Preparing for childbirth
Our dedicated obstetricians, paediatricians, midwives and allied health teams are here to support all aspects of your care. You will have scheduled appointments throughout your pregnancy with the option to share care between your obstetrician and a midwife as part of our free Antenatal Clinic service.
Planning your pregnancy
The next Planning Your Family seminar will explore topics such as diet, work, exercise and early screening. You will also be given a tour of the Maternity facilities at Calvary Lenah Valley.
Free
For dates please contact Maternity
Education Classes
Calvary Lenah Valley offers a free comprehensive Parent Education Program designed to provide information, guidance and support during your pregnancy, birth and parenting journey. This program is available as a three week evening program or intensive one day workshop.
The Parent Education Program runs over three evenings and covers topics such as Parenting, Labour and Birth.
Session 1: Labour and Birth
- Role of the Support person(s)
- The natural process of Labour
- Managing contractions at home
- Strategies for the management of labour
- Pain relief options
- Tour of the Birthing suite and how to use facilities
- The process of giving birth
- When to come to hospital
- Medical interventions, why and when is it necessary?
- Where to come / What to bring
Session 2: Introduction to parenting and Breastfeeding
- Role of parents and lifestyle changes
- Decision making for you and your baby
- Communication as a couple about parenting and related issues
- Emotional changes in pregnancy and parenting
- Baby care in hospital and at home
- Realistic expectations of self and baby
- Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby
- The 10 Steps to successful breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding position and attachment
- Meet a new baby and what to expect with their appearance
Session 3: Doctors session
- A paediatrician will discuss their role in the care of your baby
- Immunisations and your baby’s first weeks
- An anaesthetist will discuss pain relief options for you labour, birth or caesarian section
Tuesday evenings from 7pm – 9pm.
Calvary Lenah Valley, Level 3
Free for women giving birth at Calvary Lenah Valley and their partner
Bookings: 03 6278 5328
This one-day intensive workshop covers labour, birth, parenting and breastfeeding.
Labour and Birth
- Role of the Support person(s)
- The natural process of Labour
- Managing contractions at home
- Strategies for the management of labour
- Pain relief options
- Tour of the Birthing suite and how to use facilities
- The process of giving birth
- When to come to hospital
- Medical interventions, why and when is it necessary?
- Where to come / What to bring
Introduction to parenting and Breastfeeding
- Role of parents and lifestyle changes
- Decision making for you and your baby
- Communication as a couple about parenting and related issues
- Emotional changes in pregnancy and parenting
- Baby care in hospital and at home
- Realistic expectations of self and baby
- Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby
- The 10 Steps to successful breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding position and attachment
- Meet a new baby and what to expect with their appearance
Couples who attend this session are invited to attend a Doctors Session also.
Saturday 9am – 1pm including morning tea
Calvary Lenah Valley, Level 3
Free for women giving birth at Calvary Lenah Valley and their partner
Bookings: 03 6278 5328
This workshop is conducted by a Physiotherapist and teaches techniques in maintaining a healthy mind and body during your pregnancy and preparation for birth.
All women are encouraged to attend this session that is designed to educate you on
- General fitness for pregnancy and labour
- The importance of back care in pregnancy
- The need for pelvic floor exercises in pregnancy and the postnatal period
- Relaxation techniques for labour and birthing
For dates and bookings please contact Maternity
Calvary Lenah Valley, Level 3
Free for women giving birth at Calvary Lenah Valley and their partner
This workshop is designed to educate grandparents in the advances and changes that have occurred in postnatal care since they were parents.
Can arrange for any time that is suitable, for bookings please contact Materntiy
Calvary Lenah Valley, Level 3
No charge
We run specific 1:1 sessions for parents who have previously had a baby.
Our focus will depend on your individual needs and can offer information and support relating to:
- Vaginal birth following a previous caesarean birth
- Debriefing of previous experiences
- Assisting you to feel in control of decision making for this pregnancy, labour and birth
Our experienced Specialist Lactation Consultants will offer a 1:1 session for parents at request.
For dates and bookings please contact Maternity
Calvary Lenah Valley, Level 3
Free for women giving birth at Calvary Lenah Valley and their partner
Preparing for breastfeeding
Calvary Lenah Valley is an accredited Baby Friendly Hospital by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
We aim to provide services of the highest quality to support breastfeeding mothers before and after your baby’s birth.
The Parent Education Program includes a session dedicated to help new mothers prepare for breastfeeding, position and attachment.
A specialist Lactation Consultant can provide 1:1 support to help prepare for breastfeeding, including women who have experienced:
- Previous breast reduction or breast surgery
- Previous breastfeeding difficulties
- Flat or inverted nipples
- Any special needs – physical or emotional
The Breastfeeding and Lactation Clinic will continue to support you until your baby has weaned.
Bookings and Care Options
Contact the Maternity and Women’s Health Unit on 03 6278 5328 to make an appointment for a pre-admission meeting with a midwife and to book your parent education classes.