1. Preparing for birth and parenthood: The links and pathways being developed between CUMH and YKABC
Cathy O’ Sullivan
MSc BNS RNT RM RGN
Centre of Midwifery Education,
Cork University Maternity Hospital
Women, babies and their families are thtion

2. Outline of presentation
Collaboration between YKABC and CUMH to bring a common language from Child Development to our maternity service
Influence of the National Maternity Strategy (DOH 2016) on both of our practices
Preparation for birth and parenthood and its relationship with Infant Mental Health
Education of the providers of preparation for birth and parenthood education
HSE Nurture: National standards for antenatal education

3. Links and pathways between YKABC and CUMH
Initial contact, first meetings and ongoing collaboration
Referral pathways for pregnant women for home visiting and screening to support families.
Introducing the SCIENCE of IMH into Preparation for birth and parenthood facilitation module.
IMH Masterclasses
Masterclasses planned in CUMH for 2017
Network group
Grand Rounds presentation

4. National Maternity Strategy
“Pregnancy and birth are life changing events for expectant parents and it is important that the emotional aspects of adjusting to parenthood are acknowledged”
“Mother-baby bonding should be facilitated and supported at all times” (DOH 2016:62)
“Pregnancy and birth is a time when women have a unique opportunity to focus on their health and wellbeing, and positive choices can have a significant impact on giving each baby the best start in life” (DOH 2016:64)
Preparation for birth and parenthood education is one positive choice that expectant parents can make to give their baby “the best start in life”

5. “Ready or not here I come”
The transition to parenthood is a major life event and may be one of the most acute changes experienced during a person’s life, yet according to Mc Kellar et al (2009) many parents find themselves unprepared for their parenting role.
A positive experience throughout the transition to parenthood contributes to the parents’ confidence and ability to adapt to this new role.
Many parents are unaware of the impact a baby will have on their lives and the difference between their expectations and reality can often be immense.
Therefore it is imperative to encompass IMH science to support parents through the transitional period and beyond
“Ready or not here I come”
As a baby is gestating, so too are its parents (England and Horowitz, 2007)

6. CUMH Mission Statement: Women babies and their families are the centre of our service as we strive for excellence and innovation
Preparation for birth and parenthood education

7. CUMH ANTENATAL EDUCATION
Evidence based information
Focus on parenthood and not just labour and birth
Labour is a day and a baby is for life
Practical skills to prepare and gain as many insights into parenthood as possible
Interactive and participative (DOH 2016; NICE 2008)
Relevant, understandable and memorable (O’ Sullivan O’ Connell and Devane 2014)
Encourage parents to notice their baby’s behaviour during pregnancy. This helps them to become aware of the baby’s personality
Murphy M. Jeffery M. O’ Sullivan C.
O’ Connor J. Dennehy V. Long O.
O’ Regan M. O’Donovan R. Barry L. Dennehy J. Wiseman S. Cronin AM. (2015)

8. Realistic preparation for parenthood: Recognising and responding to cues
Crying baby exercise
Nappy changing exercises
Breastfeeding
Skin to skin contact
Responding to an ad in paper from baby looking for loving parents
How has baby communicated with you in the past week?
24 hour clock
Parenting happiness and unhappiness
In CUMH we strive to prepare parents realistically for parenthood by getting them to practice practical infant care skills to build their confidence in those skills and to explain how performing these baby care skills is a way of connecting with their baby

9. Rest is not idleness! Tips for new parents!
Attunement to baby and to own self care needs central to wellbeing
Rest is not idleness!

10. Linking with IMH
With interactive and participative antenatal education parents have the opportunity to network, learn, question and debate.
Together we will consider the change and implementation processes necessary to develop and embed an approach to practice, services and neighbourhoods to build the best possible start for all children and families.

11. Connect connect connect!
Interactive Exercise and its affect on relationships

12. Preparation for birth and parenthood education facilitation module:NU5018
Accredited (UCC) preparation for role of preparation for birth and parenthood education facilitator
Locally developed programme with National uptake
Midwives, Public Health Nurses and physiotherapists learn together and share experiences
Focus on facilitation skills, adult learning and evidence based practice
Group dynamics and dealing with emotions in groups
Practice under supervision in CUMH
Incorporating the science of IMH from 2017
Self supporting network of interdisciplinary practitioners who will develop their own skills and competencies around IMH

13. HSE Nurture Programme: Infant Health and wellbeing.
Implementation team: Antenatal to Postnatal
Vision of this group:
To lead in the development of resources to support the parental journey through the antenatal to postnatal period.
Goals and objectives:
To develop National Standards for Antenatal Education
To embed health and wellbeing promotion and improvement messages, including the concept of Infant Mental Health, into all contacts in the pathway from antenatal to postnatal care. .

14. The Future!
Improvement and best practice is about “finding the difference that makes the difference”
Strengthening the partnership between CUMH and YKABC gives parents and their expectant and newborn babies a continuum of support.
Linking with YKABC and incorporating the science of Infant Mental Health into our practice and education programmes is the difference that will make the difference to give babies “the best start in life” as advocated by the National Maternity Strategy (2016)
BUILDING PROGRAMMES AND PARTNERSHIPS BASED ON BEST PRACTICE, SCIENCE AND EVIDENCE

15. Thank you!

16. References
Department of Health. (2016) Creating a better future together:National Maternity Strategy Dublin: Department of Health. England P, Horowitz R (2007) Birthing from Within. London: Souvenir Press. HSE (2015) Information on preparing for birth and parenthood. Mc Kellar L, Pincombe J, Henderson A. (2009) “Coming ready or not” Preparing parents for parenthood. British Journal of Midwifery. 17 (3) NICE. (2008) Antenatal Care: Routine care for the healthy pregnant woman. RCOG Press. O’ Sullivan C, O’ Connell R, Devane D. (2014) A descriptive survey of the educational preparation and practices of Irish Antenatal Educators. Journal of Perinatal Education. 23 (1) UCC/CUMH NU5018 Module Further Reading O Sullivan C. O’ Connell R. (2016) Strategic Approach to Antenatal Education. WIN 24 (3) 26-27