New Mums Virtual Wellbeing Hub introduced at University Hospital Galway

The Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) has introduced a ‘New Mums Virtual Wellbeing Hub’ which provides online support, advice and signposting on postnatal services available to mothers and their families both in the hospital and the community.

The hub is a collaborative initiative between the Maternity Department, UHG and Community Healthcare West. The team includes a Midwife, Social Worker, Paediatrician, GP, Pharmacist, Public Health Nurse, Dietician, Physiotherapist, Lactation Consultant, Urogynaecology Specialist Midwife and a member of the Perinatal Mental Health Team.

Carmel Connolly, Clinical Nurse Manger 2 and Project Lead said, “The lack of support and connection, change in identity and unrealistic expectations of parenthood due to the influence of social media has effected maternal wellbeing. Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and lonely is not uncommon.

“Listening to our mothers concerns led to the design of this new service.  Mothers need to connect with other mothers. There is a real fatigue and loneliness after giving birth for many women. They need consistent, evidenced-based information and signposting to services available to them in Galway.

“We launched the hub in November and had 19 couples in attendance. It is so reassuring to see the difference the hub has already created in the lives of mothers and their families.  There has already been increased referrals to Physiotherapy, Lactation Consultant and Urogynaecology Specialists. Mothers have connected with these services as a direct result of attending the wellbeing hub.

“The virtual hub is live on the third Tuesday of every month at 11am and booking is available via www.ughmaternity.com.”

One mother who attended the hub said, “It was lovely to be able to connect with other mothers. I was having breastfeeding issues and I knew who to contact after the hub. It is reassuring to see the healthcare team from the hospital and the community working together. It is a fantastic service.”

Another mother said, “I wish this service was available after my first baby. I did not know what was normal. I was so down in myself and was embarrassed to look for help. I picked up lots of skills from the Clinical Psychologist. I am very grateful for the support of this hub.”

The New Mums Virtual Wellbeing Hub introduced at University Hospital Galway is a collaborative initiative between the Maternity Department, UHG and Community Healthcare West. From left,  

Photo:
Ailish Killilea, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing, Community Healthcare West; Helen Murphy, Director of Midwifery, University Hospital Galway; Carmel Connolly Project Lead and Clinical Midwife Manager 2, University Hospital Galway; June Barrett Dietitian, University Hospital Galway; Peter Kidd, Pharmacist, University Hospital Galway; Anne Marie Grealish Assistant Director of Midwifery, University Hospital Galway; Eithne Gilligan, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Community Midwives, University Hospital Galway; Marie Conway, Masters Student, Social Work Department, University Hospital Galway and Mary Moran, Midwife, Parent Education Services, University Hospital Galway.