Childbirth and Early Parenting Program
The Frances Perry House Childbirth and Early Parenting Program is designed to help you prepare for pregnancy, labour, birth and your early parenting experiences.
The program is a flexible approach, allowing you maximum choice in your maternity and early parenting education. You may attend as many classes as you like. To book and view the details of each class, select from the tiles below.
Please note, these classes are only an overview and will not cover every aspect of your pregnancy & birth.
If you would like to bring along an additional person to any session(s) they need to be booked-in prior to attendance and there is an additional cost incurred.
If you would like more information on any of these classes -please email us at ChildbirthER.FRP@ramsayhealth.com.au.
Class Descriptions
Labour and Birth
3.5 hours
*part of Core Program
This session is designed to assist you in preparing for labour & birth. It covers the signs to look out for with labour, the 3 phases of labour, pain relief, the role of the partner and more. This class encompasses all aspects of labour including epidurals and interventions, such as episiotomy and instrumental births. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend this session. This session is conducted by a Registered Midwife.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy.
Cost: $70 per person or $100 per couple (This may also be covered by your Private Health Insurance – please confirm with your fund)
Postnatal & Early Parenting
3.5 hours
*part of Core Program
This session covers information regarding your hospital stay, with changes that take place to Mum and Baby in the first few days in hospital. We also cover what to expect when taking baby home. This class also discusses some of the changes in roles and personal relationships, highlighting where to find community support when you’re home.
Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend this session.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy.
Cost: $70 per person or $100 per couple (This may also be covered by your Private Health Insurance – please confirm with your fund)
Breastfeeding
2.5 hours
*part of Core Program
This session covers normal lactation, positioning and attachment, “normal” expectations as well as feeding patterns, and common challenges new Mums face. Partners are welcome to attend this session. This session is conducted by a Registered Midwife.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy
Cost: $60 per couple
Caesarean Section Class
3.5 hours
We have developed a specific Caesarean Section class for women and their partner/support person, who are booked by their Doctor for an elective Caesarean and will not be required to attend a labour and birth class. This class covers when to call us for signs of labour as well as admission to Hospital, details of your procedure and what’s expected for recovery, with Postnatal care and pain relief. We also share information regarding our Special Care Nursery.
We recommend you attend this session when you are booked in for your elective caesarean.
Cost: $70 per person or $100 per couple (This may also be covered by your Private Health Insurance – please confirm with your fund)
Fathers Time
2 hours
This sessions is for dads and dads-to-be solely to enhance your involvement in your child’s educational, social and mental wellbeing. Our facilitator, Tim O’ Leary will lead an informal discussion using latest evidence based information to explore the role of the father both during birth and throughout the pregnancy.
Alternative partner sessions can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss your individual needs. For more information email ChildbirthER.FRP@ramsayhealth.com.au.
Cost: $50 or $70 per couple
Twins and Multiple Birth Class
4 hours
This session covers all aspects of multiple births, including labour and caesarean sections, information regarding your hospital stay, including breastfeeding and the changes to expect over the first few days and weeks. We cover information about going home and preparing the positioning of furniture, together with the important role of your support person.
Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend this session. This session is conducted by a Registered Midwife.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy.
Cost: $70 per person or $100 per couple (This may also be covered by your Private Health Insurance – please confirm with your fund)
Specialist Class
2 hours
You may see this class listed on the ‘booking calendar’. Suggestions will include surrogacy pregnancy and complex case pregnancy. We would like to support and offer education for all patients of Frances Perry House.
Please contact us via ChildbirthER.FRP@ramsayhealth.com.au if you require a specialist class, or if you require further information.
Cost: $50 per person or $75 per couple
Parenting your Newborn (for when you are home with your baby)
2 hours (Via Zoom only)
This evidence-based class covers information on maternal physical and emotional changes and adjustment/ transition to parenthood. We explain normal changes for the newborn and expectations regarding feeding and behavioural states for your baby. You will also be given support for settling the unsettled child including the need for safe sleeping and the sleep deprivation that may occur.
We recommend you attend this session when your baby is between 6-12 weeks of age.
Cost: $50 per person or $75 per couple
Midweek Classes
If you are unsure if you would like a minimal intervention birth or one with an early epidural, we recommend that you attend a weekend class- where we cover all aspects of labour and birth.
Labour and Birth – ‘Normal’ Delivery (2 hour class)
This session is designed to assist you in preparing for labour & birth. It covers the signs to look out for with labour, the 3 phases of labour, active birth, the role of the partner and more. This class focuses on all natural methods of birthing (without medications and intervention). It is a great class for those who have completed a private ‘Calm birth’ or ‘Hypnobirth’ class, to see how Frances Perry can support you with the birth you are hoping for.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy
Labour and Birth with ‘interventions’ (2 hour class)
This session is designed to assist you in preparing for labour & birth. It covers the signs to look out for with labour, the 3 phases of labour, the role of the partner and more. This class focuses on those who are open to pain relief such as epidurals and covers interventions such as episiotomy and instrumental births.
We recommend you attend this session between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy
Cost: $50 per person or $75 per couple
If you would like to attend both midweek classes, you’ll have a discounted rate of $70 per person for 2 sessions, or $100 per couple for 2 sessions.
Baby Safe Program
A series of 3 classes offered face-to-face in small groups and online.
For more details, see the Baby Safe Program page of the Frances Perry House website.
Please note, this class is only available for those with a delivery date booked at Frances Perry House.
Physiotherapy - Active Birth Skills Class
Our ‘Active Birth and Preparation for Labour Class’ is designed for you and the person you have chosen to support you through your labour.
The class aims to teach you active techniques that can be used to enhance control over your labour and birthing experience. The knowledge and skills gained will help you use your body to progress your labour and ultimately, aid in coping with the intensity of birthing with minimal intervention.
Our class is run by a Physiotherapist and is recommended in addition to the antenatal classes conducted by the midwives.
Cost: $100 per couple/support person
Alternatively, contact Health 4 Women Physiotherapy on 9329 0999 for individual classes, zoom classes or alternate class times.
Physiotherapy - Antenatal Group Exercise Classes
The Health4Women Pregnancy and Antenatal Exercise Classes are designed to keep you strong and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
These classes are run by qualified Physiotherapists, meaning exercises can be easily modified to cater to your specific needs. With a focus on core and pelvic floor strengthening, these classes aim to keep you strong and active throughout pregnancy and prepare you for labouring and looking after your newborn.
Cost: $40 per person (health rebates may apply)
Physiotherapy - Postnatal Group Exercise Classes
The Health4Women Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Classes are designed to keep you strong and comfortable during the postnatal period.
These classes are run by qualified Physiotherapists, meaning exercises can be easily modified to cater to your specific needs. With a focus on core and pelvic floor strengthening, these classes aim to keep you strong and active while you are looking after your newborn.
Cost: $40 per person (health rebates may apply)
Physiotherapy - Wellbeing during Pregnancy
The Wellbeing during Pregnancy class is designed to be attended during the second trimester. In this class you will learn about some common aches and pains associated with pregnancy, how to maintain healthy bladder and bowel habits and techniques to minimise strain on the pelvic floor, back, pelvis and abdominal muscles. There will also be a focus on providing strategies and techniques to manage discomfort, understanding when to escalate your care and how to safely modify your exercise during pregnancy.
These classes are run by a qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
Cost: $60