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JHH Preparing for Parenting - Education Programs

“Knowledge reduces fear and promotes confidence”

Learning about your pregnancy and growing baby, preparing for labour and the birth of your baby, preparing for the joys and challenges of becoming a parent are all very important parts of your antenatal care and planning.

The John Hunter Hospital Parenting Education Service offers a variety of antenatal education programs to support you and your partner with your physical, mental and emotional preparation for your pregnancy, birth, early parenting and feeding your baby.

The sessions are relaxed and informative, giving you and your support person the opportunity to meet other families and discuss ideas, thoughts and choices for birthing and parenting. It is important to book your sessions early to ensure you don’t miss out on a time that best suits you.

Why come to our programs?

Attending face to face education programs will help you to learn more about your birth and parenting journey as we are able to tailor our programs to meet your specific learning needs. You will share the experience with other pregnant women and families which is an excellent opportunity to meet others about to become new parents.

Our qualified, welcoming team of nationally certified educators will provide an environment which is informal and relaxed. Our programs are interactive and based on the most up to date information.

Our past clients say

“I felt prepared for anything - best money spent on any course!”

“Good time out from our busy lives to focus on the pregnancy as a couple; it reinforced what we read on internet; partner found it very helpful.”

“Fantastic to meet & share with others at the same stage of pregnancy & share questions about birth, etc; reduced the fear about what we were facing; we are still in touch with our group on facebook.”

For More information

General information about educational programs

Most courses are held at Newcastle Community Health Centre in Newcastle.

Office hours are: Monday to Friday 9-4pm
Phone: (02) 40164595 or
Email: HNELHD-JHHParentingEducation@health.nsw.gov.au

To secure your booking please complete the Booking form and email to HNELHD-JHHParentingEducation@health.nsw.gov.au or alternatively contact the Parenting Education office on 02 4016 4595.

Cost of programs

There are fees for some programs, in line with most Australian Maternity Services. Concessions are available – talk to our friendly staff.

All face to face classes are subject to change based on Covid 19 situation.

Booking Form - Click Here

Complete & save the form then email to HNELHD-JHHParentingEducation
@health.nsw.gov.au

Pregnancy Wise - Face to Face - $25.00

Pregnancy Wise - Early Pregnancy Information Session

Face to Face $25.00

This is a one-off early pregnancy information session led by an experienced women’s health physiotherapist. This session is best attended from 14-24 weeks gestation. You will participate in a 1 hour practical exercise work out, please notify us if you have any conditions that may prevent you from participating in the exercises.

This 2-hour session will help you to understand:

  • The normal changes that occur throughout the pregnancy
  • Caring for yourself and your baby during pregnancy, including safe exercise and movement, back care and eating well
  • When to contact your Doctor or Midwife
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
AVAILABLE Monday 19th June 2023Face to Face 6.30pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLESaturday 8th July 2023Face to Face 10am to 12.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEMonday 17th July 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Calmbirth© at John Hunter - Face to Face - $550.00

Calmbirth© at John Hunter

Face to Face $550.00

Full payment will be required on booking to secure class

Calmbirth© inspires and educates couples to birth their babies with knowledge and confidence. Calmbirth embodies the connection between the mind, body and family during birth. For further information click here to view the Calmbirth @JHH brochure.

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StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLTuesday 4th July 2023Face to Face5.30pm to 8.30pm4 weeks
AVAILABLE
1 places
Tuesday 1st August 2023Face to Face5.30pm to 8.30pm4 weeks
AVAILABLE
3 places
Tuesday 5th September 2023Face to Face5.30pm to 8.30pm4 weeks
AVAILABLE
8 places
Tuesday 3rd October 2023Face to Face5.30pm to 8.30pm4 weeks

Birth and Parenting Course - Face to Face - $160.00

Birth and Parenting Course

Face to Face - $160.00

From 24 weeks
Understanding labour and birth
  • The face to face Birth and Parenting is a 12 hour program, options include two consecutive Saturdays or a weeknight program over 6 weeks.
  • Most popular program:- Self-help strategies for labour and birth, including ways that the support person can offer support to the labouring woman including when to come to hospital
  • Making informed decisions about your care, unexpected events of labour and after the birth
  • Breastfeeding, infant sleep, settling techniques, infant communication & other baby care topics.
  • Changes in the family relationships during the period of the transition to parenthood and offer some strategies to minimise distress in the early weeks.
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLMonday 19th June 2023Face to Face 6.30pm to 8.30pm 6 weeks
FULLSaturday 17th June 2023 Face to Face 9.30am to 3.30pm 2 weeks
FULLSaturday 17th June and Sunday 18th June 2023 Face to Face at JHH 9.30am to 3.30pm FULL WEEKEND
FULLSaturday 24th June 2023 Face to Face 9.30am to 3.30pm 2 weeks
AVAILABLE Tuesday 27th June 2023Face to Face week 1 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm, weeks 2-5 6pm to 8.30pm5 weeks
AVAILABLEMonday 3rd July 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLEThursday 6th July 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 8th July 2023Face to Face9.30am to 3.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 8th July and Sunday 9th July 2023Face to Face at JHH9.30am to 3.30pmWHOLE WEEKEND
AVAILABLESaturday 15th July 2023Face to Face9.30am to 3.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 29th July 2023Face to Face9.30am to 3.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 29th July and Sunday 30th July 2023Face to Face at JHH9.30am to 3.30pmWHOLE WEEKEND
AVAILABLEMonday 31st July 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLETuesday 8th August 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 12th August 2023Face to Face9.30am to 3.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLEMonday 14th August 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLEThursday 17th August 2023Face to Face6.30pm to 8.30pm6 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 19th August and Sunday 20th August 2023Face to Face at JHH9.30am to 3.30pmWHOLE WEEKEND
AVAILABLESaturday 26th August 2023Face to Face 9.30am to 3.30pm2 weeks

Birth and Parenting Course - Online Live Streamed - $100.00

Birth and Parenting Course

Online Live Stream $100.00

From 24 weeks
Understanding labour and birth
  • Most popular program:- Self-help strategies for labour and birth, including ways that the support person can offer support to the labouring woman including when to come to hospital
  • Making informed decisions about your care, unexpected events of labour and after the birth
  • Breastfeeding, infant sleep, settling techniques, infant communication & other baby care topics.
  • Changes in the family relationships during the period of the transition to parenthood and offer some strategies to minimise distress in the early weeks.
  • 2023 DATES
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
AVAILABLETuesday 4th July 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.30pm5 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 8th July 2023ONLINE9.30am to 1.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLESaturday 5th August 2023ONLINE9.30am to 1.30pm2 weeks
AVAILABLETuesday 8th August 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.30pm5 weeks

Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding for Diabetics - Face to Face - No Charge

Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding for Diabetics

No Charge

It is recommended this course is attended from 32 weeks pregnant.

Due to room capacity this face to face breastfeeding class is for the pregnant women only, the online breastfeeding program is available if you would like your support person to attend with you.

Women report greater confidence in breastfeeding their new baby after attending the Breastfeeding course.

By participating in the course, you will:

  • Observe skin-to-skin care, baby’s signs of readiness to feed, attachment and positioning of baby for feeding
  • Consider common challenges to breastfeeding during early weeks
  • Know local community resources and support

Breastfeeding Diabetic information Session

This is an add on to our Friday face to face morning and Thursday online classes.

This is offered for all women who have diabetes in pregnancy regardless of type.

A half-hour session held especially for pregnant women with diabetes, you will:

  • Understand the benefits of breastfeeding both for the diabetic mother and baby
  • Find out about the benefits of antenatal expression​
  • Consider common challenges to breastfeeding during early weeks
  • Know local community resources and support
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLFriday 9th June 2023 Face to Face 10.00am to 12.30pm
12.30pm to 1pm Diabetic Breastfeeding
Once Only
FULLThursday 15th June 2023 Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pm Once Only
FULLThursday 29th June 2023 Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLEFriday 7th July 2023Face to Face10.00am to 12.30pm
12.30pm to 1pm Diabetic Breastfeeding
Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 13th July 2023Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 27th July 2023Face to Face6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEFriday 4th August 2023Face to Face10.00am to 12.30pm
12.30pm to 1pm Diabetic Breastfeeding
Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 10th August 2023Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 24th August 2023Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 31st August 2023Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding for Diabetics - Online Live Streamed - No Charge

Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding for Diabetics

Online Live Stream

No Charge

It is recommended this course is attended from 32 weeks pregnant.

