Midwifery assistants have received extra training to become Birth Educators in a new programme designed to help Hull couples prepare for parenthood.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has introduced an extensive training programme so midwifery assistants can work alongside recently retired midwives and current midwives to support families in the run-up, during and after their babies’ births.

Members of the team will be at the HEY Baby Carousel tomorrow night, giving practical demonstrations on bathing your newborn, changing nappies and how to keep them safe while they sleep.

Head of midwifery Janet Cairns said: “Our team can give prospective parents advice and guidance on what to expect during labour and birth.

“They can also educate them on everything from safer sleeping, feeding and how to change a nappy so people have the skills they need in those first few days and weeks.”

Midwives at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital have been delivering birth education and parenting sessions to prospective parents since last year.

Midwifery assistants have now joined the team of Birth Educators, employed by the trust’s HEY Baby team, after graduating from the training course.

Working for HEY Baby on bank contract hours, the midwifery assistants will work alongside recently retired midwives and those still in clinical practice.

Women registered with a Hull GP who have had their 20-week scan can visit www.hey.nhs.uk/heybaby/hull-antenatal-classes to book their free birth education classes. The service is not yet available to women with an East Riding GP, who can book their classes through their local Sure Start Children’s Centre.

You can find out more information by coming along to the Carousel. No appointment is necessary and you can just drop in between 6pm and 8pm to visit our range of stalls and speak to our midwives and childcare experts.

Don’t forget to bring your handheld notes if you would like to take advantage of our on-the-spot whooping cough vaccination service or have your MATB1 form signed.