Drop-in sessions highlight pregnancy services

The services available to support women and families during pregnancy are being highlighted during a week of drop-in sessions.

The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit team will be on hand at the Roundhouse, in Braddan, between 09:00 and 13:00 GMT each day until Friday.

The Healthy Mums, Healthy Baby Week sessions include stalls showcasing services that currently available along with a designated area for talks and seminars.

Head of midwifery Regan Baggley said pregnancy could be "daunting and stressful" and the week was a chance to discuss potential concerns.

Expectant mothers and people hoping to start families have been invited to the sessions, which Manx Care said were focused on "enhancing health and wellness" for pregnant women.

Ms Baggley said: "We understand that being pregnant can be daunting and stressful, whether it's the first time or otherwise.

"This week is an opportunity for parents to come along and discuss any concerns with the team, to find out what support is available and how you can maintain healthy habits."

It was important to highlight the services because "everyone's pregnancy is different, everyone has different needs and expectations", she added.

Services at the sessions include midwives, health visitors, the birth reflection team, oral health representatives, a bereavement midwife, the neonatal unit and the vaccination team.

There will also be representatives from aqua natal, Motiv8 Addiction Services, early help and support, Quit4Two and the police.

Lead midwife for enhanced care Leslie Murphy said there was an "assumption" that it was just midwives and doctors that dealt with pregnancies, but there were many other services that provided support for families.

The sessions were being put on in January as it was associated with new year's resolutions, and was a good opportunity for women, families and people planning pregnancies to think about wellbeing, health and lifestyle, she added.

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