Kirsty Carling Early Childhood Project Coordinator Sport Bay of Plenty

Sport Bay of Plenty's The Bump Club has arrived in the Western Bay of Plenty. The Bump Club aims to support women during pregnancy by offering them a chance to participate in series of free educational sessions on nutrition and exercise.

'We are really excited at being able to offer this service to women,” says The Bump Club coordinator Larissa Cuff. 'This is a great opportunity for women to get up to date with relevant information, which can support the choices they make during pregnancy.

Kirsty Carling.

'Good health during pregnancy is known to enhance long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.”

Linking closely with doctors and midwives, the sessions provide contemporary information on physical activity and nutrition, with the aim of enhancing health outcomes for both mother and baby.

Meeting at the Sport BOP offices on the corner of 13^th Ave and Devonport Rd, participants will receive information on a variety of topics including:

• Basic nutrient recommendations and requirements during pregnancy, food safety, and practical information and ideas.
• The benefits of exercise during pregnancy, exercise precautions; what to do, how to get started and information on options available in the community.

Sport Bay of Plenty will also link with community providers of specialised exercise opportunities; and this is an option for women that attend The Bump Club.

'The social benefit of meeting other mums-to-be is an additional benefit of being part of the group,” says Larissa.

'We also encourage partners, friends and whanau to attend to help mums get the most out of the programme.”

If you are interested in joining The Bump Club you can ask for a referral from your midwife or GP. Alternatively, for more information, you can contact Larissa direct on 07 578 0016 or email her at larissac@sportbop.co.nz