Birth Preparation Courses
First-Time Parent birth preparation courses are generally attended by women and their partners in the last 2 or 3 months of pregnancy and are based in the relaxed setting of my home in Brighton East, Victoria. Cost: $225 (cost covers a woman and her partner/companion). These run over four sessions. See "Course Content" and "Course Dates".
Course attendees also have the option of attending additional "Active Birth Skills", "HypnoChildbirth Skills" and "Breastfeeding Basics" Workshops at a discount. See below.
Note: 1) Discounts for the First-Time Parent courses are also available for concessions on a case-by-case basis. 2) Payment needs to be made in full at time of booking. Full refunds are made for cancellations 21 days or more before the course starts. Otherwise refunds are only made (minus a $50 deposit) in special circumstances (e.g. if a baby arrives prematurely).
Active Birth Skills Workshops
For couples or women-only, these sessions give the opportunity to explore and practise active birth techniques - proven to help achieve a much easier birth. This workshop also acts as a preparation session for those wishing to learn hypnotherapy. Those interested graduate on to the full HypnoChildbirth Skills workshop (see below). The Active Birth Skills workshop is suitable for women expecting their first or subsequent baby. Cost: $65, or $80 with partners. Venue: My home in Brighton East, Victoria.
This workshop may also be attended by women attending the First-Time Parent course who wish to study and practise active birth skills in more depth. Discounted cost for these women: $55, or $60 with partners.
Dates for 2011/12: Sept 12, Nov 28, Feb 6*, May 7, July 2 7:00-9:30pm *(Workshop in Feb '12 will be run as a session during the main First-Time Parent course on Monday 6 February, 7:00-9:30pm). Second-time parents welcome!!
HypnoChildbirth Skills Workshop
I am very excited about this workshop as it gives women fabulous additional skills for birth and life in general! Those attending this workshop should have previously attended the First-Time Parent Course and/or the Active Birth Skills Workshop (see above). This is to ensure they have essential grounding in relevant aspects including relaxation and breathing. It is suitable for those expecting their first or subsequent baby. Cost: $65, or $80 with partners ($55 for women, or $60 with partner, if attending the First-Time Parent Course) Venue: My home in Brighton East, Victoria
Dates for 2011/12: Sept 17, Dec 3, Feb 18, May 12, July 7 1:30-4:00pm
Breastfeeding Basics Workshop
A two-hour antenatal session for women wishing to understand more of what to expect with breastfeeding and where to turn for advice and guidance. Suitable for women expecting their first or subsequent baby. Partners welcome. Cost: $65 ($80 with partner). Discounted cost for women attending First-Time Parent Course: $55 ($60 with partner). Venue: My home in Brighton East, Victoria.
Dates for 2011/12: Oct 17, Dec 5, March 5, May 14, July 9 7:30-9:30pm
Note: For further breastfeeding advice, or if the above dates don't suit, it is recommended that you join the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and/or attend one of their "Breastfeeding Education Classes". See http://breastfeeding.asn.au/ and http://www.abavic.asn.au/BECs.htm.
Private Classes or Consultations
These are offered to parents who are unable, or prefer not, to attend group classes. Private consultations are also helpful for post-birth debriefing and counselling. Cost: $70/hour. Please email me to discuss your requirements - birthwaves@live.com.au.