Keeping Larne mums-to-be well informed

Every year, approximately 4,500 babies are born in the Northern Trust’s maternity units at Causeway and Antrim Area hospitals, and a further 1,500 women receive antenatal and post-natal care.

Following feedback, the Trust has taken steps to make information about care and treatment more easily accessible.

These include a new section on the Trust’s website, the production of new maternity DVDs and the restructuring of antenatal classes.

Brigid McKeown, Trust lead midwife said: “We know that pregnant women are busy, trying to manage their normal day to day activities while planning for baby’s arrival.

“The antenatal classes will now be delivered in two sessions at nine locations, which means that more women will be able to fit both classes into their busy lives and therefore not miss out on any of the information given.

“In addition, two new DVDs have been produced showing a tour of the maternity unit and options for pain relief. Community midwives will distribute the DVDs and pregnant women will be able to watch them with their partner at a time that suits them and in the comfort of their own home.

“To support the antenatal classes and DVDs, a webpage has been developed. The site provides advice to women if they are planning for or thinking about having a baby and then continues to guide them through their own pregnancy journey, from antenatal care, to labour and the postnatal period. There are also useful contact details and web links for additional information.”

The new website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can be accessed at http://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/livewell