MumAbroad Spain | Baby and Toddler Groups in Barcelona | Catalunya for Kids | Expat Mums in Catalunya

Baby and Toddler Groups in Barcelona

Support groups for mums who have just had a baby or have very young children are few and far between in Barcelona. This is partly because Catalan women tend to rely on their own mothers for help in the early days and also because once the statutory four months maternity leave is up, the vast majority of women go back to work and it is not uncommon to see babies as young as four months in nursery (Guarderia). However, there are increasing numbers of support groups around, which have proved a lifesaver for many mums without families here. The groups are a great way to share information and to meet others in similar situations. Below we have listed some of the groups available but we´d love to hear from you if you have your own recommendations so please do send us your comments

Barcelona Breastfeeding Drop-in Clinic

Recommended by Lou Melotte

Breastfeeding Drop-in Clinic with Elira Lopez takes place every Tuesday at Mujer in English and Spanish. For more information call Lulu on 933151531

Comments
"Elvira Lopez is committed to helping mothers successfully overcome any fears or challenges that they may face whilst breastfeeding ; whether they are pregnant, brand new mums, mums going back to work, mum’s trying to wean from breastfeeding, suffering mastitis, Post natal depression issues, lack of milk etc. The most crucial part is within the first few days of baby’s birth so that baby receives his/her colostrum properly (their health constitution!) and most importantly then latches on perfectly for when the milk arrives a few days later, these first days can be very stressful for new mothers post partum or after c-sections and unfortunately within the busy hospital environment it is unlikely that new mothers get the attention they deserve to assist with the process of breastfeeding. Of course then if it doesn’t feel right and baby isn’t feeding correctly or if there is discomfort, pain or any post natal depression (hormonal changes!) then they may be pressured into bottle feeding , which should be the last resort IF you have had the support you need first. Elvira thankfully is able to help with situations like these". (LM Feb 2011)

Barcelona Women's Network Mums & Toddler group

Recommended by Kara Stenhouse

The BWN’s Mother and Toddler group gives young children a chance to play and gives mothers a chance to foster friendships and trade valuable information on life in Barcelona with children. The weekly get-togethers include free play and sing-along time (with songs in English). The group meets every Wednesday morning in Sarria at Casa Orlandai, a municipal space just a short walk from the FGC Sarria train stop. There’s a café serving sandwiches with outdoor seating and room for the little ones to run about. Every Wednesday 10am-1pm.
Casa Orlandai (http://www.casaorlandai.org) c/Jaume Piquet, 2. 932524262. From the FGC Sarria stop, take the c/Mare de Deu de Nuria
exit. Turn left; it's the pale yellow and green building. Nearby buses include 22, 30, 64, 66, 75, N60 and N61.

Comments:
For further details about the Mother and Toddler group please contact Alysia Garrity on 658608183 or Lynn Schnaiberg on 676314673 or email them at mumsandtots@bcnwomensnetwork.com

Bcn Tots Mums and Babies group

Recommended by Louise Vaughan

This is a great way to meet other english-speaking mums in the city. The meetings are relaxed and informal and normally held in someones home. Wednesday mornings from 10am.
To become a member of BCN Tots you need to contact the group manager on BCNTots-managers@groups.msn.com

Comments:
"The Wednesday morning baby group is a lifesaver! It's great to have a gossip with other mums and share tips and experiences. I found it a real comfort in early mummyhood when things can seem a bit overwhelming.......also a good excuse to drink tea and eat biscuits. BCN Tots is a fantastic resource, there's always a database of mummies just an email away to answer any mummy worries!" (LV, May 08)

Breastfeeding support group - Alba Lactancia

Recommended by Zoe Koumbouzi

Many new mums complain that advice on breastfeeding both before and after giving birth is difficult to come across in Barcelona. This weekly group is a chance to discuss in English any concerns you may have over this much debated issue. It is run by a trained and experienced group leader along with trainee counsellors who offer help to mums with babies with problems such as poor weight gain, sleep deprivation or painful breastfeeding. The rest of the group functions like a baby and toddler group - there are toys for children to play with whilst mums get to grips with all the usual issues. Ages range from newborn to about 3 years old. Mondays 4.00-6.00pm
Convent de Sant Agusti, Calle Comerc 36, el Born 934512928 www.albalactanciamaterna.info

Comments
There are four weekly meetings held in Barcelona. See website for more details

Poble Nou playgroup

Recommended by Chantal Ducoeurjoly

Poble Nou playgroup is held once weekly for both babies,toddlers and children up until 10 years. As well as the weekly group, they also organize activities such as Hallowe'en and attending Barcelona events suitable for children. The children are from all nationalities but the aim is to promote the use of English. Held every Friday from 5pm.
Contact Margaret West gwamal_extra@yahoo.com 690391834

Comments:
"I have very good memories (Nadim and I were some of the first people to join the group 3 years ago....) Margaret has great ideas and lots of energy which is why the group has grown so much and does a lot of fun activities - Margaret is really good at organizing and finding good activities for kids...she´s really into it!"(CD, March 08)