We offer ‘Pregnancy to Parenting’ and ‘Next Birth after Caesarean’ childbirth education sessions.
About this service
We offer two classes:
- Pregnancy to parenting: a four week group program with a 90 minute group session each week, and
- Next birth after caesarean: a one hour group session.
We also offer antenatal education classes at North Canberra Hospital.
Who we care for
These sessions are for people who are having their baby at Centenary Hospital for Women and Children and who are greater than 30 weeks’ pregnant.
Partners and/or support people are also very welcome to attend.
How to access this service
As of 13th June 2023, all Pregnancy to Parenting classes will be face to face.
To book these sessions, please log on to your MyDHR app and go to:
Menu tab → Book an Appointment → Childbirth Education Full Day or Childbirth Education 2 x Half Day Session.
If you choose to book a weekday evening session, DHR will automatically book your second class for the same day on the following week. If you do not have a MyDHR account, please see administration staff to book your classes.
Your midwife will also let you know when and how to book online for these sessions.
In order to match your booking with our records, we request that all bookings are made in the pregnant woman’s name. Only one booking is needed, partners and/or support person do not require a booking.
We also offer a range of online, live question and answer sessions on topics including:
- having twins
- breastfeeding
- epidural
- gestational diabetes breastfeeding
You can book into one of these free sessions via eventbrite.
What to expect
Pregnancy to parenting classes
These classes are held once a week for four weeks. They take 90 minutes each. You are encouraged to attend with your support person.
We cover topics including:
- Late Pregnancy
- Positions for labour & birth
- Building your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth
- Relaxation & Massage techniques for labour and birth
- Role of the support person
- Communication skills
- Breastfeeding
- Baby care, self-care and support in the early postnatal period
- How babies learn, bond, mutual gaze and tired signs.
If you wish to participate in all four sessions, we suggest that you book into all sessions at the same time as these sessions book out very quickly.
Next Birth After Caesarean
Next Birth After Caesarean (NBAC) is an evidence-based information session for women exploring their options for their next birth, choosing a vaginal birth (VBAC) or a repeat Caesarean Section.
It’s an opportunity for women and their support people to ask questions about their next birth choices.
What to bring
It’s a good idea to come prepared with questions and pen and paper to take notes. We recommend you bring your support person, too.
