Parent education at St John of God Geelong Hospital

Parents often need a wide range of support and guidance when it comes to preparing for the arrival of their new baby, particularly if it is their first.

COVID-19

Due to state safety restrictions, information on this page may be subject to change. Please see our COVID-19 information for the latest details and how you may be affected.


We hope to see parents experience as much confidence and joy as they can – from your pregnancy, baby’s birth, and beyond, as you transition into parenthood. That’s why we offer comprehensive parent education services, maternity unit tours, maternity pre-admission clinic and telephone support.

Our parent education classes cover many aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and early parenting. These relaxed, informal classes hosted by experienced midwives offer you a safe environment to learn, share and ask questions. Some classes may involve other health professionals qualified to speak on a particular topic.

Maternity tours

We offer in-person tours run by our experienced midwives to provide you an opportunity to see our maternity ward, well-equipped birthing suites, special care nursery and discuss any questions you may have. To check availability or make a booking visit the registration page.

Prenatal classes

We offer a range of parent education options for you and your partner during pregnancy which cover a range of topics to help you prepare to welcome your baby into the world.

The childbirth and parenting class is a one day workshop covering birth and parenting skills. The ideal time to do these classes are around 32-34 weeks of gestation.

Topics covered in the class include:

Birth Topics

  • Normal labour and normal birth
  • Admission to hospital
  • Pain management
  • Non Pharmacological
  • Pharmacological
  • Other possibilities
  • Induction and augmentation
  • Fetal heart rate monitoring
  • Medically assisted birth caesarean/ forceps and vacuum

Parenting Topics

  • Estimating the workload
  • Normal newborn behaviour
  • Crying, settling and sleep
  • Prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
  • Breastfeeding
  • Perinatal emotional health
  • Routine postnatal ward care
  • Postnatal healing and recovery
  • Basic baby care
  • Pet safety

Details

  • Upcoming dates: All classes are run on a Sunday. You can register your interest via the booking link below. 
  • Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
  • Cost: An out of pocket expense will occur for uninsured patients and those giving birth at hospitals other than St John of God Geelong Hospital. There is generally no out of pocket expense for privately insured patients giving birth at St John of God Geelong Hospital, however, please check with your health fund if you are unsure if your class will be covered.
  • Bookings: Register your interest. 

 

Places are limited to please register your interest to reserve your booking. If you miss out on your preferred session, your name will automatically be placed on a waitlist for the next session.

To further support our mums, we provide breastfeeding education classes. The classes are hosted by our experienced lactation consultants who provide advice and education sessions to increase your knowledge surrounding feeding cues the positioning and attachment of the baby at the breast and other important information a breastfeeding mother needs to know.

This class is suitable for first time mothers and second time mothers who may have experienced difficulties feeding their first baby.

Details

  • Cost: An out of pocket expense will occur for uninsured patients and those giving birth at hospitals other than St John of God Geelong Hospital. There is generally no out of pocket expense for privately insured patients giving birth at St John of God Geelong Hospital however please check with your health fund if you are unsure if your class will be covered.
  • Bookings: Register your interest.

Our Lactation Clinic offers one hour consultations aiming to provide education and support to women who require additional assistance with breastfeeding. The lactation clinic is staffed by experienced lactation consultants who provide support and specialised breastfeeding advice in a relaxed and confidential atmosphere. We also offer antenatal consultations to pregnant women with breastfeeding concerns or previous breastfeeding difficulties. 

The St John of God Geelong Hospital Lactation Clinic can help with issues including:

  • positioning and attachment advice
  • management of sore nipples
  • assessment of milk supply
  • medications and breastfeeding
  • feeding support for twins or triplets
  • cleft lip and or palate
  • mastitis
  • breast and nipple thrush
  • tongue-tie
  • any other breastfeeding concerns, including concerns arising during pregnancy

 
Appointments for this clinic can be made by anyone, regardless of their birth hospital.

Location: Lactation Clinic, Level 3, Women’s Health Unit, 80 Myers Street Geelong 3220
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.00am to 12.00pm (by appointment only)
Cost: $100 per consultation for mums birthing at St John of God Geelong Hospital; $150 for mums birthing elsewhere

To make an appointment please register here.

More information and support

Registered patients are welcome to contact our maternity unit with pregnancy-related concerns or questions they might have.

A registered midwife will assess your situation and refer you to the most appropriate service.

For example, they might:

  • invite you into the maternity unit for a further check or to begin your labour
  • recommend you present to an emergency department for specialised medical care
  • advise you to liaise with your obstetrician or GP.

Please contact us if you:

  • have any concerns related to your pregnancy
  • think you are in labour
  • are experiencing any blood loss from your vaginal area or a rupture of membranes (‘waters breaking’)
  • have a severe headache and/or visual disturbances such as blurred vision
  • experience intense abdominal pain
  • notice change in pattern, frequency and strength of baby movements.

If you have any concerns related to your pregnancy, contact us on:

Women's Health Unit: 03 5226 8866
Birthing Suite: 03 5226 8876