500 local mums-to-be take part in Baby Zoom | Newry Times | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

500 local mums-to-be take part in Baby Zoom | Newry Times

Almost 500 mums-to-be and their birthing partners have spent the past 12 months learning about birth education via video link.

 

500 local mums-to-be take part in Baby Zoom - Newry Times - local news newry

 

When the pandemic first stuck last year, our maternity team in the Southern Trust had to consider alternative ways of how they could run their antenatal and parenting education classes.

 

 

The Southern Trust was the first Trust to set up and deliver these much-needed classes via Zoom.

“One of the main ways we prepare parents-to-be for their new baby is through parenting and antenatal classes,” says Gemma Winter, Antenatal Education Coordinator Midwife.

“Normally these are conducted face to face, where we’re able to chat with people and demonstrate techniques in person.


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“However, when restrictions were introduced and social distancing rules came into force, we had to look again at how we shared this vital information with expectant parents.

“And online video conferencing tools gave us the perfect solution.”

In the past 12 months, the team have organised more than 100 antenatal and parenting classes for thousands of people, covering topics such as getting ready for baby, breastfeeding workshop, labour, delivery and birth.

“The feedback we have received has been amazing.

 

 

“Many first time parents said that it really helped them with the basics and found them helpful in times of uncertainty.

“It is really important that expectant parents get this social connection.

“Our classes were still held ‘locally’ which enabled new mums and dads to stay connected with others during the lockdown and build a community support network of other parents having a baby at the same time.

“Over 600 people attended our online classes in October last year alone.”

Wendy Clarke, Head of Midwifery, said, “This initiative is a great example of how a digital solution can help to aid and support our mums-to-be and their families during these difficult times.”

If you would like to know more about what classes are available check out the maternity webpage or send an email.

 


 

Keep up to date with all the latest Northern Ireland Coronavirus / Covid-19 news HERE.

 


 

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Posted by on Jul 23 2021. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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