Maa Moments: Antenatal holistic workshop

Abstract

Background: Antenatal education is a cornerstone of comprehensive maternal care, yet routine antenatal visits often provide limited opportunities for detailed counselling across nutrition, physical activity, pain management, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Fragmented or inconsistent information may contribute to anxiety, misconceptions, and inadequate preparedness for childbirth and early parenting.

Objective: To describe the conception, design, and implementation of Maa moments, a multidisciplinary antenatal holistic workshop aimed at enhancing maternal knowledge, confidence, and engagement through structured and interactive education.

Methods: Maa moments is a hospital-based antenatal workshop initiated in March 2025 at Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road. A total of five sessions were conducted in the last 10 months, with each session attended by approximately 8–25 expectant parents. The workshop adopts a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, integrating inputs from obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatology, anaesthesiology, physiotherapy, nutrition, lactation services, and nursing. Key thematic areas include antenatal nutrition, pregnancy-safe physical activity, preparation for labour, labour analgesia options including epidural analgesia, breastfeeding support, and essential newborn care. Teaching methods include demonstrations, interactive discussions, and handson skill stations. A uniquely designed antenatal “dummy passbook” was introduced to promote participant involvement and reinforce learning.

Conclusion: The Maa Moments antenatal holistic workshop represents an integrated educational intervention that complements routine antenatal care. It aligns with global recommendations for positive pregnancy experiences and respectful maternity care.