Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With Coronavirus things are changing daily so here at Parentwise we want to keep you up to date with how we are responding to it.
Parentwise classes are continuing as planned - but in a remote format (Skype).
Contents
Parentwise position statement
How to access the latest Information
FAQs
Parentwise Position Statement
To help protect pregnant women from the coronavirus the government's guidance is that pregnant women are to avoid 'all unnecessary social contact'.
The government said: "The group of people who we would want to take this advice particularly seriously are people who in adult life would normally be advised to have the flu vaccination”. Pregnant women are in the category where flu vaccination is recommended so the above statement applies.
Please see the following guidance on social distancing from the government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Although the studies are minimal it is still the belief that pregnant women and babies do not appear to be more susceptible to the impact of coronavirus than the general population.
Given the above advice all Parentwise face to face classes and reunions have been suspended until further notice. Parentwise will be delivering our Birth Preparation sessions from the Parentwise office via video conference (Skype). All groups will be contacted individually with instructions on how to join the sessions. See FAQs below for details.
Due to the high volume of requests for information unfortunately Parentwise cannot respond to each of you individually. This is not the service we would normally offer but I am sure you will understand given the current situation. Please first read the comprehensive FAQs below as this has all the up to date information.
We understand how lonely and confusing it can be under normal circumstances throughout pregnancy, birth and the early parenting days – rest assured we will be here for you with an alternative to help you stay connected, supported and gain access to the education Parentwise classes we excel at (minus cake, biscuits and hugs)
Access to the most up to date information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Birth Preparation classes running in Exeter and Torbay areas?
Yes, however they will be delivered remotely using video conferencing (Skype): More detail below.
Are Reunions and Baby massage still running?
No. They have be suspended until further notice. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses: More detail below.
Remote Birth Preparation Classes
How do I join a course via Skype?
You will be sent a link 30 mins before the course via email and/or your closed course Facebook group.
Click on the link and follow the instructions to join the call.
If you have Skype installed it will open automatically (download instructions below).
If you do not have skype it will open a web browser and you can join as a guest.
Will the courses be on the same day as I booked?
Yes same day and time. You will be sent a link 30 mins before the course via email and/or your closed course Facebook group.
Can I join another course video conference?
Yes, however you will need to be sent the specific link to the video conference bridge. Please email info@parent-wise.co.uk if you want to change your day.
Will the content of the course be changed or shortened?
No, the course information will be the same as if it was delivered in person. However, some of the group role play activities have been adapted for a video conference.
Can I get a refund if I do not what to join remotely?
Yes. However more than ever expectant parents who are self-isolating need accurate information and support and a sense of community with people in the same situation. Please email info@parent-wise.co.uk if you want to cancel.
What technology do I need to join a video conference?
A laptop is ideal as it has a web cam, a microphone and speaker already set up. If you do not have a laptop you can also use a smart phone.
What is a video conference/Skype
Skype allows you to ‘dial’ into a conference using your device. If you allow Skype to use your camera and microphone you will be able to be seen and heard by others on the call.
How do I download Skype onto my laptop?
For a Laptop you can download skype and install it here: https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/
You will be asked to create an account. If you have an Microsoft (Hotmail, outlook, live) you can reuse that.
How do I download Skype onto my phone?
Install the app in the usual way from the App/Play store.
You will be asked to create an account. If you have an Microsoft (Hotmail, outlook, live) you can reuse that.
Be sure to allow the device access to your contacts, camera and microphone.
Can I join without downloading skype?
Yes. You can use Skype in your web browser and it does not require any download: https://www.skype.com/en/features/skype-web/
Do I need to have a Skype account?
No. you can join as a guest using Skype in a web browser.
My broadband is very slow (less than 2mb download), can I still join.
Possibly but the video may be jerky. Please test it with a friend to see how it works for you.
Birth Preparation Course Reunions
Is my reunion still going ahead as planned?
No. Classes have be suspended until further notice. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will Parentwise reschedule my reunion to a later date?
Yes. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will I get a refund if I cannot make the rescheduled reunion?
Reunions are not part of the course content but a value add. If you have completed the course but not been able to attend a reunion, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Baby Massage Course
Are baby massages classes running?
No. Classes have be suspended until further notice
Will I be able to reschedule baby massage to a later date?
Yes. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will I get a refund if I cannot make the alternative baby massage course?
If you cannot make an alternate course please email info@parent-wise.co.uk to discuss your options. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Parentwise classes are continuing as planned - but in a remote format (Skype).
