So you’re on maternity leave in Fareham, soaking up those precious early days with your baby. Whether you’re loving the quiet time or finding it a bit lonely, one thing’s for sure: this is a time to connect with others and enjoy some of the amazing activities Fareham has to offer. You might be wondering, “What on earth do I do all day?” Well, I’ve got you covered. From baby groups that’ll help you meet other new mums to places where you can grab a coffee while your little one plays, there’s plenty to do in and around Fareham to make your maternity leave feel like an adventure!

Things to do whilst you are pregnant still:

What to Do on Maternity Leave in Fareham While Still Pregnant

So, you’re on maternity leave and still pregnant—maybe you’ve got a bit of time to go before your baby arrives, but you’re already feeling the urge to get out of the house and do something (anything!) besides endless nesting. I totally get it. Whether you're nearing the end of your pregnancy or still in the earlier stages, Fareham has a great mix of things you can do to relax, stay active, and connect with others while waiting for the big day. Here are some ideas to help make the most of your maternity leave before your little one arrives:

1. Join a Pregnancy Yoga or Pilates Class

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t stay active and keep your body moving. Pregnancy yoga and Pilates are a gentle way to stay fit, relieve any aches and pains, and mentally prepare for childbirth. Plus, you’ll meet other mums-to-be who are likely feeling the same way you do about the final stretch!

Where to go: Fareham has several Pregnancy Yoga and Pilates classes that cater specifically to expectant mums. I am booked on to do Mama2Shape yoga for my second pregnancy, and I am very excited about this! These classes are designed to help you stay comfortable and relieve tension while helping you stay active and healthy.

Why it’s great:

It’s a relaxing way to stay active while preparing for labour.
You get to chat with other mums who are in the same boat as you.

2. Explore Fareham’s Parks and Green Spaces - getting fresh air!

The weather might not always cooperate, but if it’s a nice day, you should definitely get outside! A gentle walk around one of Fareham’s lovely parks can do wonders for your mood, and it’s great for staying active without overdoing it. Plus, whilst you are pregnant, it is a great way to help be upright and getting baby in the optimum position for birth!

Where to go: Holly Hill, Titchfield Haven, Lee Beach, Stokes Bay or Fareham Creek are lovely spots for a peaceful stroll. You can take in the fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and it’s an easy way to stay active without too much effort.

Why it’s great:

Getting outdoors can lift your mood and keep your energy up.
The peaceful surroundings are perfect for some time to clear your mind and think about what’s coming next.

3. Take a Pre-Baby Pamper Session

You deserve a treat, especially when you’re carrying around all that baby weight! Book yourself a relaxing pregnancy massage or a facial at a local spa. I have had a pregnancy massage at the Up and Running Clinic in Portsmouth Mountbatton Centre. They are a team of Physio’s and a lovely lady called Meg specialises in pregnancy massage. There are some other great options around Fareham that cater to pregnant women, offering soothing treatments that help alleviate those pregnancy aches and give you a little “me” time. Basking Babies (Waterlooville) also offer pregnancy relaxation classes which are a great way to unwind after the chaos of the day!

Why it’s great:

You’ll feel pampered and refreshed before the sleepless nights begin.
A great way to ease some of the discomfort that comes with pregnancy.

4. Join My Hypnobirthing antenatal preparation Course!!

If you want to feel more confident and calm as your due date approaches, my hypnobirthing coure is an amazing way to prepare. My course is based in Fareham/Stubbington, and it can be a total game-changer. Hypnobirthing teaches relaxation techniques, breathing methods, and various other exercises that help you feel empowered and relaxed for labour.

Why it’s great:
- It gives you a sense of control and calmness going into childbirth.
- It’s a great way to meet other mums-to-be and swap tips about pregnancy and birth.
- You’ll feel prepared and confident for the big day, with techniques that are also super helpful for post-birth relaxation.

You can find out more about what I offer in my COURSES page!

Being on maternity leave while still pregnant is a unique time, and it’s all about balancing getting ready for your baby and taking care of yourself. Whether you want to stay active, enjoy some downtime, or mentally prepare for childbirth, Fareham has plenty to offer. So, grab your comfy shoes, take a stroll around town, and enjoy these peaceful moments before the little one makes their grand entrance!

