Parent Education
The Department of Parent Education is committed to the provision of the highest standards of evidence based antenatal education in line with the recommendations of the National Standards For Antenatal Education In Ireland (2020). Our commitment to antenatal education is based on the belief that empowering parents through up to date information and education is some of the most powerful support that can be given to you at this precious time of your lives. We have a strong belief in the power and necessity of building and sustaining communities through the support and education of parents and your experiences of birth.
Our videos and classes are designed to cater for all parents irrespective of what kind of birth you are preparing for or your choices around parenting. We aim to cater for all types of adult learner through participative and interactive learning which we hope will empower you to take ownership of your birthing experience and make choices that are right for you.
Parent Education Videos & Classes
Education Videos
We offer a blended learning approach to our antenatal education using online or in person classes and education videos to help ensure that you to get maximum benefit from your time with us.
Below we have links to our suite of antenatal education videos, created by our multidisciplinary team. These videos have been created to guide you and your partner through pregnancy, labour & birth and your transition to parenthood.
Classes
The Parent Education Department offers both in-person and online interactive antenatal classes to all women registered at The Coombe Hospital.
Booking registration is available from 18 weeks of pregnancy, please click here to find out more.
It is highly recommended that you complete your booking by 18 weeks to ensure your preferred options are available and you get maximum benefits from your chosen classes.
Birth Dynamics
Birth Dynamics is a programme of antenatal education which we have developed at The Coombe Hospital to support you through labour and optimise physiological birth.
Birth Dynamics refers to the forces that impact on the birthing process and is a toolkit for labour which uses techniques and supports to enhance both the labour process and your experience of birth.
Parent Education Handouts
Birth Preferences
As you work through your antenatal education we advise that you and your birth partner develop your preferences for birth. Although your situation may change as pregnancy/labour/birth progresses it is still a great idea to have your birth preferences written down so you can take it to the hospital with you. Download and fill in your Birth Plan today.
Hospital Bag
For your convenience we have pulled together a list of items you should include in your hospital bag, to download a pdf copy click here or else visit our webpage.
HSE
This is an HSE designed workbook to help you to prepare for post birth. This is to encourage you to think about and name some useful things/people that can help you adjust to your newrole as a mother/parent.
Download and fill in your Post Birth Wellbeing Plan.
Minding Me
This is an Minding Me designed booklet providing advice and support information for expectant and new mothers, anyone planning a pregnancy or partners, grandparents, family and friends that may be supporting someone who is expecting or has a baby.
Download Looking after your Mental Health during Pregnancy and Beyond