Antenatal & postnatal classes and education
There is a range of options for you and your partner for antenatal classes and education across our region.
The Wānanga Hapūtanga programme covers mainstream and traditional Māori practices relating to pregnancy and birth. The programme operates across the district.
Attendance is limited to 10 whānau per Wānanga Hapūtanga. Hapū māmā are encouraged to bring along their support whānau, ie, tamariki, partners and wider whānau members are welcome. There is no cost to attend and transport can be provided. Kai (food) is also provided throughout the 2 day wānanga.
Any questions please email: [email protected]
Or phone Kerri Green 022 100 8805.
2021 dates
Motueka
- 19 - 20 August - Motueka Family Service Centre
- 11 - 12 November - Motueka Family Service Centre
Nelson
- 23 - 24 September - Victory Community Centre (full)
- 01 - 02 December - Victory Community Centre
- 16 - 17 December - Victory Community Centre
Wairau
- 21 - 22 October - Parerarua Wairau
How to register
Registrations will be taken and prioritised according to estimated date of delivery and any other considerations. Please ask your midwife or health professional to refer you, or download the registration form
Registration Form
About the programme
The programme operates from a kaupapa Māori or Māori philosophy base with tikanga or Māori protocols observed, including karakia , mihimihi (speeches of welcome) and whanaungatanga (introductions) and mihi mutunga (farewell speeches). The programme is designed to bring whānau back to Māori traditions.
An understanding of Māori language is not required for the programme as it is conducted mainly in English.
Wānanga Hapūtanga is an interactive forum and covers:
• care during pregnancy
• labour/childbirth and post natal care
• access to maternity services
• traditional Māori birth practices, pūrākau and karakia
• safe sleeping practices
• smokefree whānau
• breastfeeding
• bonding and gentle handling of baby.
On completion of the programme, whānau are given their choice of safe sleep device, either a wahakura or pēpi pod, and a koha gift pack that comes with mattress, sheets, merino blanket, baby clothes and accessories.
The programme is a partnership between Nelson Marlborough Health’s Te Waka Hauora Māori Health team and Maternity Services; local Māori providers and community.
If you have more questions
For more information or enquiries about Wānanga Hapūtanga, please email: [email protected]
Nelson Marlborough Health midwives and educators provide up-to-date information and advice on pregnancy and parenting in an informative, interactive and relaxed way. These antenatal classes, along with your healthcare team, assist you to have a fit, healthy pregnancy.
The Pregnancy to Parenting Education Series is a six week class series where you'll gain skills to take you through pregnancy, labour and birth, the early days of parenting and beyond. During the classes there will be information on forming a birth plan, coping skills and the process of labour and birth; what to expect after the birth; feeding your baby and planning your new roles as parents. You will also have an opportunity to meet other expectant parents and a variety of community providers that will help you experience a healthy pregnancy, birth, and ease the transition into parenthood.
Also included in this series, is the Rest and Relaxation class which offers an online opportunity to access antenatal yoga classes, guided relaxations, and sleep advice. It is recommended that you make this a part of your weekly preparations for birth. You’ll find many benefits from taking the time to nurture yourself as you prepare for your birth.
Class format
Our mixed model of classes encourage and enable participants from across our region to benefit from antenatal education. You can do the weekly online modules at your own pace, while also having an opportunity to meet up virtually with your antenatal educator weekly, meet other expectant parents, and finish the series with a fun and informative in-person expo night, meeting and interacting with classmates and providers of health and wellness services in your community that relate to your current life stage.
If you are from the Nelson region, Tasman or Golden Bay, you may wish to attend the Nelson expo and have a tour of Motueka or Golden Bay. If so, please indicate which maternity units you’d like to tour by selecting each unit on the registration page.
Class dates for 2021
- Thursday 4 February - Thursday 11 March
- Thursday 1 April 1 - Thursday 6 May
- Thursday 27 May - Thursday 1 July
- Thursday 29 July - Thursday 2 September
- Thursday 23 September - Thursday 28 October
- Thursday 11 November - Thursday 16 December
How to register
You must complete the registration form (link below) to get access to the Pregnancy to Parenting Education Series class materials.
Registration for classes will be accepted at any point in your pregnancy. Our innovative model ensures you can get into the class series that suits you and your whānau best. Typically though, attending antenatal classes from week 28 weeks onwards offers the best experience of learning for you and your birth partner.
We also offer series for our Young Mums (23 years old and younger) and an ESOL Series (please complete the registration form and select the options for these two classes).
Registration Form
Click here to complete the Pregnancy to Parenting Education Series - Registration Form and select the class series you would like to participate in.
Once we receive your registration, you will be sent an email with the link to access the Pregnancy to Parenting Education Series class materials. Simply use this link each time you’d like to view the materials or to join in the weekly virtual group class.
If you have questions or difficulty registering please check with your midwife or contact our Antenatal Educator, Kelly Mahuika 0220134261 or email [email protected]
Motueka Maternity’s Mama Morning - every Friday from 10.30am - 11.00am
Mama Morning is for Mamas in the last trimester of pregnancy and Mamas with babies up to 6 weeks old.
Please join us to chat about the joys and challenges that new Mamas have. A great space to learn about babies, breastfeeding and being a Mama. Your questions are welcome. Or just come along to hear from our midwife and other Mamas in the region.
Address
Motueka Maternity Unit
15 Courtney Street
Motueka
ReConnect parenting and pregnancy sessions for new parents are an opportunity for socialisation and education, with parenting and child development tips, feeding support, interactive music and movement. Sessions are free.
When: Wednesdays 12.30 to 1.30pm
- 24 June
- 22 July
- 19 August
- 16 September
- 14 October
- 11 November
- 9 December
Refreshments are included.
Where: Richmond Town Hall Cambridge St, Richmond
Contact: Jenny Dravitzki 022 658 5017 [email protected]
Nelsons Parents Centre provide childbirth education (antenatal) classes in Nelson and Motueka.
For more information and to book please visit the Nelson Parents Centre website.
Page last updated: 16/08/2021