Parent Education Classes and Resources

This is a series of four live online classes focussing on promoting wellness and maintaining good health in pregnancy

Ideally, women should come as early as possible in the pregnancy to help lay the foundation for a positive experience for you.

Held monthly on Fridays, 9am – 10:30am:

• 1st Friday – Healthy pregnancy and medication safety (Midwife & Pharmacist)
• 2nd Friday – Healthy bodies (Physiotherapist)
• 3rd Friday – Healthy eating (Dietitian)
• 4th Friday – Healthy minds (Mental Health Team)

You’ll receive one link for all four sessions and can attend as many as you wish.

Please note that there is no class on the fifth Friday of the month.

To get the most from this set of classes, we recommend that you take time to go through the ‘Guide to Keeping Well in Pregnancy’ on our eLearning Hub 

Available online or in person:

In person: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Online: Monday/Tuesday morning, Thursday evening.

We recommend starting from around 30 weeks

In-person places are limited and book up very quickly so you should aim to book in approximately two months before you would like to do them!

As spaces are limited, please do not book in-person classes unless you can attend the full set.

Each class runs between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the option you choose – this will be confirmed for you on booking.

• Class one: Labour and birth
  We know that a positive birthing experience can positively affect a woman’s long term wellbeing, and aim to empower women and their partners to believe in themselves through a partnership approach. Class one will cover preparation for labour and childbirth. We will help you understand the importance of the birthing environment and developing your coping strategies. You will gain an understanding of the first, second and third stages of labour. 
• Class two: Interventions and postnatal recovery
  We will cover interventions such as instrumental delivery, emergency c section and induction of labour. It will also start the postnatal journey of the mother, including tips on getting infant feeding off to a good start.
• Class three: Baby care and infant mental health
  This class will focus on the baby with practical babycare demonstrations, and a focus on infant mental health. Parents who have children already but would like a refresher on baby care are welcome to attend this class online.

Women Only Class:

• This class covers the same information as above but has been designed with the solo parenting woman in mind
• It is also a popular choice for women who prefer to do their classes in a female only environment.

Partners Class:

• This is an online class for partners only.
• It is open to all partners and designed to give partners the opportunity to ask questions and clarify information.
• The format is flexible and will be guided by the questions and interactions that occur within each class.
• It is held approximately once a month in the evening.

All classes are designed to complement and build on the information in the eLearning hub and you will find them more beneficial if you have reviewed the relevant modules before your classes. 

The NMH Guide to Labour and Delivery:

The NMH Guide to Caring for Yourself and Your Baby after Birth:

Refresher Class:

• This midwife led class is designed for women and partner/support person, who have had a previous vaginal delivery.
• It aims to help prepare you for this pregnancy’s labour and birth.
• It is a three-hour, interactive class and can be done online or in person and runs twice a month.
• You are also welcome to join the online baby care class for first time parents, if you would like a baby care refresher.

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section Class (VBAC)

• It is a three-hour class which is held approximately twice a month either online or in person
• This midwife led class is designed to support women and their partners who have had a previous caesarean section and are now hoping for a vaginal birth.
• Partners/support person welcome

Introduction to Hypnobirthing – online, monthly, 4 hours

• An interactive class designed to introduce women and their partners to the principles of hypnobirthing.
• It builds on the skills you will learn/have learnt in your “Preparation for Childbirth” (first time parents) “Refresher” or “VBAC” classes
• Aims to instil a greater confidence for your birthing journey and teach hypnobirthing techniques
• Partners are encouraged to attend.

Planned Caesarean Section class – online/in person, monthly, 3 hours

• This class is designed for women having planned (elective) caesarean section and their partner/support person

• It aims to prepare women for their Caesarean Section.
• Partners are welcome

Twins Class – Online, monthly, 3 hours

• This midwife led class is designed to help a woman and her partner who are expecting twins, navigate pregnancy and childbirth. 

Young Parents Classes – 2 in-person sessions (2 hours each)

• These are classes aimed at the younger mother and father (late teens to approximately 21 years of age).
• They are small, in person, interactive classes facilitated by a midwife. The aim is that you will come to two classes; the first will focus on labour and the second will focus on babycare.
• Feel free to bring a friend/support person if your partner can’t come.
• Opportunity to ask questions and meet other young parents.

Preparing to Breastfeed Class:

This class is facilitated by lactation consultants and will help start a positive breastfeeding journey.

Further information is available here

• Virtual class: Held on the third Wednesday evening of each month via Webex, from 18:00–20:00. Please email classes@nmh.ie to receive the access link.
• In person: This walk in face to face class is facilitated in the Lecture Theatre on Level 1 in 65/66 Mount St. Full timetable available here

Partners are encouraged to attend.

Colostrum Harvesting Information Session:

• This class is held Friday from 9.30-10.30am in The NMH Ground Floor Boardroom – Mount Street Lower entrance. Please see full timetable here
• No booking required
• Partners welcome
• Free Colostrum Harvesting Kits are available and provided to all women who attend the Colostrum Harvesting class

We have a range of classes ran by our physiotherapists to support mums and babies.

• Pelvic Girdle and Lower Back Pain Class
• Protecting your Pelvic Floor in Pregnancy and Beyond
• Healthy Bodies After Birth

Please see Physiotherapy Classes – The National Maternity Hospital for more information and booking

We have a range of classes ran by our dietitians to support mums and babies including:

• Tús Maith (‘A Good Start’) Class
• Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Support Group
• Feeding my Baby at Home: The Early Days 
• Introducing Solid Foods and Textures to my Baby after the Neonatal Unit

Please see Nutrition and Dietetic Classes & Groups – The National Maternity Hospital for more information and booking

These classes explore the possible emotional and psychological adjustments you may go through during your pregnancy and into the postnatal period.

Healthy Minds in Pregnancy

• This is a practical class where you will have the opportunity to learn and practice strategies that can support your mental health during pregnancy, including anxiety management techniques.
• This class takes place online on the 4th Friday of each month.
• Email classes@nmh.ie to get further information and register for the class.
• To get the most from this class please log on from a comfortable, private space.

Supporting your Postnatal Emotional Wellbeing

• For 3rd trimester of pregnancy and/or the postnatal period
• This class focuses on the transition and adjustment of motherhood, whether this is your first baby or you have had a baby before.
• We provide information on supporting your mental health postnatally, what to look out for and how/where to seek help if you are concerned about your mental health.

• Email classes@nmh.ie to get further information and register for the class.