Childbirth education classes

Classes are held either onsite (in Parkville) or online. A mix of weekends, weekdays and evenings are available.

We have specific programs for families expecting twins (or more!), LGBTQIA+ & Rainbow programs and programs for some languages other than English.

We encourage all participants to:

• ideally attend the programs between 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy
• bring a support person along to every session.

Bookings are made online via Eventbrite. To go straight to available dates and booking, book classes via Eventbrite.

Benefits of Childbirth Education

• Feel more confident about your pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding and the early weeks of parenting.
• Make more informed choices about your care.
• Enjoy an opportunity to involve your partner or support person in the parenting journey.

Content covered in Childbirth Education

All group program are designed to provide participants (and their support persons) with the knowledge to navigate late pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood.

An experienced midwife will cover a range of topics, such as:

• signs of labour, including when to come to hospital
• progress of labour and birth
• support in labour
• practical coping methods during labour
• medical options for pain management
• medical assistance for birth
• understanding breastfeeding
• safe sleeping and settling
• communicating with your baby
• community supports for the family.

Eligibility

To be eligible to attend you need to be:

• pregnant with your first baby, and
• booked to have your baby at the Women’s.

Note: To be eligible for free classes, you must hold a Medicare Card and be registered as a public patient. If you do not have a Medicare Card, you will need to pay when you book.

How to book and reschedule

To view dates and make bookings: visit Eventbrite

Booking tips

• Aim to attend programs at around 28-34 weeks of your pregnancy.
• Places are limited so book your spot as soon as possible.
• Please only book one program (extra bookings will be cancelled).
• New programs are added at the start of each month.
• Waitlists are not available, so please check the Eventbrite website regularly. Spots become available if people cancel.
• Use the name of the pregnant person when you book.
• You must provide your hospital Medical Record Number.
• A confirmation email will be sent by Eventbrite after booking.

Payments and refunds

• One ticket includes the pregnant person and their support person.
• If the pregnant person has a Medicare card and is booked at the Women’s as a public patient, programs are free (no payment required).
• If the pregnant person does not have a Medicare card or is booked as a private patient at the Women's, a fee is payable at checkout. This fee covers the entire program. The fee is refundable if you cancel at least one week prior to the first session.
• Some private health funds may provide a rebate for the program. However, it is up to the participant to check with their own health fund.

Need to cancel or reschedule?

• If you need to reschedule, please cancel your booking on the Eventbrite website, and then rebook into another program. Please remember to cancel, to allow somebody else to take your spot.
• If you can’t make it to one of your booked sessions, we are unable to offer a “make-up” session for the one you missed. Written summaries are provided before the program starts.

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