Maternity: Childbirth & Parenting Education Program

Saturday Childbirth & Parenting Class

2 Consecutive Saturdays 9.30-4.30pm

The first Saturday class covers Labour and second Saturday class covers parenting. Both days start at 9.30, (please arrive 15 minutes earlier to register) and finishes approximately at 4.30 PM.

You are welcome to attend around 32 weeks pregnant.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided. As this class is held over two days, parents do not get as much opportunity to get to know the other couples or a chance to 'soak' up the information. However many couples find the 2 Saturday classes fit in with their work schedule easier.

Aim of Childbirth Classes

• To prepare you and your partner physically and emotionally for pregnancy, labour and delivery.
• To ensure you and your partner are able to make an informed decision about your care and management during, pregnancy, labour and delivery.

What is covered in the Labour Classes

• When to come to hospital
• What to bring to hospital
• All about a normal vaginal delivery
• All about Caesarean Section
• Birthing Suite, Nursery and Postnatal Ward tour
• Role of the support person
• Using relaxation, yoga, massage, positions and breath awareness
• All about Nitrous Oxide, Pethidine, Epidurals and Spinals
• How we care for the mother and baby in hospital

Aim of Parenting Classes

• To enable parents to enjoy their postnatal and early parenting experience, by having confidence and understanding of the issues involved
• To develop an understanding of the demands of a new baby at home and strategies to help you both cope.

What is covered in the Parenting Classes

• What to expect in the first few days. Caring for your baby in hospital, routines and services.
• Normal infant behaviour- Overview of Baby’s cycle:
  • Sleep, Feed, Quiet time and settling.
  • How to settle your baby
• The anatomy and physiology of Breastfeeding
• Attachment & positioning of baby for breastfeeding
• Hunger cues /sucking patterns/problem patterns
• Expressing (and storage of breast milk)
• Becoming a Family
• Relationship Changes
• Returning to work
• Postnatal depression & The Gidget Foundation
• Resources, support groups, telephone help, internet sites available in the community.