Our Classes
At Portiuncula University Hospital a wide variety of classes are available to educate you and prepare you for your pregnancy, birth and transition to parenthood. The overreaching aim of our programme is to empower parents to develop practical skills for the birth and parenthood. The classes are available on different platforms to meet the needs of women including face to face and online. Our classes are provided by highly experienced staff from PUH maternity service. The information provided is based on evidence-based guidelines and in line with national standards.
You are welcome to attend on your own or with a support person. However some classes have limitations due to space constraints.
A link to an evaluation is sent with the booking information. We need your feedback in order to future develop and improve our service and value the voice of women immensely
If you feel that you need additional support to meet your needs to prepare for birth please inform the Midwives in outpatients and they will link you with the Parent Education Midwife who will make contact and assess your needs on an individual basis.
Follow the links below to reserve your place on these classes.
Early Pregnancy Antenatal Class
This class is for all women 12 to 24 weeks pregnant, whether it is your first or subsequent pregnancy. This class takes place in person in our Out Reach Centre in Poolboy (H53 RP82), a 5 minute drive from the hospital . The class is facilitated by Midwives, Social worker and physiotherapist.
The class will inform you on the types of care available, what to expect during pregnancy. Appointment schedule and what happens at antenatal appointments. It will signpost you on how to navigate early pregnancy and you will be made aware of resources and services that are available to support you.
You will meet all facilitators and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. We are unable to accommodate birth companions at this class due to space restraints. This class lasts approximately 3 hours with an option to ask questions at the end.
Virtual Antenatal & Birth Preparation Class Via Zoom Online
This class is for women after 28 weeks of pregnancy and is open to all women and their birth companions. This class is virtual so you can avail of this class from the comfort of your own home.
This class focuses on pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, so the latter stages of pregnancy. Preparing for birth and birthing is the main focus including coping strategies and options for labour.
The class is facilitated by Midwives, a physiotherapist and an Anaesthetist. This class lasts approximately 4 hours including a break with an option to ask questions via the chat box or open communication online
Hypnobirthing Class
Birth preparation classes to give you the knowledge, confidence and tools for birth. Hypnobirthing is an education of the mind that can dispel fear and myth, allowing the space for a positive birth experience whatever path your birth may take.
The optimum time to attend is between 26 and 32 weeks gestation.
Birth Preparation and Parent Craft Classes (3classes)
These birth preparation and parent craft classes takes place over 3 evenings each a week apart. It is Recommend to attend from 28/30 weeks pregnant.
These classes takes place in a large space in the out patients department in Portiuncula University Hospital. And is an evening class to help support women and their birth support person to attend.
There are 3 classes. Classes last approximately 2 hours 30 mins.
Antenatal Education for Diabetics and Gestational Diabetics
This class is for anyone pregnant with diabetes or who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. This class will discuss pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, how to prepare for birth and birthing. This Class will include tips on managing your diabetes during pregnancy, birth and postnatally. This class is facilitated by the Parent Education Midwife and Diabetic Nurse Specialist. You will meet other women who have diabetes and have lots of opportunity to ask questions.
This class takes place in person in Ballinasloe Health Centre next door to Portiuncula University hospital. We are unable to accommodate birth companions at this class due to space restraints. This class will last approximately 3 hours 30 mins.
Prenatal Yoga & Mindfulness Class
This class is wonderful opportunity to continue a regular practice of self care, supporting a positive mindset, preparing for birth in both mind and body, exploring relaxation techniques combined with gentle movement.
Antenatal Breastfeeding Workshop Virtual
You will learn the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of skin to skin contact, establishing a good milk supply by stimulation early and often, the importance of correct position and attachment, ways of protecting the milk supply if baby is unable to latch and that every breastfeeding challenge has a solution!
Antenatal Breastfeeding Workshop Face to Face
You will learn the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of skin to skin contact, establishing a good milk supply by stimulation early and often, the importance of correct position and attachment, ways of protecting the milk supply if baby is unable to latch and that every breastfeeding challenge has a solution!
There are only 12 tickets available for this class, one ticket per mother and partner
Postnatal Breastfeeding Support Group
This support group is for mothers and babies that are experiencing breastfeeding challenges who have been discharged from hospital. Let us support and assist you to overcome these challenges to allow you to continue your breastfeeding journey.
Birth After Caesarean
This three hour class is suitable for all women, and partners, who has a previous Caesarean Birth and are considering their options for their next birth. Topics will include the evidence around options for your next birth, preparing for labour and birth, supporting vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC), transition for the baby and preparing for the unexpected with plenty of time for discussion.
The class is facilitated by the Parent Education Midwife and Advanced Midwife Practitioner.
“Face to face in a small group was fantastic, easy to learn and all questions answered”
“The labour ward visit was great to have, takes away the fear of the unknown. Overall, very worthwhile and enjoyable 3 evenings. ”
“The Midwife was very open and created a comfortable atmosphere and made us all feel at ease”
“The Midwife was so easy to listen to and I thought that class flew. I was so anxious about having GD but it was lovely to be in a room of women they were in the same boat as me. The Midwife really made me feel at ease and I would recommend this class. ”
“Fantastic service, one which I’d be lost without, really helpful in the early weeks while establishing breastfeeding.”
“I found the class really comprehensive and it covered a fast range of topics”
“Thanks a gazillion Penny for all your efforts and consistency and taking us all along during the most challenging and cherished time of our lives. Keep spreading your energy in building a stronger community!!!”
“‘I also wanted to thank you for all the tips and support along the way during your pre natal yoga sessions. I can honestly say I recommend your classes to anyone who is pregnant and is able to take them”