Overview
Classes begin approximately ten weeks before you are due to give birth. Parent education sessions (sometimes referred to as antenatal classes) are designed to provide education around important topics such as:
- labour and birth
- parenting
- newborn babies
- breastfeeding.
Each class is attended by approximately 12 couples and the sessions are run by a midwife. These classes are usually recommended for first-time parents, but they are open to all women receiving maternity care at Werribee Mercy Hospital. Classes also include a tour of the Maternity Services Unit.
Options for classes are:
- weeknight sessions: a series of three classes, held one class per week over three weeks. Classes run Monday to Thursday, 6.30-9pm
- Saturday sessions: a series of two classes, held over two Saturdays, from either 9.30am-1pm or 1.45-5pm.
Antenatal breastfeeding classes!
Our breastfeeding classes are taught by experienced Lactation Consultants. During this class we will give you all the information you need to get your breastfeeding journey off to the right start.
Please see dates and more detailed information about the topics covered below;
Our classes for 2024:
- June 29th from 0900 – 1200 via ZOOM
- August 24th 0900 -1200
- October 26th 0900 – 1200
Please call the maternity reception desk at 8754 3400 to book your spot!
The class costs $40
During the antenatal birthing classes, breastfeeding is briefly covered. It is good to sign up for both classes as the breastfeeding class has much more detail and hands on practice. Please see below for the difference’s between the topics covered in each class.
Childbirth class
- Feeding cues
- Demand feeding
- The first 3 Days
- The breast crawl
- Introduction to different positions
- Benefit of colostrum
- Benefit of breastmilk
- Change in stomach size
- Rooming in
- Formula feeding
Antenatal Breastfeeding Class
- Why breastfeed?
- Benefits to mum
- Benefits to baby
- What professionals can help with breastfeeding?
- Recommendations for length of breastfeeding
- Breast anatomy and development
- How breast milk is made
- Difference between colostrum and breastmilk
- How different birthing interventions affect breastfeeding
- What does the first breastfeed look like?
- What are the different positions you can use to breastfeed in – HANDS ON PRACTICE
- Key principles to follow for positioning and attachment
- What are we looking for to ensure a good latch?
- What do swallows sounds like?
- What does typical newborn feeding look like?
- What are newborn feeding cues?
- First week of breastfeeding
- How do you know if baby is getting enough milk?
- What a typical sucking pattern looks like in a breastfeed
- Typical output of a baby in the first week
- Safe sleep for breastfeeding parents
- How to support the breastfeeding mother
- Common challenges; sore nipples, baby not attaching to the breast, engorgement, mastitis, low milk supply
- Resources to access for knowledge, support and help
*We need a minimum number of participants to run the class, if we are unable to meet the requirement we will contact you and rebook to another class or refund the money.
A tour of Maternity Services Ward is held at 2.30pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Bookings are essential. Please call for more information:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
-
Phone numbers:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
03 8754 3400
24 hours, 7 days a week
- Website: Online maternity tour
-
Address:
Werribee Mercy Hospital
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
- Opening hours: Weeknight and weekend classes are available by appointment.
-
About:
This is the main reception phone number for Maternity Services at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH).
Related services
Getting here
Find us at:
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
For more information on getting here, visit Werribee Mercy Hospital .
Location details
Classes are held in the Seminar Room, located just off the main hospital corridor near Zouki Cafe.
How can people get access?
The Seminar Room requires swipe card access. Generally, the midwife teaching the class will arrive early to set up the room. The door is left open to allow parents attending the class to come and go.
Opening hours
Weeknights: three classes held once a week over three weeks, Monday to Thursday, 6.30–9pm.
Saturday: classes held over two Saturdays, 9.30am–1pm or 1.45–5pm.
Your appointment
What to do before
You can book into antenatal classes when you visit the Outpatient Department for your pregnancy appointments, or by calling:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
-
Phone numbers:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
03 8754 3400
24 hours, 7 days a week
- Website: Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)
-
Address:
Maternity and Neonatal Services entrance, Werribee Mercy Hospital
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
-
About:
You should phone maternity services during your pregnancy if:
- you are pregnant, over 20 weeks, and have pregnancy related concerns
- think you are in labour or your waters (membranes) have broken
- have concerns about your recovery, up until four weeks after your baby is born
Please note that payment is required at the time of booking.
Payment options include:
- cash or EFTPOS available via cashier located at the main reception in the hospital
- Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa) available at Maternity Reception or Outpatients Reception 1
Sessions cost $110 per couple, for all classes.
What to bring
You can bring your partner or another person along to the classes for support.
What to expect on the day
Weeknight sessions run for two-and-a-half hours. Saturday sessions run for three-and-a-half hours.
Each session caters for up to 12 couples.
More information
Team Composition
Parent education classes are run by a midwife.
What questions should you ask
Some questions you may wish to consider asking include:
- Who will care for me during labour and birth?
- What are my options for pain relief?
- Who decides if I need a caesarean section?
- Will I be separated from my baby after birth?
- Why should I breastfeed my baby?
Who to call if you have concerns afterwards
If you have concerns about your pregnancy or your baby please call:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
-
Phone numbers:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
03 8754 3400
24 hours, 7 days a week
- Website: Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)
-
Address:
Maternity and Neonatal Services entrance, Werribee Mercy Hospital
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
-
About:
You should phone maternity services during your pregnancy if:
- you are pregnant, over 20 weeks, and have pregnancy related concerns
- think you are in labour or your waters (membranes) have broken
- have concerns about your recovery, up until four weeks after your baby is born
For health professionals
Antenatal classes are a series of group parenting education sessions with a midwife.
We offer two sessions at Werribee Mercy Hospital:
- weeknight sessions, with three classes held once a week over three weeks, Monday to Thursday 6.30–9pm
- Saturday sessions, with classes held over two Saturdays, 9.30am–1pm or 1.45–5pm.
Contacts and resources
Contacts at this hospital
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
-
Phone numbers:
Maternity Reception at Werribee Mercy Hospital
03 8754 3400
24 hours, 7 days a week
- Website: Online maternity tour
-
Address:
Werribee Mercy Hospital
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
- Opening hours: Weeknight and weekend classes are available by appointment.
-
About:
This is the main reception phone number for Maternity Services at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH).
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