On Mondays, in a building nestled between swaying gumtrees and the Central Queensland Coastline, 15 fresh parents gather in a circle, cross-legged on the floor. Surrounded by blankets, books and soft toys, holding their babies close, they share stories of sleepless nights, feeding, the overwhelming love, and exhaustion, of early parenthood. A far cry from the hospital setting most families get so used to on the journey to meeting their baby, this room is all about community, care and connection.
This is Baby Nurture and Nourish (Baby NaN), a 9-week, community-led program based in Queensland’s Gladstone Region. Delivered by Strong Communities and developed from the Bringing Up Great Kids: First 1000 Days framework, Baby NaN focuses on strengthening the bond between parents and babies in the precious early months of life. But it’s more than a parenting program. It’s a lifeline for many rural families navigating the joys and challenges of raising a baby with limited support around.
Families often come to Baby NaN feeling isolated and unsure. “Am I the only one who feels like this?” “I didn’t realise it would feel this way” “No one said it would be this challenging”- are phrases heard countless times in first weeks. But, by week nine they’ve not only built a deeper connection with their baby—they’ve also built a circle of support around themselves that is unmistakable and forges a strength that carries them through those first pivotal years of parenthood.
The program has become so valued within the community that it now runs with long waitlists and high demand. Parents often hear about Baby NaN through word of mouth, health professionals, or past participants who describe it as “a must” for anyone with a new baby. Its growing popularity is a testament to how deeply it meets a need for connection, education, and emotional support in those critical early months.
In rural communities, access to maternal and child health services can be patchy. Families often face long drives to appointments, long waitlists, and a lack of informal support networks. Baby NaN offers something both simple and powerful: a safe, local space for parents to slow down, tune in, and connect.
Each week, the group explores topics like brain development, responsive parenting, and understanding a baby’s cues. But perhaps the most transformative part is the invitation for parents to reflect on their own experiences—what kind of parent they want to be, and how they can nurture themselves as they nurture their child.
“It’s the first time I’ve felt like I’m not doing this alone,” one mum shared. “It’s not just about my baby—it’s about me too.”
Delivered in partnership with local services and tailored to each community’s needs, Baby NaN also acts as a gentle bridge to further support. Parents are introduced to local health providers, playgroups, and services they might not have otherwise known about.
And the ripple effects are real. Parents who complete Baby NaN often return to volunteer, refer friends, or go on to join other programs.
“It’s not just about prevention or early intervention,” says the facilitator. “It’s about planting seeds of connection that can grow into stronger families and more resilient communities.”
In a world where rural health care often focuses on what’s missing, Baby NaN is a reminder of what’s already here—compassion, wisdom, and the power of local people coming together to give babies and parents the best possible start.
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