Women report greater confidence in breastfeeding their new baby after attending the Breastfeeding course.

By participating in the course, you will:

  • Observe skin-to-skin care, baby’s signs of readiness to feed, attachment and positioning of baby for feeding
  • Consider common challenges to breastfeeding during early weeks
  • Know local community resources and support

Breastfeeding Diabetic information Session

This is an add on to our Friday face to face morning and Thursday online classes.

This is offered for all women who have diabetes in pregnancy regardless of type.

A half-hour session held especially for pregnant women with diabetes, you will:

  • Understand the benefits of breastfeeding both for the diabetic mother and baby
  • Find out about the benefits of antenatal expression​
  • Consider common challenges to breastfeeding during early weeks
  • Know local community resources and support
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLThursday 22nd June 2023 ONLINE 6.00pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 20th July 2023ONLINE6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 17th August 2023ONLINE6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Nuts and Bolts of Fatherhood - Face to Face - $25.00

Nuts and Bolts of Fatherhood

Class fee $25.00

This program is for men who are about to become dads. This course is led by an experienced father and health professional. Expectant Dads will:

  • Explore the role and relationship changes likely to be experienced during transition to fatherhood
  • Consider strategies to being an effective support person
  • Develop an effective parenting relationship with your partner
  • Understand infant communications, why babies cry and develop strategies for difficult times
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLThursday 29th June 2023 Face to Face 6.00pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 6th July 2023Face to Face6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 20th July 2023Face to Face6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 10th August 2023Face to Face6.00pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Nuts and Bolts of Fatherhood - Online Live Streamed - $25.00

Nuts and Bolts of Fatherhood

Online Live Stream

Class fee $25.00

This program is for men who are about to become dads. This course is led by an experienced father and health professional. Expectant Dads will:

  • Explore the role and relationship changes likely to be experienced during transition to fatherhood
  • Consider strategies to being an effective support person
  • Develop an effective parenting relationship with your partner
  • Understand infant communications, why babies cry and develop strategies for difficult times
StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
FULLThursday 8th June 2023 ONLINE 6.30pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 27th July 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Multiple Miracles - Online Live Streamed - No Charge

Multiple Miracles

Online Live Stream

No Charge

This session has been designed for all parents expecting twins or triplets.

You will explore topics around, birth and parenting your babies along side other parents. We host this session with the Newcastle Multiple Birth Association.

If this is your first pregnancy you will find this is a great addition to the 12 hours Birth and Parenting program.

StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
AVAILABLEThursday 27th July 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.30pm Once Only
AVAILABLEThursday 21st SeptemberONLINE6.30pm to 8.30pmOnce Only

Next Birth after Caesarean - Online Live Streamed - No Charge

Next Birth after Caesarean

Online Live Stream

No Charge

It is optimal though not essential, that you attend the program at around 20 and 24 weeks gestation. This education program is for women and their support people who have had a previous caesarean birth and are considering birth options for their current pregnancy.

This program will help you to gather current, consistent, evidence based information before making decisions about your next birth. The group will enable you to meet other couples with similar experiences and provide an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarity about the NBAC options.

StatusDateDelivery Class TimesDuration
AVAILABLE Thursday 29th June 2023 ONLINE 10.00am to 11.30am Once Only
AVAILABLEMonday 10th July 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.00pmOnce Only
AVAILABLEThursday 10th August 2023ONLINE10.00am to 11.30amOnce Only
AVAILABLEMonday 21st August 2023ONLINE6.30pm to 8.00pmOnce Only