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Ante natal breast feeding classes

Posted By 1sttimemum19

"Ante natal breast feeding classes"

About: The Princess Royal Maternity Unit / Maternity care (wards 68, 72 &73)

(as the patient),

I recently booked onto a breast feeding class held at the PRM. I was told at the time of booking not to bring my partner as these classes are often very busy. No partners means they could accommodate more mum's which seemed fair enough to me. 

I was extremely disappointed on turning up to find that another mum in a same sex couple had brought her partner. They were both there to see how they could support each other. Surely if that's the case then all partners male or female should be permitted onto the class? 
This is on the back of being allocated a place in an ante natal class away from the area I stay where I turned up and the midwive (who might I add was lovely and increadably helpful) was familiar with every girl in the class bar me and again i was allocated this without my partner. 
I am aware how lucky we are to have these services but I am concerned at how they are being delivered. My partner as the baby's dad surely had a right to be part of the experience just the same as me. As a first time mum all these things are important to me. 
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Responses

Response from Evelyn Frame, Chief Midwife, Women and Children's, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 4 years ago
Evelyn Frame
Chief Midwife, Women and Children's,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 08/10/2019 at 16:11
Published on Care Opinion at 16:11

Dear 1sttimemum19

Many thanks for taking the time to leave this review.

As you have highlighted the breastfeeding workshop are busy and as such are open to pregnant women only which supports more women being able to attend. We have also found that women feel inhibited in discussing breastfeeding in the presence of male partners. In saying that, if couples are interesting in attending a breastfeeding workshop then they are offered an alternative class by the midwives on a one to one basis and we apologise that you were not offered this option. If you wish this to be arranged please contact me at Marie-Elaine.McClair@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and I will ensure this is facilitated for you and your partner.

The antenatal class are very much set up to include and involve the partners so again apologies that your partner was not included. On occasions when the local classes are full, women can be offered classes in another area to ensure they have the opportunity to attend a class.

I would like to reassure you that we are currently reviewing the provision of our antenatal classes with the aim of women having access to classes with their partner in their local community area.

Wishing you well for the remainder of your pregnancy

Marie-Elaine McClair

Clinical Service Manager, Community and Out Patient Services

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