Bridging Gaps in Maternity Care: RealBirth’s Impact on Inclusive Support and Efficiency
25 June 2024
Induction of Labour and successful Breastfeeding
19 August 2024Context:
Sure Start projects in Northern Ireland offer essential services to families from the antenatal stage up to the child's fourth birthday. As the demand for antenatal information and support grows, projects like Beechmount Sure Start have adapted their services to meet these needs. Recognising the importance of consistent and professional antenatal education, Beechmount Sure Start sought training for their Antenatal Support Workers with 12 other Sure Starts from Northen Ireland.
Objective:
To enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of Antenatal Support Workers in providing informative and supportive antenatal education, thereby benefiting the diverse families they serve.
Methodology:
In August 2020, Beechmount Sure Start organised several four-day virtual training course in collaboration with the Real Birth Company. Twenty staff members from thirteen Sure Starts participated, including Antenatal Support Workers, Health Visitors, Midwives, and Perinatal Mental Health support workers. The training focused on equipping participants with the necessary tools to facilitate antenatal education effectively. Additionally, access to the Real Birth Company's antenatal digital course was provided to share with families in their communities.
Results:
Feedback from participants indicated increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the importance of choice and positive language in antenatal education.
The investment in staff development is expected to benefit the antenatal families, including those with non-English-speaking backgrounds.
Collaboration and support from the Real Birth Company were highly valued by staff, ensuring ongoing learning and development.
Participants expressed enthusiasm and confidence in delivering the training content to expectant mothers, leading to more positive birth experiences and informed choices.
Testimonials:
Penny Ambrose, Beechmount Sure Start: The virtual training was well-received, with impressive feedback on increased knowledge and skills, benefiting the community with birth preparation.
Zoe Wright, Midwife and Founder, Real Birth Company: The positive reception of online training highlights its effectiveness, fostering connections among participants and supporting ongoing learning.
Louise McGeary, Blossom Sure Start: The training has sparked enthusiasm and confidence, leading to more positive interactions with antenatal mothers and improved birth experiences.
Liz Davis, South Belfast Sure Start: The ethos of informing and empowering antenatal women has led to positive outcomes, including informed choices and more positive birthing experiences.
Conclusion:
The partnership between Sure Start projects and the Real Birth Company has resulted in empowered Antenatal Support Workers equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide informative and supportive antenatal education. This investment in staff development has the potential to positively impact antenatal families, promoting informed choices and more positive birth experiences. Continued collaboration and support will further enhance the effectiveness of antenatal support services in Northern Ireland.
25 June 2024Empowering Antenatal Support: Real Birth Training in Sure Start Projects
Sure Start projects in Northern Ireland offer essential services to families from the antenatal stage up to the child's fourth birthday.
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