Babyfit app launched to help reduce social isolation among Edinburgh new mums

A fitness and wellbeing app designed to reduce isolation among new mums has launched.

The Babyfit programme offers exercise classes and social activities in Edinburgh as well as access to free first-aid training and social events for the price of £5 per week.

Founders Amy Falconer and Lisa Kitching said they wanted to make it the same price as a cup of coffee in the hopes that it could help tackle some of the challenges brought on by the cost of living crisis.

Lisa Kitching, director of Baby Fit, said: “After Covid and now the cost-of-living crisis, new mums risk being more alone than ever.

“There are so many challenges anyway, but times are so tough that the risk of being isolated is higher than I’ve ever seen it.

Mums say the classes are great for their physical and mental health

“Isolation can lead to real problems for the physical and mental health of mums and their babies, so it needs to be tackled.”

The app offers access to free events including health and exercise classes along with discounted brunch clubs and cocktail making.

The organisation has teamed up with several Edinburgh businesses and charities, including John Lewis, Gorgie City Farm, the Montpeliers group and Mini First Aid to provide more opportunities for women in and around Edinburgh.

Lisa added: “I launched this app as a way of letting mums across the Lothians come together, not just to keep fit and improve their own body confidence, but to make friends and create social circles.

“It’s absolutely vital new mums are able to meet others in their area, and that’s something that the pandemic and now money concerns have made more difficult.

“Addressing issues like fitness, self-esteem and post-natal depression now can help stave off bigger problems in future, both for families themselves and for services like the NHS and local government.”