Scrapping face-to-face parentcraft sessions was not a cost-saving measure says minister

MHKs critical of lack of support for expectant mothers

The health and social care minister claims cost wasn’t the driving factor behind scrapping face-to-face parentcraft sessions for pregnant women on the Isle of Man.

Manx Care has moved to an online model which Claire Christian claims offers more flexibility and accessibility for those expecting a baby.

But the health body’s decision was queried by MHKs, including Joney Faragher and Lawrie Hooper, in the House of Keys this week.

Minister Christian told the court the paternity and parentcraft sessions were ‘essential’ for supporting expectant parents in preparation for childbirth and early parenthood.

However it is now only expectant fathers who receive in person support with women given the option of watching videos online instead.

The minister said the change followed feedback from people who had undergone face-to-face sessions who suggested a more accessible and flexible approach was needed.

Ms Christian added that the online resources mean people can watch them at any time, they're suitable for people who don’t feel comfortable in a group setting and they can be translated for families where English is not their first language:

The lack of face-to-face sessions offered to expectant mothers sparked a retired midwife to begin running her own, free of charge, course to fill the void.

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