Parent Education Classes
Online and in-person classes
The Parent Education Department offers both in-person and online interactive antenatal classes to all women registered at The Coombe Hospital.
Booking registration is available from 24 weeks of pregnancy.
It is highly recommended that you complete your booking by 28 weeks to ensure your preferred options are available and you get maximum benefits from your chosen classes.
How to book?
In order to book a course please email classbookings@coombe.ie
PLEASE NOTE: This is an opt-in email. The Coombe will communicate with you by text / email / phone with regards to our online classes. By returning your details to classbookings@coombe.ie you are consenting to receive communication for this purpose. Your consent can be withdrawn at any time in the future by emailing classbookings@coombe.ie.
Please include the following information in the email:
Your Name
Your Mobile Phone Number
Your Date of Birth
Your Hospital Number
Your Expected Due Date (EDD)
Is this your first baby?
Is there anything special about you that you would like us to be aware of?
Please see below for more information on all classes available
Then select your options
Please specify in order of preference (1-3) your preferred option for your course:
Preparation for Birth and Parenting course:
Weekday mornings - in person Dublin 8
Weekday afternoon - in person Clondalkin Village
Weekday evenings - online
Weekends - online
In addition to the above course parents can opt to take a hypnobirthing course
one day course available online or in person
Please note the hypnobirthing course is not a stand alone course and should be taken in conjunction with a Preparation for Birth and Parenting course
Places are limited for in-person classes and early booking is advised
On receipt of your application at classbookings@coombe.ie you will be contacted by email by our clerical support team who will register you for classes.
Note: High volume of emails at peak times may result in longer response times of up to 2 weeks.
Our Classes
Introduction to Pregnancy Class
This class is suitable from 15 weeks pregnancy to approximately 22 weeks. You will be introduced to concepts such as normal bladder and bowel habits, common pregnancy conditions, safe exercise and how to activate your pelvic floor.
Friday Morning
11.00am - 12.00pm
Our introduction to pregnancy class will now take place every second Friday starting from the 9th June at 11am.
Please email physio@coombe.ie to register for these classes. Please mention intro class in your email.
Preparation for Birth and Parenting Classes – Suitable for first time parents
Classes for first time parents are designed to help you in preparation for your birthing journey and becoming a new parent. These classes are designed to cater for all parents irrespective of what type of birth they are preparing for.
Classes are facilitated by the multidisciplinary team and consist of a package of antenatal education inclusive of Parent Education, Physiotherapy, Breastfeeding & Epidural Education.
We highly recommend that all birthing partners attend your classes.
Tuesday Afternoon Classes - In Person - Clondalkin Village
2.00pm - 4.00pm over 5 weeks
Wednesday Evening Classes - Online
6.00pm - 8.30pm over 5 weeks
Thursday Morning Classes - In person - The Wisdom Centre Dublin 8
9.00am - 11.00am over 5 weeks
Weekend Classes - Online
10.00am - 5.00pm - Saturday (Class 1) & Sunday (Class 2) Alternate weekends
Physiotherapy Antenatal Class
This class is part of your antenatal classes. It is aimed at those who are after 24 weeks pregnant. In this class you will be introduced to breathing for labour, breathing to push , pelvic floor care and perineal massage, pain management and how to care for yourself post delivery. We also give a few tips for baby too!
Thursday
2.00pm - 4.00pm
To book email physio@coombe.ie and please mark Thursday Class.
Mindful Hypnobirthing Class
This course is a combination of hypnotherapy and mindfulness that has been used by women all over the world to enhance their birth experience. Mindful hypnobirthing is not only about relaxation. It helps you to prepare both emotionally and physically for birth and parenthood and can have a very positive effect on you, your baby and your birth partner. For more information visit our webpage.
Saturday
10.00am - 4.00pm
A one-day Mindful Hypnobirthing class. There will be an option to attend either in-person and online.
These classes will give you an understanding of Mindful Hypnobirthing and the opportunity to learn hypnobirthing skills in preparation for labour & birth. This Mindful Hypnobirthing Class should be taken together with your Preparation for Birth Class.
Breastfeeding Class
Tuesday afternoons over 2 weeks
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Class 1 – Establishing Breastfeeding
Class 2 – Common Challenges – Facilitated by our Lactation Consultant Team
Epidural class
Tuesday afternoons over 1 week
5.15pm - 6.00pm
Epidural class facilitated by Consultant Anaesthetic Doctor
Refresher Class - Suitable for Second Time Parents
These classes are for women who have had a previous vaginal birth and wish to refresh their education in preparation for birth and the parenting of a new baby. Birthing partners are very welcome to attend.
Thursday Evening - Online
6.00pm - 8.30pm
Parents attending this course are also welcome to attend a hypnobirthing class and in person Birth Dynamic Active Birth Workshop.
Refresher Breastfeeding Class - For Women Who Have Breastfed Before
Tuesday Afternoon - Online
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Class (VBAC)
This course is designed for women who have had a previous caesarean birth and who are planning for a vaginal birth in this pregnancy.
The course aims to support women in their decision making in partnership with their caregivers and to prepare women who are hoping to attempt a VBAC.
We will explore your choices for birth using the most up to date evidence-based and guidelines and what to expect with a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean).
We will focus on building your toolkit and birth plan so that you feel confident and happy with your choices. In this class we will cover the Birth Dynamics programme which contains techniques and supports that will assist you in keeping comfortable, support the birthing process and help you to feel in control.
Wednesday Morning - In Person - Dublin 8
9.30am - 1.00pm
Birth Dynamics
Birth Dynamics is a programme of evidence-based antenatal education developed by The Coombe Hospital and designed to support women in labour and enhance their experience of childbirth. The programme consists of a toolkit for labour for both you and your birthing partner to use throughout labour and birth. It contains techniques and supports that will assist you in keeping comfortable, support the birthing process and help you to feel in control.
Online Postnatal Class
Friday
11.00am - 11.40am
Our postnatal class will now take place every second Friday starting from the 16th June at 11am.
Please email physio@coombe.ie to register for these classes. Please mention intro class in your email.
This is the current schedule for our parent education courses but are subject to change.