Parent education

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.

What to expect

We offer free antenatal parenting classes for all pregnant women booked to give birth at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, as part of our antenatal care.

Classes are relaxed and informal, hosted by experienced midwives and childbirth educators, and provide a safe environment to learn, share and ask questions. Some classes may involve other health professionals qualified to speak on a particular topic.

Essence of labour and birth

This course covers healthy birth practices including tips and advice for managing labour, risks and benefits of alternative pain relief options and information on managing active birth. The courses are available in both face to face and online formats.

This class runs every Monday from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

Planning for the unplanned birth

This course offers a guide to induction of labour, assisted birth interventions, caesarean birth and provides tools on how to manage unexpected outcomes.

Face-to-face sessions are available every second Thursday from 6.00pm to 8.30pm, but the format may change depending on booking numbers. 

Breastfeeding education

We offer antenatal breastfeeding education to help equip expectant mothers with the knowledge and skills to breastfeed with confidence. 

The breastfeeding education course is available every second Saturday from 10:30am to 12.00pm. It is provided as either a face-to-face session or online class. 

Next birth after caesarean

This course offers education and guidance on preparing for the birth of a new baby following a caesarean. The session will explore common reasons for an unplanned caesarean at the end of labour, the benefits of a vaginal birth (including exploring research outcomes), nutrition during pregnancy and provide tools to help advocate for yourself and your baby.

Face-to-face sessions are available every three weeks on Sunday from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

Birthing again

This course is for birthing families who have experienced labour and birth and are returning to hospital to birth again. The session will encourage reflection on previous labour and birth to extract knowledge that will assist in future delivery.

Face-to-face sessions are available every three weeks on Sunday from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

Preparing your mental health

This class aims to support parents to plan ahead recognising that good mental health may support breastfeeding experiences, adjustment to parenting and attachment to your baby. Alongside your birth planning can be your mental health planning.

Supporting your perinatal mental health

Having knowledge to understand and some basic mental health first-aid skills at your fingertips can help. Come along to this class to learn more about supporting your perinatal mental health from a practical perspective. Attending this class does not require you to tell your story or share personal experiences. 

Bookings

Please note, all classes listed above are subject to change. Contact our antenatal reception team for more information on 08 9462 4571.