Antenatal Classes

Our Antenatal classes are conducted by experienced Childbirth Educators (qualified midwives) who facilitate the course in relaxed and informal sessions.

The aim of our antenatal course is to provide an enjoyable, informative forum, where you will gain confidence, and knowledge of what to expect in late pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting.

When choosing a class, we suggest a finishing date approximately one month before your due date. This ensures that you are comfortable in your class and meeting other class mates who have approximately the same due date.

Our course fee is $150. This covers attendance for you and your partner or birth support person. Supper is included too. Our classes are held at the Waterford Antenatal Hub, 6 Somerset Street in Frankton.

Course Outline

Waterford believes that whaanau should have the opportunity to receive quality pregnancy and parenting education, preparing them for their roles as new parents. Presented by Child Birth Educators, the classes aim to cover the following content:

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Pelvic floor awareness

  • Positions of the baby at term

  • Relaxation

  • Early labour

  • Established labour & birth

  • Birth of the placenta

  • Birth video including water-birth

  • Coping with labour & birth

  • Positions for labour & birth

  • Natural pain relief options

  • Medical pain relief options

  • Unexpected outcomes

  • Role of the support person

  • Interventions

  • Informed consent

  • Birth Plans

  • Early postnatal experiences

  • Adjusting to parenting

  • Breastfeeding

  • Settling baby

  • SUDI (Sudden unexpected death in infants)

  • Support