We offer you and your support person a series of antenatal classes via our Birth and Beyond program. While classes mainly consist of first-time expectant parents, existing parents, who are gaining a new addition to their family, are also very welcome.

Our antenatal classes are practical, informative and tailored to suit your birthing experience at Nepean Private. We aim to prepare you with the essentials for your physical and emotional wellbeing in late pregnancy, during your baby’s delivery and for early day-to-day life with your newborn.

Birth and Early Parenting Antenatal Classes

Due to COVID-19, face-to-face antenatal classes are not always possible. However, mums-to-be and partners can join our live-streamed antenatal events on Zoom for free.

Nepean Private Hospital’s Antenatal Classes provide an introductory overview to prepare you for labour, birth and the postnatal period. If you need more information we encourage you to speak to your Obstetrician and/or GP.

When they run, the cost of our face-to-face antenatal classes is $300.

Week 1: Preparation for labour and birth (via Zoom)

• Welcome to the program
• Getting to know each other
• Anatomy and physiology. Overview of reproductive system and terminology. Posterior presentation and delivery
• Warning signs. When to call the hospital
• Signs of labour. When to come to hospital
• Stages of labour. What to expect in labour. Birth video
• Understanding pain in labour. Simple pain relief. Self-help strategies. Pharmacological pain relief options
• Possible obstetric procedures. Induction of labour. Amniotomy, augmentation. Labour and delivery equipment. Tears versus episiotomy. Other possible unexpected outcomes
• Introduction to the Womens Health Unit (WHU). Photo tour of Delivery Suite and WHU.
• Relaxation strategies
• Role of support person

Week 2: Preparation for a caesarean birth, immediate post-delivery care and early parenting (via Zoom)

• Caesarean birth. Elective and Emergency
• Immediate newborn care. The first few hours after birth
• Newborn characteristics. Common characteristics and behaviours of newborns
• Newborn tests. Newborn examinations and daily checks.
• Feeding baby. Tips and techniques. Breastfeeding video
• Caring for baby. Safe sleeping (SIDS/SUDI guidelines). Neonatal security in hospital
• Postnatal recovery. What to expect after birth
• Postnatal mood changes. Postnatal depression (PND). Where to get help and treatment. Community supports.
• Relationship changes for new parents
• Going home. Infant car restraints. Introducing family pets. Community nurse support

Bookings

To book your place please email nepeanmaternitybookings@healthscope.com.au and quote your reference number. Our friendly staff will be in contact to organise your class.

Kidsaver CPR + First Aid Classes

Nepean Private Hospital is pleased to offer baby and child CPR + first aid classes to our patients and their families. Kidsaver courses are designed to empower you with the confidence, knowledge and skills to help you prevent and respond to your sick or injured child until help arrives. For further information and to book classes www.kidsaver.com.au.

This class is suitable for:

• Parents
• Pregnant couples
• Grandparents
• Family, Friends and Carers

Topics include: