Newry parents reunite for latest ‘Getting Ready for Baby’ Programme
Parents who took part in the latest ‘Getting Ready for Baby’ Programme in the Southern Trust have reunited to introduce their babies to each other for the first time.
Since it began last year, 611 women from across the area and many partners have taken part in the Getting Ready for Baby Programme which supports parents through pregnancy, preparing for labour and the early days of baby’s life.
This new approach to antenatal care links the mother’s clinical check-ups with very practical parenting group support.
Speaking to Newry Times, Programme Manager, Paula Boyle explained, “Having a baby is a very exciting time. Along with the physical changes the mother will experience, there is also a lot of new information for parents to absorb in preparation for their new arrival.
“Attending antenatal care is very important for the physical health and wellbeing of both mum and baby. However, we also now know that education classes are just as important in supporting parents to cope with pregnancy, birth and right through to the early days with their new arrival.
“Our group based education gives parents-to-be some very practical tips and advice for example, changing nappies and bathing a baby which can be very daunting for first time parents. It also helps to get to know your baby and develop a relationship before it’s even born along with providing a strong foundation for secure attachment and positive mental health.
“We are delighted with the response to the programme, we have had over 400 babies born, many as normal deliveries and our breastfeeding rates are also great,” she insisted.
“Parents are finding it much more convenient to combine their check-ups with antenatal education and really benefit from supporting each other – so it was lovely to bring them all back together again with their beautiful babies to share their birth stories and hear how they are coping with parenthood,” Paula added.
Getting Ready for Baby is an Early Intervention Transformation Programme, led by the Public Health Agency throughout Northern Ireland.
It aims to aims to improve outcomes for children and young people through embedding early intervention approaches.
For more information on the programmes contact Programme Manager, Paula Boyle: Tel: 07717543361 or Email: paula.boyle@southerntrust.hscni.net
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=64127
Posted by Newry Times News
on May 17 2018. Filed under Community.
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