Antenatal Education

We offer a range of activities for parents to be who are intending to birth at the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Hospital Tour: Getting to Know the WCH

The tour provides an opportunity for you and your support people to look at the facilities available at the WCH before your baby is born.

Pregnancy Care

This class is for women who are less than 26 weeks pregnant. The class provides information on antenatal care, health education, options for care and the emotional changes in pregnancy. Information about your baby's development is also included.

Back Care and Healthy Exercise

This class will show you how to look after your body during pregnancy and into motherhood. The class places special emphasis on back care, abdominal and pelvic floor muscle strengthening, healthy exercise guidelines and physical relaxation.

Yoga

A class that provides a holistic approach to help you prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting.

Preparing for Birth and Parenting

Antenatal Labour and Parenting Series

For pregnant women and their support partner, please book at 20-24 weeks so that you can start when you are approximately 30 weeks pregnant.

Topic 1 - Caring for your New Baby & Early Parenting

This session offers information for both men and women on becoming a parent and how to care for newborn babies. Information on community support is also included.

Topic 2 - Labour & Active Birth

This session provides information on the signs of labour and the right time to come into hospital. The class includes learning the practical skills to work with your body in labour and also discusses the role of your support person.

Topic 3 - Birth Intervention

This session discusses medical intervention and pain relief. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the medical procedures used when assistance is required during birth. A tour of the labour ward is included.

Topic 4 - Practical Skills for Labour/Refresher Class

The final session gives women and their support partners a practical approach to the physical methods used for comfort during labour. The subjects include massage, relaxation, positioning, breath awareness, physical recovery from the birth and getting back into shape. 'Practical Skills for Labour' can also be used as a refresher class, taken with 'Having Another Baby', the two classes provide information and practical skills for women who have already had a baby.

Labour and Parenting Series - Saturday Workshop

This is a one day workshop, held on Saturdays for those parents unable to attend the labour and parenting series during the week. The workshop combines Topics 1 to 4 from the Labour Parenting Series into an informal day. A midwife and physiotherapist will be available to answer questions.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Campus (TQEH)

A series of classes is also available at Woodville in the evenings for women booked at TQEH Antenatal Clinic and those living in the western suburbs. The program runs for 5 weeks.

Schedule

Special Interest Classes

Breastfeeding

This is an informal session and is recommended for all women who are planning to breastfeed. The aim of the class is to learn practical skills and gain confidence in breast feeding your baby.

Caesarean Birth and Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

This session provides information on the reasons a caesarean may be needed, preparation for the procedure, pain relief options and post-natal care. Also information and discussion about Next Birth after Caesarean section.

Waterbirth

A session for parents interested in the option of labour and birth in water.

Multiple Birth/Breastfeeding Twins

These classes are conducted by a midwife who is also a multiple birth parent. The multiple birth class provides a practical approach to multiple birth pregnancy, labour and parenting. The breastfeeding class provides advice on breastfeeding twins.

Having Another Baby

An informal session for women having another baby. This session provides women with the opportunity to update their knowledge on labour, birth and parenting. The session also includes a tour of the Labour Ward. To update your practical skills we suggest taking Topic 4 'Practical Skills/Refresher for Labour' as a refresher companion class.

Dads, Birth and Babies

A session for dads-to-be. An opportunity to share interests, prepare for birth and the exciting new role as a parent in a relaxed setting.

Pregnancy to Parenting Group

This is a group for young pregnant women and their support people. There is a team of presenters including a midwife, physiotherapist and community workers that provide information on pregnancy, labour and birth, babies and community supports.

Physiotherapy

Back Pain Management Service (referral required)

This class is designed for pregnant women who are experiencing back pain during pregnancy. The class provides advice on back care, posture, exercise strategies and brace/belt prescriptions.      Outpatient follow-up can be arranged.

Bookings and Information

There is no charge to attend any Parent Education or Physiotherapy Services at Women's and Children's Hospital.

Women's Outpatient Department

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm
Phone: (08) 8161 7591

Physiotherapy Services

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm
Phone: (08) 8161 7579

Contact Details

Parent Education Coordinator - Lisa Masters

Location

1st Floor - Queen Victoria Building

Mailing Address

Women's Outpatient Department
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Phone: (08) 8161 7590

Fax:     (08) 8161 7505

lisa.masters@health.sa.gov.au

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