Virtual antenatal classes support parents during lockdown
Soon-to-be parents in Birmingham are now taking part in virtual antenatal classes as part of social distancing.
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s have embraced technology to continue to support expectant mums and dads by offering the classes – which usually take place at Birmingham Women’s Hospital – online via video link.
The Parental Education team is one of a number of teams at the Trust who have adapted their ways of working to continue to deliver services during the COVID-19 outbreak while minimising the risk of spreading the virus.
Typically running 13 six-hour courses a month, the team are now using video conferencing software ‘Zoom’ to hold classes, meaning there has been little disruption to their service and parents can attend the classes from the safety and comfort of their own home.
Antenatal courses support parents ahead of their new baby’s arrival by helping them to stay healthy throughout the pregnancy, preparing them for labour and birth and giving them the confidence to build a strong relationship with their little one.
The move to virtual classes is just one of the ways the Trust is supporting pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic.
Joanna Sladden, Parent Education Team Leader, said: “We normally do our classes with around 22 people in one room, so we had to come up with a very rapid plan on how we were going to continue to deliver antenatal classes to a large group of people without having everyone together."
Joanna added: “We started it for the first time and have had really positive feedback so far. We want to give the best experience we can without being in the same room as our patients.
“It’s a new and different way of working, and while it may not be ideal, we are trying to make it as fun, personalised and enjoyable as possible.”
For the latest advice and guidance on measures in place at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s to protect patients and families, see the Trust’s website: www.bwc.nhs.uk.