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Fears ante-natal class cuts could see rise in depression amongst new mothers

Amy Tinmouth, with her son William, says the classes are vital in the run-up to birth.
Amy Tinmouth, with her son William, says the classes are vital in the run-up to birth.

Expectant mothers hit with a cut in the number of ante-natal classes could be more vulnerable to post-natal depression, it has been claimed.

NHS Tayside has reduced the number of free classes available to mums-to-be from five to three, and there are fears this could be especially detrimental to new mums.

Shadow health secretary Jenny Marra said it is important expectant mums, especially younger mums, be given the best possible start for their children.

The Scottish Labour MSP for the North East also said she would be asking questions of the health board.

She said: “Why NHS Tayside have decided to cut the number of ante-natal classes is not clear, but I will be asking why they have taken this decision.

“I think anyone who feels that they would benefit from the full five classes particularly young mums should be able to get them.

“It is very important that expectant mums have the support they need to give their children the best start in life.”

Ante-natal classes are offered to mums-to-be, and their partners to prepare them for labour and beyond.

From breathing techniques to nutrition and breastfeeding, the skills learned at these classes are aimed at reducing the complications of pregnancy and promoting the health and wellbeing of mother and child.

NHS Tayside have claimed ‘condensing’ classes for most mums, while providing additional classes for some with additional requirements, was an improvement to the service.

However Claire Puzey, a mother who also runs sensory baby classes, said reducing the number of classes could lead some mums to suffer post-natal depression.

She said: “If they are not properly supported, many mums could end up coming back into the system with post-natal depression.

“It is so important for mums and dads to have bonds with other people who are going through the same things.

“I can’t tell people how important ante-natal classes are. It starts off your life as a parent.

“How can NHS Tayside call this an improvement? It’s so frustrating.”m

NHS Tayside midwifery team manager Phyllis Winters said the changes were aimed at making the system more accessible to all.

She said: “NHS Tayside Maternity Services is currently improving the way the parent education programme offered to women and their families is delivered.

“From feedback, we have condensed the core sessions offered from five to three, and have additionally offered new sessions for women.

“These new sessions will cover topics not addressed in the core sessions which affect a significant proportion of women who have additional requirements.

“The new sessions include birthing in the labour suite, vaginal birth after caesarean, home births and birth planning sessions within the community maternity units.”

“Our aim is to ensure that the service provides sessions which are current, meet the needs of local women, are informative and are delivered in a relaxed environment.

“We also aim to ensure that the service is accessible to all women who wish to use it.”