Venue
All classes are conducted at the Mater Hospital, Rocklands Road, North Sydney.
Call our booking office for course dates and details (02) 9900 7690.
Cost
Depending on your health fund, you may not be required to pay any additional fees as the classes may already be covered. The Mater can advise you on this at the time of booking.
To book
All bookings must be made by telephone (02) 9900 7690, unless otherwise indicated.
Early pregnancy class (one session, three hours)
This class, attended in the first trimester of pregnancy, aims to help mothers-to-be and their partners understand the changes that occur during pregnancy. The importance of lifestyle at this time is discussed involving exercise, nutritional needs, development of the baby, warning signs in pregnancy and much more.
Refresher course for experienced parents
For many parents who have children a refresher course is all that is required to bring them up-to-date with current birthing options and prepare them for the first few days with their new baby.
Labour, birth and parenting (five sessions, three hours per session)
A series of five weekly three-hour classes provides expectant mothers and their partners with information about labour, pain management and practical skills for use during labour and birth. A tour of the delivery suite is included.
The series also explores transition to parenting – postnatal care, parenting skills, understanding baby's needs, settling and postnatal emotions.
Labour, birth and parenting (two day workshop)
Conducted over two consecutive Saturdays, these workshops cover information more intensively than offered in the five-week series. Session one focuses on labour and birth and session two on parenting.
It is advised that participants attend the early pregnancy class in conjunction with the labour, birth and parenting five week series or two day workshop.
Multiple pregnancy (six weekly, two-hour sessions)
A series of six weekly, two-hour classes offers expectant multiple pregnancy parents information on labour, birth and parenting. The classes are designed specifically to cater to the different needs of birthing and parenting more than one baby.
Antenatal breast feeding classes - FREE
Conducted by a lactation specialist, these classes are held for mothers-to-be and their partners to assist in understanding the requirements of breastfeeding. It is essential to book, telephone (02) 9900 7675.
Toddler information evenings
Sessions are held for families expecting their second or a subsequent child. Conducted by one of the Mater's experienced maternity social workers, this class is designed to help parents develop self-care strategies, as well as skills to prepare their toddler or older children for the birth and arrival of the new baby.
Grandparents information evenings
Grandparents play a unique role in family life. In recognition of their special contribution, the Mater has designed an educational programme which examines changes in maternity care, describes current baby care practices, as well as exploring means by which grandparents can provide support and nurture for the young family.
Download our Childbirth & Parenting brochure click here.
