New Wellbeing Workshops for Women During and After Pregnancy
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has launched a new wellbeing workshop aimed at supporting women throughout their pregnancy and the postnatal period. These sessions are designed to address the emotional challenges that many women face during this significant life transition, offering both practical tools and a supportive environment.
The workshops are led by Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwives and are structured as 90-minute sessions. They are available both in-person and online, providing flexibility for participants to engage with the content in a way that suits their needs. This approach ensures that expert advice and peer support are easily accessible to all women.
Key Topics Covered in the Workshops
Participants will have the opportunity to learn a variety of techniques and strategies to manage stress and anxiety. The sessions include:
- Grounding relaxation techniques to help with emotional regulation
- Introduction to hypnobirthing, which focuses on using breathing and visualization to ease the birthing process
- Insights into bonding with their baby and self-care after birth
Additionally, the workshops emphasize the importance of involving partners and fathers, ensuring that the entire family feels supported throughout the journey. This inclusive approach helps create a stronger support network for both the mother and her partner.
Supportive Environment for Sharing Experiences
Stephanie Mair, a specialist midwife, highlighted the value of these workshops in creating a safe and supportive space for women. She said: “Pregnancy is a journey that can bring emotional challenges, both before and after birth. These workshops offer a safe, supportive space where women can connect, share experiences if they wish, and realise they’re not alone.”
Mair added that the goal of the workshops is to make support accessible and reassuring for all participants. By fostering a sense of community, the sessions aim to reduce feelings of isolation and empower women with the knowledge and tools they need.
Broader Network of Support
The wellbeing workshops are part of a wider range of services provided by NHSGGC. These include digital therapies, the maternity and neonatal psychological interventions service, the community perinatal mental health service, and the infant mental health service. Together, these resources form a comprehensive support system for pregnant women and new mothers.
Practical Tips for Mental Wellbeing
Ms Mair also shared some basic yet essential tips for maintaining mental wellbeing during pregnancy. She emphasized the importance of simple actions such as:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating regularly
- Staying hydrated
- Taking care of oneself
She acknowledged that these tasks can be challenging, especially when dealing with the demands of a new baby or an upcoming birth. However, she encouraged women to lean on their support networks, as this can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.
In addition to these basics, Mair recommended gentle activities like walking or spending time outdoors. Even small steps, such as taking a short walk or enjoying nature, can have a positive impact on mental health.
Conclusion
The new wellbeing workshops offered by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde represent a valuable resource for women navigating the emotional landscape of pregnancy and early parenthood. By combining expert guidance, peer support, and practical tools, these sessions provide a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. Whether attending in person or online, women can benefit from a supportive environment that fosters connection, understanding, and resilience.
