It would be very nice to have this course ! My mail is [email protected]

[bellies4ever]

I am currently 30 wks preggo but I live in Fredrikstad so Bergen in too far, but if there is any similar courses near by i would be very interested. Even in Oslo. Being American I do feel a little lost with such a differant system here. And they all speak norwegian to me even thought i only understand some due to all the unfamiliar pregnancy terminology. And they speak so fast i cant keep up. Delivery is not a time when i want to be Lost In Translation if you know what i mean, i might lose my cool.

[Anonym bruker]

Sounds like a great idea! I live in Bergen. Would there be a cost or will it be free?

[Mezza]

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback.

I have tried asking Bergen Kommune for help/funding, but they are not willing to do anything seeing as there is already a system that they fund (in Norwegian).

So, I would have to charge for it, unfortunately.

I am going to start looking for halls/localities and see what sort of price I would have to pay for that.

Would people still be interested if you had to pay for it?

Any ideas appreciated:-)

[Mezza]

New parent groups in English will be starting soon in Bergen. If you have just had a baby and would like to learn more about parenting, or maybe have older children, but would like to meet other international parents in Bergen, please contact me:

 

Melanie Eigestad

[email protected]