You and your baby: Parent education classes
Antenatal classes usually have one main aim—to help prepare you for labour, birth and early parenthood. But there’s more to our parent education classes than interactive education; they are also a great place to meet other people who are going through a similar experience.
You’d be surprised how many lifelong friendships have been formed while practicing breathing techniques! Think of our parent education classes as the mothers’ group you join before becoming a mother—they’re a chance to catch up with new friends, laugh and share tips on the changes you’re experiencing and share the excitement of the adventure that lies ahead.
To help you prepare for your journey into parenthood we’ve designed a range of flexible education class options, covering a number of topics for you and your support person. Our goal is to empower you as you approach the birth of your baby, and to get ready for the weeks that follow.
Privately-funded families can attend a tour for free. Bookings are essential.
Here at Mater Mothers’ Hospital we have two class options available;
-
Empowered Caesarean and Parenting
-
Empowered Birth and Parenting
Cost
All classes are offered virtually or face-to-face and cost $350. Alternatively, you can attend any individual class (perhaps as a refresher or caesarean class without parenting) for $135 per couple, per class.
Please contact your private health fund to find out their contribution to your classes.
Bookings—when and how
Our parent education classes are very popular so it’s important to book as early as possible, to avoid any disappointment. We recommend you book in for the classes before you are 16 weeks pregnant.
To book in to our parent education classes, please phone Mater Mothers’ bookings team on
Payment is required at the time of your booking and you will receive an email confirming the details of your booking and information about your class.
Mater Mothers' First Aid for Babies
Parent education class overviews
Hospital tour
Become familiar with the hospital where you will spend those first precious days with your newborn baby. You can take a tour of our hospitals at your convenience.
Empowered Birth and Parenting
This class is designed to inform and empower parents as they prepare for birth and early parenting. You’ll gain practical knowledge about:
-
Labour and birth—what to expect and how to navigate the process
-
When birth takes a different path and how to make informed choices
-
Shared decision-making and advocating for your needs
-
Feeding, sleep, and settling—what to expect in the first six weeks
Childbirth and parenting are among the most physically, emotionally, and mentally transformative experiences in life. You are stepping into the unknown in a deeply vulnerable way—birth and parenting are the ultimate team efforts. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge, confidence, and tools to support your journey.
The Aim of This Class
-
Be informed—Understand your options and the latest evidence-based information
-
Plan ahead—Prepare for birth and the postnatal period with confidence
-
Know where to get support—Build a network and learn where to turn for help
Feeling prepared and involved in decision-making can have a lasting impact on your birth and parenting experience. When you have the knowledge and confidence to navigate labour, birth, and early parenting, you are more likely to feel positive about your experience—regardless of how it unfolds.
A supported and informed start can make all the difference in helping you adjust to life with a newborn, strengthen your sense of confidence, and set the foundation for a healthy transition into parenthood. No matter what kind of birth you have, feeling empowered in the process is key to a positive beginning for both you and your baby.
Join us and take the first step toward an empowered birth and parenting journey.
Empowered Caesarean and Parenting
This class is designed to inform and empower parents as they prepare for birth and early parenting. You’ll gain practical knowledge about:
-
Your caesarean section—what to expect and how to navigate the process
-
Shared decision-making and advocating for your needs
-
Feeding, sleep, and settling—what to expect in the first six weeks
Childbirth and parenting are among the most physically, emotionally, and mentally transformative experiences in life. You are stepping into the unknown in a deeply vulnerable way—birth and parenting are the ultimate team efforts. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge, confidence, and tools to support your journey.
Physiotherapy: Pregnancy, birth and beyond
Monday to Thursday evenings only.
Topics include:
-
Skills to stay comfortable and healthy before and after birth
-
Body awareness, movement and stretches
-
Activating and using your core
-
Preventing strain
-
Being active in pregnancy and after birth
-
A tool box to reduce pain and tension now, in labour and after birth (including partner massage, accupressure, breathing and movement).