Antenatal & postnatal classes and education

The Pregnancy to Parenting Education Series is a six-week course 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 course, 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.

Course format

Our classes encourage and enable participants from across our region to benefit from antenatal education. Meet up with your antenatal educator weekly, meet other expectant parents, and finish the course with a fun and informative in-person expo night (Nelson only), meeting and interacting with classmates and providers of health and wellness services in your community that relate to your current life stage.

Over this six-week course of classes, you'll gain knowledge and 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.

Course dates for 2023

• Wednesdays 29 March – 3 May
• Wednesdays 24 May – 28 June
• Wednesdays 26 July – 30 August
• Wednesdays 20 Sept – 25 October
• Wednesdays 8 November – 13 December 

How to register for a course

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 a 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 course 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, Erin Field, by emailing [email protected]

2022 dates

• Email: [email protected] or phone TeAnna Hema on 022 010 0452 for dates.

How to register

Registrations will be taken and prioritised according to the 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

Wananga-Haputanga-Registration-Form.doc [62 KB doc]
[Click to download]

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 a 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 the community.

If you have more questions

For more information or enquiries about Wānanga Hapūtanga, please email: [email protected]

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

For more information and to book please visit:

Nelson Parents Centre website