VJB Hospital team of obstetricians, midwives and nurses are committed to giving you and your baby the best possible care. Part of this care involves educating you and your partner about the various stages of pregnancy, birth and parenting which can sometimes be confusing and exhausting.

Providing information and support throughout the entire pregnancy is vital for you and your family and the Mater takes great pride in being there every step of the way.

Our aim is that by attending antenatal and postnatal classes you will feel confident and informed about pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Our integrated collaborative team of Obstetricians, experienced and committed midwives, lactation experts, maternity social workers and discharge planners all work together with a focus on complete care and supporting our new parents and their babies. The outstanding facilities and uniquely compassionate atmosphere of the VJB Hospital are a testament to all those associated with the long-standing traditions of excellence in medical and maternity care.

Antenatal Councelling

We provide antenatal classes for childbirth, caesarean birth.This comprehensive program is designed to prepare expectant parents for labour, birth and early parenting. It is aimed at first time parents.

Labour

• Getting closer to labour, stages of labour & when to go to hospital.

• Understanding the concept of pain and the strategies and skills used to cope in labour.

• Role of the support person & helpful ideas.

• Medical approaches to labour, including induction of labour & unplanned caesarean section.

• Pharmacological pain relief options available, including epidurals and other alternatives.

Parenting

• Characteristics of the newborn infant and their patterns of behaviour & communication.

• Tests and routines while in hospital.

• Classes available while in hospital.

• Safe sleeping for infants.

• Transition to parenting and the associated challenges.

• Perinatal anxiety and depression.

• Sleep patterns of infants and settling techniques/routines.

• Introduction to breastfeeding.