A healthy birth directory, a resource for expectant parents and women planning to get pregnant, will be launched in the city next week.
The publication, the first of its kind in the country, is aimed at people in the west and is the brainchild of the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services.
It will be launched at the Galway Museum at 11am on Tuesday, International Women’s Day. Everyone is invited to attend the event at which free copies will be distributed.
The publication features information on options and rights as an expectant mum, birthing care choices and breastfeeding, as well as links to providers which are mother and baby-friendly and listings of State and independent services.
A spokesperson for AIMS describes the guide as “groundbreaking” and believes it will be replicated in other parts of the country.
“It aims to support and empower women and promote healthy and positive births. It provides information on the range of maternity and post-natal options available to women in the west in order to allow them to make an informed choice.
“The Healthy Birth Directory also includes extensive provider listings that cover everything from pregnancy yoga to doulas, acupuncture and massage therapists [specialising in pregnancy care], and lactation consultants.”
AIMS Ireland is a consumer-led voluntary organisation which was formed in early 2007 by mothers dissatisfied with the maternity care system in Ireland. Its mission is to campaign for mother-and baby-friendly birth practices, supported by evidence-based research and international best practice.
For further information on the Healthy Birth Directory contact Tara at (086 ) 2328229 or Janice at (086 ) 3476891.
