Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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785. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider putting in place a set of supports and educational regimes for related to matrescence, specifically for expectant first-time mothers to prepare them for the change that the birth of their child will bring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27645/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026 is driving reforms in education and supports for women and families in preparation for birth and parenthood.

In 2018, mychild.ie was launched. This is an online resource, created by a multidisciplinary working group, as a one-stop-shop where parents can access accurate and trusted information and advice on pregnancy through to the first three years of their child’s life. This is supported by the guide books ‘My Pregnancy,’ ‘My Child: 0 to 2 years,’ and ‘My Child: 2 to 5 years.’

A national standardised curriculum for antenatal education providers was completed in 2023, with an agreed national education programme for parents. Comprehensive and standardised antenatal education is provided to prepare women for any complications that might arise and for the transition to motherhood.

In 2024, maternity services completed a self-assessment against the National Standards for Antenatal Education. The second year of self-assessment has demonstrated that maternity services are making significant progress in implementing the Standards.

Following birth, Postnatal Hubs are providing support in the community for mothers, babies and families. The National Maternity Experience Survey, first conducted in 2020, has shown that improving postnatal care in the community is a priority for women. That is why, since 2022 significant investment has been directed into the establishment of a national network of Postnatal Hubs. These Hubs provide essential care for women in the community in the weeks after birth. A total of five pilot Postnatal Hubs were established in Cork, Kerry, Portiuncula, Sligo and Carlow-Kilkenny. €0.4 million was allocated in 2024 to establish four more Postnatal Hubs, with a full year cost of €1.9 million in 2025. New development funding of €2.0 million in the National Maternity Strategy in 2025 will initiate four further Postnatal Hubs, bringing the national network to 13. A review of the pilot Hubs is underway, with a view to supporting the national standardisation of this model.