Devon Antenatal Family Centre

Devon Antenatal Family Centre ‘New to you’ family shop, under 5’s play cafe, sensory room, tea room, antenatal, postnatal and parenting courses and birth equipment hire.

🌈 A welcoming space for families with under 5s

☕ Under 5s play café
🛍️ Preloved shop & Baby Bank
🤰🏽 Antenatal & parenting courses
🤍 Drop-in support
🎉 Parties & events

💚 Not-for-profit
🏆 Award-winning community space
📍 Cross Street, Barnstaple

The latest update from Devon Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership
03/08/2026

The latest update from Devon Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership

03/08/2026

Looking for one more expectant mum

The BBC is looking to speak with one more local expectant mum about how the proposed changes to maternity services at North Devon District Hospital could affect them.

Filming is likely to take place this week.

If you might be interested in finding out more, please send me a private message.

There’s absolutely no pressure or obligation.

✨ NEW! TODDLER TALK ✨Toddlers don’t come with a manual.One minute they’re your happy little sidekick, the next they’re r...
02/08/2026

✨ NEW! TODDLER TALK ✨

Toddlers don’t come with a manual.

One minute they’re your happy little sidekick, the next they’re refusing dinner, waking in the night or struggling with a big change like starting nursery.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering…

💛 Is this normal?
💛 Why are they behaving like this?
💛 Am I handling this the right way?

…you’re not alone.

We’re so excited to introduce Toddler Talk; a brand new 2-hour workshop designed to help you understand your toddler with confidence.

Together we’ll explore:

🧠 Brain development & toddler milestones
🎨 Play that supports learning & development
💛 Big feelings, behaviour & tantrums
😴 Sleep
🍽️ Fussy eating
🚽 Potty training & big transitions

This is a relaxed, evidence-based workshop packed with practical strategies you can use at home, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and chat with other parents.

Suitable for parents and carers of children aged 1–4 years.

To find out more and book your place, visit:

https://www.devonantenatal.co.uk/courses/p/x41iseaz1t6hvgswq71vfwhax361v6

30/07/2026

This week I was invited to speak with ITV News and BBC Radio Devon following the announcement about maternity services at North Devon District Hospital.

Over the last few days I’ve spoken to so many expectant families who are understandably worried and have lots of questions about what this could mean for them.

At Devon Antenatal Family Centre, we’ve been supporting families as they navigate the uncertainty, talking through how potential changes may affect their maternity care and birth plans, and helping them think about the questions they may wish to ask.

It was important to me that the experiences and concerns of local families were represented, whilst also reassuring parents that they will continue to receive support from their maternity teams as plans develop.

Whatever happens next, we’ll continue to be here to support families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. 🤍

💚 A message for expectant familiesMany of you will have seen today’s news regarding the potential temporary suspension o...
27/07/2026

💚 A message for expectant families

Many of you will have seen today’s news regarding the potential temporary suspension of births at North Devon District Hospital.

If you’re currently pregnant and were planning to have your baby at NDDH, it’s completely understandable to feel worried or uncertain.

At this stage, plans are still being confirmed. If your care does need to change, your midwifery team will contact you directly, explain what it means for you and work with you to update your care plan. You won’t be expected to navigate these decisions on your own.

Every pregnancy is unique, so please try not to compare your situation with others or rely on speculation on social media. Your care will continue to be based on your individual needs.

To our Devon Antenatal families, please remember that we’re here for you too. We may not have any additional information beyond the official updates, but we’re always happy to help you understand the information you’ve been given, talk through any questions you may wish to ask your maternity team and help you organise your thoughts as you navigate any changes.

Finally, we’d like to send our support to the incredible maternity teams who continue to care for families during what is undoubtedly a challenging time.

🤍 Preparing for birth is about so much more than labour.Our award-winning 6-week antenatal course gives you practical, e...
27/07/2026

🤍 Preparing for birth is about so much more than labour.

Our award-winning 6-week antenatal course gives you practical, evidence-based preparation for birth, feeding, newborn care, baby first aid and those all-important first weeks with your baby.

You’ll also meet other local parents, building friendships and a support network that often lasts long after your babies are born.

📅 Our next course starts Monday 18th August and spaces are filling fast!

If you’re due this autumn or early winter, now is the perfect time to book your place.

🔗 https://www.devonantenatal.co.uk/courses

We can’t wait to welcome you. 🌈

🥄 Starting Solids Workshop – This Wednesday 12-2pm 🥄 Thinking about starting solids but not sure where to begin?Whether ...
26/07/2026

🥄 Starting Solids Workshop – This Wednesday 12-2pm 🥄

Thinking about starting solids but not sure where to begin?

Whether you’re planning to try baby-led weaning, purées or a combination of both, this evidence-based workshop will help you feel informed and confident.

We’ll cover:

🥕 When your baby is ready to start solids
🥑 How to get started
🥣 Baby-led weaning, purées and combination feeding
🥛 What happens with milk feeds?
🥜 Introducing allergens safely
💚 Common challenges, including reflux, suspected allergies and fussy eating
🍓 First foods and meal ideas
🫶 Gagging vs choking – what’s normal and what isn’t
🚑 What to do if your baby chokes
❓ Plenty of time for your questions

A relaxed, friendly workshop designed to help you enjoy this exciting next stage with confidence.

Babies are welcome to come along.

📅 Wednesday
🕛 12pm–2pm
📍 Devon Antenatal Family Centre, Barnstaple

https://www.devonantenatal.co.uk/courses/p/starting-solids-workshop

💜 Meet Frank!If you’ve visited the Devon Antenatal Family Centre, chances are you’ve met Frank… although you might not r...
23/07/2026

💜 Meet Frank!

If you’ve visited the Devon Antenatal Family Centre, chances are you’ve met Frank… although you might not realise just how much he does behind the scenes!

One day he’s putting up activity boards, fixing toys or building furniture, the next you’ll spot him serving coffees, delivering lunches or clearing tables!

As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, we’re incredibly lucky to have volunteers like Frank. His generosity, practical skills and willingness to muck in wherever he’s needed help us keep improving the centre for local families.

Frank, thank you for everything you do. We honestly couldn’t do it without you. 💜

👇 If you’ve met Frank, we’d love to hear your favourite Frank moment in the comments!

21/07/2026

💜 What a fantastic start to the summer holidays!

It’s been lovely seeing so many familiar faces and welcoming lots of new ones too.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a coffee while the little ones play, escape the weather or meet other local families, we’d love to see you.

We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am–2:30pm throughout the summer holidays.

📍 Cross Street, Barnstaple

Don’t forget we also have our Starting Solids Workshop on Wednesday and Baby & Child First Aid on Saturday if you’re looking to build your confidence too.

Address

8 Cross Street
Barnstaple
EX311BA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 2:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 2:30pm
Thursday 10am - 2:30pm
Friday 10am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+447966320081

Website

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