In Paris there are 59 maternal and child health centres for mothers with babies and children from newborn up to six years old. The mission of PMI is to support pregnant women and mothers through antenatal and postnatal consultations, to offer parental support and to offer protection for children from 0 to 6 years old with consultations and preventive actions, planning and family education activities. A multidisciplinary team (doctor, nursery nurse, midwife, childcare assistant, psychologist) is at your disposal for childcare advice, medical consultations, and collective activities to support parents. There is also a midwife call centre for pregnant women. Workshops and group activities are also available: preparation for birth, future parent exchange groups, support for breastfeeding, awakening toddlers, baby massage, nutrition and reading.
Sarah Jane Lindsay
PMI has baby gym classes, toys, a doctor and helpful information on breastfeeding, food etc. It’s like a drop in centre for mums. (SJL)
For playgroups etc I bring my eldest to the PMI. Each arrondissement has one or two of these government run centres. They offer free medical care and advice; play groups, weighings for newborns etc. (Solange Quinn)