Things to do when baby arrives:

One of the best things about maternity leave is that it gives you a chance to join baby groups, where you can meet other new parents and learn skills to bond with your baby. And Fareham has no shortage of fantastic groups. Here are some of the top ones to check out:

Baby Sign and Sing: If you’re looking for a way to communicate with your little one before they can talk, Baby Sign and Sing is an excellent group. They teach you and your baby some simple signs that can help your baby express their needs, which can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing frustration for both of you. It’s also a fun way to bond and feel more in control when you’re navigating those early days of parenthood.
Baby Sensory: This one is a must if you’re looking to stimulate your baby’s senses and make some new mum friends. With its fun welcome song and a whole range of sensory activities, Baby Sensory is hugely popular in Fareham, and for good reason! It’s a brilliant place to meet other new parents, share stories, and pick up some great ideas for entertaining your baby. Your little one will love the bright lights, soft toys, and interactive play, while you get to enjoy the social side of things.
Baby Massage – Basking Babies (Waterlooville): If you’re keen to learn some skills to help soothe your baby, Basking Babies in Waterlooville is a fantastic baby massage group. Not only will you learn techniques that can help with everything from wind and discomfort to bonding with your baby, but it’s also a lovely, supportive community of parents who will make you feel right at home. Plus, your baby will love the calming massage sessions – it’s a win-win!
Tabnabs for Messy Play and Baby Weaning: As your baby gets a little older ( after 6 months), Tabnabs is a great option for messy play and weaning support. Zoe will guide you through fun sensory activities while helping you navigate the often-confusing world of baby weaning. You’ll also meet other parents who are going through the same stage, and your little one will have a blast exploring textures, tastes, and, of course, making a mess! This baby group was probably my absolute favorite. It was good because it can get very messy which is something I probably would have never entertained at home!
Playdaze: If you’re looking for somewhere fun and safe for your baby to play, Playdaze is the place to be. It’s a soft play centre that’s ideal for crawling and walking babies, but without all the crazy climbing structures you might find at other places. It’s got an open space where babies can roam freely, and it’s a great open place to meet other local parents. Oh, and there’s coffee – so you can sit back and relax while your baby enjoys the fun. Bonus!

Why Fareham Library’s Free Baby Groups Are a Must for Mums on Maternity Leave

If you're on maternity leave in Fareham, you need to check out Fareham Library – it’s a total lifesaver for getting out of the house and meeting other mums. I’ve been attending some of their free baby groups, and they’ve been a game-changer for both me and my little one. Here’s why you should make them part of your weekly routine!

1. Rhyme Time: Sing, Clap, and Bond with Your Baby

Rhyme Time is a fun session where you and your baby sing nursery rhymes, clap, and have a giggle together. It’s a great way to bond with your baby and support their language development. Plus, you’ll meet other mums to chat with, which is always a bonus! Why I love it:

Helps with language development and bonding.
Socialising with other parents is a nice bonus.

When?

Every Friday at 11:00-11.30 AM.

2. Stay and Play: Fun, Free Playtime for Your Baby

Stay and Play is a relaxed drop-in session where babies can explore toys and activities while parents chat. It’s perfect for a casual playdate, and you get to meet other local parents. Why I love it:

Sensory development for your baby.
A stress-free way to meet other mums and get out of the house.

When?

Every Monday at 10:00-12:00 AM (baby) and Tuesday at 09:30-11.30 AM (baby and toddler).

3. Why Fareham Library is Perfect for Maternity Leave

The best part? All of these groups are free, so no need to worry about the budget. Plus, after the groups, you can browse parenting books, pick up some new reads for your little one, or just relax in a welcoming space. It’s a great place to gather local info on other activities too.

The Bottom Line… if you’re looking for a fun, free, and relaxed way to spend time with your baby, Fareham Library’s baby groups are a must. You’ll bond with your little one, meet new mums, and enjoy a bit of social time too. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Grab a Coffee and Take a Break

You know those days when you just need a break (and let’s be honest, a caffeine boost)?

Fareham Coffee #1 was one of my favorites. It’s got a lovely, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for grabbing a coffee while your baby’s napping or enjoying some quiet time. The best part? It’s a great spot to meet other new mums who are out and about for a coffee too. You’ll find a few others who are in the same boat as you, and before you know it, you’ll be swapping baby tips and chatting about life on maternity leave. They sometimes host free mum meet ups too.

I also loved the Rose and Poppy in Stubbington. This was handy for me because I am Stubbington based so it was very local and I liked the fact that it was family run. When I was on maternity leave one of the owners also had a young baby! It has a great atmosphere in there and great coffee too.

There is several other chain coffee places in Fareham that we used to go to - Cafe Nero’s and Costa - both of them are nice! I have no complaints on the coffee for sure. Sometimes with these locations it can be better to plan to meet a mum friend there as I don’t recall them hosting anything that was new mum friendly as such!

Final Thoughts

Being on maternity leave while still pregnant is a unique time, and it’s all about balancing getting ready for your baby and taking care of yourself. Whether you want to stay active, enjoy some downtime, or mentally prepare for childbirth, Fareham has plenty to offer. So, grab your comfy shoes, take a stroll around town, and enjoy these peaceful moments before the little one makes their grand entrance!

What to Do on Maternity Leave in Fareham….