PRISM - Parent Education Course

We recommend attending these course when you are 28 weeks and beyond. (Select a course date when you will be this gestation)

Please note: this is an online course and consists of 3 sessions over 3 weeks. The date you book your ticket for will be the 1st session of your 3 week course, the 2nd and 3rd sessions will take place on the subsequent Thursday's. All sessions are 10am - 2:30pm and will include a break. Please only purchase one ticket, this will ensure you are booked onto all three sessions. If you are unable to join the course please do cancel your ticket to enable somebody else to book on as places are limited! If your preferred course is unavilable please email the parent education team to join the waiting list: [email protected].

About the course

Preparation, Recovery, Inspiration and Support during Motherhood (PRISM) is a course designed to prepare women and their partners for the birth of their baby.

The course focuses on support, recovery and growth as a new parent. The sessions are delivered by the maternity team at St Mary’s Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, part of Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, which includes input from midwives, physiotherapists and doctors.

PRISM reflects the different perspectives that women, men, their families and their caregivers may have, which come together to facilitate a new parent’s journey. The course is only for women and birthing people registered with Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust. Attendance is recommended from 28 weeks. Birth partners are welcome to join. If your birth partner would like to join the course, it is recommended to book one ticket per couple.

The webinar is delivered using Microsoft Teams and there is an opportunity to ask questions at each event. You will also receive a digital workbook, this will be sent to you prior to the event via email.

Book your place today and input your hospital number (MRN) in the booking details so we can verify your information. You can find your hospital number on any letter or document you have received from the NHS, including prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral or appointment letters.

You will receive an invitation link, and a digital PRISM workbook, before the event. This is the same link to access each event.

If you are not registered with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust we reserve the right to cancel your ticket.

Week 1: The antenatal pathway and The Truth about Labour

•Antenatal pathway

•Options for birth settings

•Tips for pregnancy and keeping healthy

•Common complaints in pregnancy

•Positive affirmations and relaxation

•The pelvic anatomy

•Types of delivery

•Length of labour

•Tips (mobilisation and nutrition)

•Tears and perineal preparation

•Different stages of labour

•The placenta

•Pain relief options

Week 2: Birth on the labour ward and Understanding Your Baby

•Induction of labour (IOL); reasons and the process involved after booking IOLs

•Caesarean births and instrumental delivery

•Alternative pathways - intervention on the labour ward to support your labour

•Emergencies in labour

•Bonding with your baby

•Myths and fact

•Phases of crying

•The first few weeks

•Sleeping

•Recognising the unwell baby

•Strategies for mental wellbeing

•Support networks

•Managing your relationship

•Baby development – support from health visitors, vaccinations, where to seek help, and interacting with your baby

Week 3: Neonatal care and Community Support

•The first few hours and days

•Skin to skin

•Jaundice

•Blood sugars

•Feeding

•Contraception

•What to expect on the postnatal ward

•Physical recovery

•Pelvic floor exercises, movement, abdominal care, nutrition, and exercise (Pilates and Yoga)

•Mental challenges and recovery baby blues

•Developing new self-care habits

PLUS! Your Health Visitor, Infant Feeding Taster with Feeding Specialist, Early Years Practitioner and Dental Health

PRISM and the supporting workbook is free to access. However, donations to our partner charity, Poppy’s Fund, are most welcome.

Who are Poppy’s Fund?

Poppy’s Fund is our partner charity created with the sole purpose of supporting the mothers that use Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust services. You can donate to Poppy’s Fund here.Please quote ‘PRISM course’ when you donate.

If you are not registered with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust we reserve the right to cancel your ticket.

Host or Publisher Karen Joash and Susan Barry