Antenatal classes and education
There is a range of options for you and your partner for antenatal classes and education across our region.
The hapū wānanga programme covers mainstream and traditional Māori practices relating to pregnancy and birth. The programme operates across the district.
Attendance is limited to 10 whanau per hapū wānanga.
The hapū wānanga is open to all, not just first time parents or those of Māori descent. Hapū māmā are encouraged to bring along their support whānau i.e. tamariki, partners and wider whanau members are welcome. There is no cost to attend and transport can be provided. Kai (food) is also provided throughout the 2 day wānanga.
2019 dates by location:
Nelson
3-4 October
Motueka
5-6 September
5-6 December
Wairau
1-2 August
7- 8 November
2020 dates and locations to be confirmed
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 Maori protocols observed, including karakia , mihimihi (speeches of welcome) and whanaungatanga (introductions) and mihi mutunga (farewell speeches). The programme is designed to bring whanau back to Maori traditions.
An understanding of Māori language is not required for the programme as it is conducted mainly in English.
Hapū wānanga 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 whanau
• breastfeeding
• bonding and gentle handling of baby.
On completion of the programme whanau 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 Maori Health team and Maternity Services; local Maori providers and community.
If you have more questions
For more information or enquiries about hapū wānanga email [email protected]
Nelson Marlborough Health Pregnancy and Parenting classes
Nelson Marlborough Health midwives and educators provide up-to-date information and advice on pregnancy and parenting in an informative, interactive and relaxed way.
The antenatal classes, along with your healthcare team, assist you to have a fit, healthy pregnancy.
Over the five week course you'll gain knowledge and skills to take you through pregnancy, labour and birth, the early days of parenting and beyond.
Class sizes are limited, so register early. Interpreters welcome for non-english speakers.
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. There will also be a hospital tour and guest speakers.
| Location | Time | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Centre Braemar Campus Waimea Road (Opposite the entrance to the Emergency Department at Nelson Hospital) |
6.30-8.30pm Tuesday and Wednesday nights |
10 March - 17 April 12 May - 9 June 28 July - 25 August 29 September - 27 October 10 November - 8 December |
| Victory Community Centre 2 Totara Street Nelson. (Selected interpreters are available) |
1-3pm Wednesdays |
14 October - 11 November Other dates to be confirmed
|
Book into a class:
Phone the Maternity reception on (03) 546 1437.
TENS pain relief classes
TENS is the abbreviation for Transcutaneous (through the skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a non-invasive method used to relieve pain during labour. Nelson Hospital hires out TENS machines and you are asked to attend a short tutorial and read these instructions on how to use the machine.
Location: Nelson Hospital
Nelson Marlborough Health antenatal classes
Nelson Marlborough Health midwives and educators provide up-to-date information and advice on pregnancy and parenting in an informative, interactive and relaxed way.
The antenatal classes, along with your healthcare team, assist you to have a fit, healthy pregnancy.
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. There will also be a hospital tour and guest speakers.
| Marlborough | Time | Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Marlborough Health Hub, 22 Queen Street, Blenheim Please book through your midwife or phone (03) 520 9979. Women may attend classes on Monday or Tuesday, for six weeks. |
7pm – 9pm |
Mon: 12 November - 17 December 2019 dates to be advised |
Nelson Parents Centre antenatal course (classes with an associated cost)
For more information contact the CBE Antenatal Co-ordinator or visit their website.
Marlborough Parents Centre Free and classes with an associated cost.
For more information visit the Marlborough Parents Centre website.
Nelson Marlborough Health midwives and educators provide up-to-date information and advice on pregnancy and parenting in an informative, interactive and relaxed way.
The antenatal classes, along with your healthcare team, assist you to have a fit, healthy pregnancy.
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. There will also be a hospital tour and guest speakers.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Murchison Hospital and Health Centre, 58 Hotham Street, Murchison | 2019 dates to be advised |
Book into a class
To book contact the maternity receptionist on (03) 546 1437
- Mokopuna Ora - online antenatal resource Mokopunaora.nz
- Empowered Parenthood online classes.
Page last updated: 17/02/2020