Watch our parent education videos and find helpful resources on the WNHS Consumer Library (external site)

The KEMH Parent Education department offers a range of classes to help prepare and assist women receiving care at KEMH for the birth of their baby, breastfeeding, and the transition to parenthood. The department is staffed by midwives with a special interest in parent education.

In Australia, overseas visitors, overseas students and patients who are not eligible for Medicare under their current VISA arrangements are required to pay for the cost of their health care. Please contact the Overseas Liaison Officer on (08) 6458 1066 or email KEMHPPLO@health.wa.gov.au to obtain information regarding fees for your appointment.

 

Childbirth and parenting courses

Childbirth and parenting courses are offered both inhouse and online. Bookings are essential, please book in early to avoid disappointment. Please see booking system for specific dates. Your partner or support person is welcome to attend our classes with you. We request that you book from 20 weeks gestation and plan to do classes between 28 and 36 weeks gestation.

It is recommended that you attend one of the following, depending on your needs.

 

4 week labour and active birth online evening series

This set of classes covers:

• Possible interventions including methods of pain relief, induction of labour and assisted birth
• An introduction to breastfeeding
• Parenting and baby care- the first 6 weeks.

 

2 part active birthing online class

This class appropriate for women who are planning a VBAC or as a refresher for women who have birthed before.

 

Positive planned caesarean online class

For women who are having a planned / elective caesarean section.

 

Breastfeeding workshops

The breastfeeding workshops are held online in small group settings and provide a practical session for all pregnant women. These classes are open to public patients across the state.

 

Preparing for breastfeeding class

This breastfeeding class is held fortnightly on a Wednesday, by a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Topics covered include:

• How the breast works - anatomy and during breastfeeding
• Breast changes experienced in pregnancy
• Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby
• Breastmilk
• The skill of hand expressing
• Video with Catherine and Emilie
• When antenatal harvesting of colostrum should be considered
• Antenatal harvesting of colostrum
• When to avoid hand expressing
• Storage
• Establishing breastfeeding
• What to expect in the first few days
• Why does WNHS practice rooming in?
• Resources – BFC / ABA

 

Positioning and attachment class

This breastfeeding class is held online from 11am to 12 pm, Monday to Friday by a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Please scan the QR code to book into one that is convenient to you.

The topics covered include:

• The first few days and what to expect
• What are feeding cues?
• Positioning and attaching your baby
• How to identify effective sucking and swallowing
• How can you tell baby is getting enough?
• How long is normal breastfeeding?
• How to hand express and tips for the use of an electric breast pump
• Caring for your vulnerable baby
• When and how to use nipple shields
• Breastfeeding resources
• Your questions

 

Physiotherapy classes

Physiotherapy classes include:

• Skills for birth and beyond
• Postnatal exercise class
• Postnatal education class
• Pregnancy aquarobics - an aquarobics doctor consent form (PDF) is required
• TENS for pain relief in labour

See physiotherapy for pregnancy / post pregnancy for more information.

 

Family Birth Centre and Midwifery Group Practice

The Family Birth Centre and Midwifery Group Practice midwives hold their own parent information sessions. Please discuss this with your midwife if you are interested in attending.

 

Community Midwifery Program

The Community Midwifery Program offers antenatal classes. Please discuss this with your midwife if you are interested in attending.

 

Parenting resources

Antenatal

KEMH Library: Parent Education Information (external site)

PANDA (external site)
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.

 

Labour and birth

WA Country Health Service (external site)
Foundations of birth video series

Lamaze (external site)
Please enrol on the right hand side of the screen and utilize one free session, if you make the decision to continue the classes a small cost is involved.

Australian birth stories (external site)
A podcast sharing stories of pregnancy and childbirth, hosted by Sophie Walker

 

Postnatal

Australian Breastfeeding Association (external site)

• Mum2mum App app has been designed to provide you with all of the breastfeeding information and support you need at your fingertips.
• Telephone help line 1800 686 268

COPE (external site)
Pregnancy and postnatal emotional resources

PANDA (external site)
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.

Ngala (external site)
Ngala has a range of community, online and residential services across Western Australia which support local families.

Rednose (external site)

Raising Children (external site)

Sunsmart App (external site)

 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding information and resources
The Breastfeeding Centre of WA has made available videos about Breastfeeding your baby. Please refer to these videos for your breastfeeding education. The videos are listed under Resources on the linked page above.

Australian Breastfeeding Association: Breastfeeding information and hotline (external site)

Raising Children Network: information, including videos, about breastfeeding (external site)