Maternity: Childbirth & Parenting Education Program

Weekly Childbirth & Parenting Class

First time Mum's and Dad's
7 or 5 week course held on weeknights:
Monday - Thursday 7.00-9.00pm

NSPH offers you and your partner the opportunity to attend classes in a 7 weekly or 5 weekly format. The benefit of attending weekly is the opportunity to ask questions every week and getting to know the other couples well in your classes that will be delivering around the same time period. You are welcome to attend from around 28 weeks pregnant.

7 week series: the first 4 classes are on Labour and the last 3 classes cover parenting.

Class schedules are Monday – Thursday 7.00-9.00PM.

5 week series: the first 3 classes are on Labour and the last 2 on parenting.

Class schedules are Monday – Thursday 6.00-9.00pm.

Aim of Labour Classes

• To prepare parents 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.