NMC Healthcare launches “Mama Care” programme for prospective parents

New mothers in their first to third trimesters can register for prenatal and postnatal advice from expert medical professionals including nurses, dieticians and exercise physiologists, providing support and confidence during the pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery.

The antenatal classes will cover an array of topics for mums- and dads-to-be, ensuring they are prepared for the birth of their child. Expectant parents will learn about the growth of the baby, changes experienced by the pregnant mother, appropriate diet and exercise, important roles and contributions of the husband during the pregnancy, the labour process, how to care for a new-born baby, and support after discharge from the hospital.

The Mama Care programme also offers postnatal exercise classes for new mothers to keep fit and healthy after having a baby. Exercise after pregnancy and birth helps new mothers return to their pre-pregnancy shape and gives them increased energy to cope with the demands of motherhood. Mama Care’s postnatal exercise classes are designed specifically to help mums get fit at a time in their lives when they need it the most, under careful supervision by obstetricians, exercise physiotherapists and personal trainers. The Maternity & Obstetrics Unit at NMC Specialty Hospital also includes midwives, neonatologists and diet counsellors.

Dr. C.R. Shetty, Group Medical Director, NMC Healthcare said, “Discovering that you are expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. Our aim is to make pregnancy and childbirth an enjoyable experience by taking the time to make sure each woman’s individual needs are met. Through this programme we aim to improve the quality of life of our patients by improving their lifestyle and environmental conditions which will reduce complications, improve the delivery outcome and reduce postnatal complications.”

There are many benefits of postnatal exercise including improved posture, better muscular endurance, more stamina, increased energy, higher metabolic rate, weight loss to help return to pre-pregnancy weight, increased self-confidence and reduced anxiety. But the exercise programmes should not be performed without the approval and supervision of a qualified medical professional.

During pregnancy, a mother’s diet makes all the difference to the health and growth of the baby, proper brain development, reduced risk of birth defects and a strong immune system. However, prenatal nutritional requirements may vary depending upon various conditions affecting the mother including diabetes, celiac disease, renal disease and others.

To that end, NMC Healthcare’s healthy eating delivery programme by BiteRite also offers Mama Care meal packages exclusively for expectant and new mothers. The meals are specifically designed by nutritionists and approved by a gynecologist.

Prospective and new parents who have any questions can phone NMC’s call centre at +971-2-6332255 or register directly by visiting the Gynaecology Department, Level 5 at NMC Specialty Hospital – Abu Dhabi. Dubai-based patients can call +971-4-2679999 for more detail about the program.