Our Classes
Early Pregnancy Class
Less than 20 weeks gestation.
Facilitated by Multidisciplinary Team, which includes; Midwife, Physiotherapist, Dietitian, Mental Health Team and Social worker. Topics include development of the baby, nutrition in pregnancy. Pelvic floor exercises and promotion of positive mental wellbeing.
Class provides you with evidence based information to assist you in making informed choices for your birth, preparation and pathways of way.
Preparation for Birth and Parenthood
First time Mothers advised to book between 28 and 32 weeks gestation.
This programme covers topics relevant to preparation for birth and transition to parenthood.
What topics are discussed?
Foetal movement awareness
Birth Preferences
Birth Mechanics
Labour Hopscotch
The signs and stages of labour
Breathing exercises
Pain relief options
Breastfeeding
List of requirements for your stay
Transition to Parenting & Roadmap for partners
Class 1: Womens’ Only & Class 2: Couples Class
Refresher Class (previously given birth)
This class is for women who have previously given birth.
This class aims to enable the mother to focus on their pregnancy and birth choices.
Revision of pain relief strategies and topics relevant to preparation for birth.
Introduction of sibling into the family unit.
Hand expression and harvesting of breast milk.
Virtual Physiotherapy Antenatal & Birth Preparation Class
As part of your Antenatal education programme to prepare you for birth, we encourage you to attend a virtual Physiotherapy workshop in addition to your sessions with the midwives.
This class is for women after 28 weeks of pregnancy and is open to all women and their birth companions. As it is virtual you can avail of this service from the comfort of your own home.
The focus is on the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and preparing for birth. The practical elements of this class include breathing techniques and positioning during labour.
The class is facilitated by the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Team and lasts 2.5 hours. This includes a break with an option to ask questions via the chat box.
Virtual Antenatal Breastfeeding Refresher Webinar
Formulated for mums who have breastfed previously
Webinar deals with the benefits to mum and baby and the science behind
breastfeeding. It concentrates more on the importance of skin to skin contact, hand expressing and practical skills to get things going for you and your baby in hospital
The science behind breastfeeding, the benefits to you and your baby, the importance of skin to skin contact, hand expressing and practical skills to get things going for you and your baby in hospital.
We will let you know about some of the things to look out for postnatally, and some of the hurdles you may face in the early days.
Virtual Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Webinar
Attending an antenatal breastfeeding webinar is the best thing you can do to prepare to breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed you baby but does not always come naturally!
In our webinar you will learn some of the science behind breastfeeding, the benefits to you and your baby, the importance of skin to skin contact, hand expressing and practical skills to get things going for you and your baby in hospital.
We will let you know about some of the things to look out for postnatally, and some of the hurdles you may face in the early days.
Hypnobirthing Programme
Hypnobirthing is the use of deep relaxation techniques using breath awareness, visualisations and massage to help a woman to feel calm and in control during her very personal birthing process.
This couples programme is facilitated in person at Merlin Park Hospital. Eircode: H91 N973 – beside Bus Stop.
Please bring 2 pillows, gym ball and mat.
Virtual Birth after Caesarean Class
Planned vaginal birth after caesarean section
Facilitated by Advanced Midwife Practitioner (AMP)
Topics include:
- What is the evidence?
- Previous birth experience
- Risks and benefits of VBAC
- Birth preferences
- Induction of labour
- Care and support in labour
- Pain relief options
Virtual Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes educational class dedicated for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and is designed to empower pregnant women with tools and resources to manage GDM.
This is a diabetes educational class dedicated for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and is designed to empower pregnant women with tools and resources to manage GDM.
Zoom links are sent to each patient via e-mail with the results of their OGTT.
Virtual New Mums’ Wellbeing Hub (Mothers’ & Babies)
Class for New Parents up to 3 months post birth.
This class provides evidence based information and signposting to postnatal services in Galway.
Multidisciplinary Team facilitate this class, including: Midwife, Physiotherapist, Dietician, Public Health Nurse, Lactation Consultant, Mental Health, Social Work & other members of the Multidisciplinary Team.
Topics covered include mental wellbeing, transition to parenthood, pelvic floor
exercises, breastfeeding, the ill baby and supports in the Community.
Mental Health Wellness Workshop for Expectant Mothers
Topics Included:
- Coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of pregnancy
- Soothing strategies for birth
- Antenatal Self Care
- Nurturing your relationship with your baby
This womens’ only workshop will be facilitated in person by the Perinatal Mental Health Team & Antenatal Education from Galway University Hospital in the Education Room (Room 1) Block B, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, H91 N973.
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