Contents
Parentwise position statement
How to access the latest Information
FAQs
- Birth Preparation Remote Courses
- Course Reunions
- Baby Massage
Parentwise Position Statement
To help protect pregnant women from the coronavirus the government's guidance is that pregnant women are to avoid 'all unnecessary social contact'.
The government said: "The group of people who we would want to take this advice particularly seriously are people who in adult life would normally be advised to have the flu vaccination”. Pregnant women are in the category where flu vaccination is recommended so the above statement applies.
Please see the following guidance on social distancing from the government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Although the studies are minimal it is still the belief that pregnant women and babies do not appear to be more susceptible to the impact of coronavirus than the general population.
Given the above advice all Parentwise face to face classes and reunions have been suspended until further notice. Parentwise will be delivering our Birth Preparation sessions from the Parentwise office via video conference (Skype). All groups will be contacted individually with instructions on how to join the sessions. See FAQs below for details.
Due to the high volume of requests for information unfortunately Parentwise cannot respond to each of you individually. This is not the service we would normally offer but I am sure you will understand given the current situation. Please first read the comprehensive FAQs below as this has all the up to date information.
We understand how lonely and confusing it can be under normal circumstances throughout pregnancy, birth and the early parenting days – rest assured we will be here for you with an alternative to help you stay connected, supported and gain access to the education Parentwise classes we excel at (minus cake, biscuits and hugs)
Access to the most up to date information
- NHS webpages – Coronavirus
- Joint information for pregnant women and their families from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
- Latest Government policy, response and information on self-isolation from the Department of Health & Social Care
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Birth Preparation classes running in Exeter and Torbay areas?
Yes, however they will be delivered remotely using video conferencing (Skype): More detail below.
Are Reunions and Baby massage still running?
No. They have be suspended until further notice. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses: More detail below.
Remote Birth Preparation Classes
How do I join a course via Skype?
You will be sent a link 30 mins before the course via email and/or your closed course Facebook group.
Click on the link and follow the instructions to join the call.
If you have Skype installed it will open automatically (download instructions below).
If you do not have skype it will open a web browser and you can join as a guest.
Will the courses be on the same day as I booked?
Yes same day and time. You will be sent a link 30 mins before the course via email and/or your closed course Facebook group.
Can I join another course video conference?
Yes, however you will need to be sent the specific link to the video conference bridge. Please email info@parent-wise.co.uk if you want to change your day.
Will the content of the course be changed or shortened?
No, the course information will be the same as if it was delivered in person. However, some of the group role play activities have been adapted for a video conference.
Can I get a refund if I do not what to join remotely?
Yes. However more than ever expectant parents who are self-isolating need accurate information and support and a sense of community with people in the same situation. Please email info@parent-wise.co.uk if you want to cancel.
What technology do I need to join a video conference?
A laptop is ideal as it has a web cam, a microphone and speaker already set up. If you do not have a laptop you can also use a smart phone.
What is a video conference/Skype
Skype allows you to ‘dial’ into a conference using your device. If you allow Skype to use your camera and microphone you will be able to be seen and heard by others on the call.
How do I download Skype onto my laptop?
For a Laptop you can download skype and install it here: https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/
You will be asked to create an account. If you have an Microsoft (Hotmail, outlook, live) you can reuse that.
How do I download Skype onto my phone?
Install the app in the usual way from the App/Play store.
You will be asked to create an account. If you have an Microsoft (Hotmail, outlook, live) you can reuse that.
Be sure to allow the device access to your contacts, camera and microphone.
Can I join without downloading skype?
Yes. You can use Skype in your web browser and it does not require any download: https://www.skype.com/en/features/skype-web/
Do I need to have a Skype account?
No. you can join as a guest using Skype in a web browser.
My broadband is very slow (less than 2mb download), can I still join.
Possibly but the video may be jerky. Please test it with a friend to see how it works for you.
Birth Preparation Course Reunions
Is my reunion still going ahead as planned?
No. Classes have be suspended until further notice. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will Parentwise reschedule my reunion to a later date?
Yes. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will I get a refund if I cannot make the rescheduled reunion?
Reunions are not part of the course content but a value add. If you have completed the course but not been able to attend a reunion, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Baby Massage Course
Are baby massages classes running?
No. Classes have be suspended until further notice
Will I be able to reschedule baby massage to a later date?
Yes. We will be in contact about rescheduling options once we have an understanding of when we can resume courses. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.
Will I get a refund if I cannot make the alternative baby massage course?
If you cannot make an alternate course please email info@parent-wise.co.uk to discuss your options. Do not email yet as we do not have the rescheduled dates.