Childbirth and Parenting Education

The Royal Hospital for Women (RHW) Health Education Centre offers a range of programs to support families.

If you would like to contact us with any questions / feedback, please email: SESLHD-HealthEducation@health.nsw.gov.au

Baby & Child CPR and First Aid Class

CPR Kids, in conjunction with The Royal, brings you the perfect 3-hour course to empower you on CPR and the most common first aid situations affecting babies and children. In addition, you will learn how to respond to the most common first aid situations affecting young children, such as: choking, burns, head injury and more. With ample hands-on practice with baby & child manikins, this class will leave you feeling confident to manage an emergency situation with your child.

For more information visit the CPR Kids website or contact CPR Kids on 1300 543 727 or via hello@cprkids.com.au

For class availability and to book and pay online: https://www.trybooking.com/BOSHF

Cost: $126.50 GST inclusive per participant.

Who can attend this class?

Pregnant women and couples
Parents
Grandparents
Friends
Families
Anyone who cares for babies and children Topics covered include
CPR for babies and children
Drowning response for babies and children
Choking
Burns
Head injuries
Poisons
Fever and Febrile convulsions

Additional post-class online learning:

Limb injuries
Bites & stings
Allergic reactions

All participants receive:

CPR Kids e-guide which covers all the topics learned in class plus many more first aid situations
Poster covering first aid scenarios and CPR flowchart
Fridge postcard overview of DRSABCD, other first aid and important phone numbers
Access to the YouTube channel, CPR Kids TV, so participants can refresh their knowledge anytime
A Certificate of Attendance is sent to all participants after their class.

* Please note there is a cost involved for this service which may be covered by some health funds.

Birth Unit Tours

A midwife will meet you at the entrance of the hospital (by Life Grain) and take you on a tour of the facilities and process here at The RHW for when you are birthing your baby
It is a strict 30-minute session that will commence promptly, so please aim to arrive on-time
The tour will show you the different rooms in our Birth Centre and Birth Unit and enable you and your partner/support person to become orientated with our services.
The tour will also talk through the operating theatre, postnatal ward, antenatal ward and the neonatal special care unit.
Tours will always go ahead. If the birthing rooms are not available, instead, time will be spent discussing the birthing environment and our facilities available.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1183323?

Birth and Transition to Parenthood

The Birth and Transition to Parenthood program aims to equip those birthing (or supporting the birthing person) to birth at The Royal Hospital for Women (RHW).

An experienced RHW midwife facilitates this program. It has been structured around evidence-based content to provide participants with the skills and confidence to embrace their journey to birth and the transition to parenthood.

Ideally this program should be commenced between 26 – 30 weeks' gestation (but you can choose when works best for you). It is open to those expecting their first baby, subsequent baby, more than one baby. Your partner / support person is encouraged to attend each session with you.

The content of this program will include:

Preparations for labour and birth
Understanding the mechanisms of labour and birth
When to call
Setting up the birth space
Working with pain in labour (including freedom of movement and breathing practices)
Places and positions for labour and birth (including waterbirth)
Monitoring in labour and birth
Induction of labour and alternative routes (including caesarean birth)
The role of the support person
The immediate postpartum period
Baby cares including bathing and settling
Postnatal support and wellbeing

The program is run:

Over 4x consecutive weekday evenings from 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Over 2x consecutive Saturdays from 09:00am-3:00pm

Cost is $299 (cost covers the birthing person and partner / support person)

To book and pay online: https://www.trybooking.com/CVYGM

Location

Seminar rooms

Royal Hospital for Women,

Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031

Breastfeeding Information Session

Our Breastfeeding Information Session is held on a Thursday morning 10.30 am-12 md or on the first Tuesday of each month 7-8.30 pm. This session covers preparation for breastfeeding, and how the mother and baby will respond to breastfeeding in the immediate postnatal period. It is recommended that this class be attended at around 28 weeks of pregnancy and partners are welcome to attend.

Cost and how to book

Cost: Free for women attending RHW For non-RHW women: $35.00

Book online: https://www.trybooking.com/181643

Calmbirth® Program

Calmbirth® is Australia’s leading, evidence based and holistic antenatal program that has educated over 45,000 couples since its inception in 2004 with over 100 Educators across Australia and New Zealand.

Calmbirth® prepares you emotionally, mentally, and physically for birth. It takes a very holistic and evidence-based approach to our Education with the fundamental underpinning of the Program being the Mind-Body-Birth Connection. Through immersive techniques and guided relaxations, it helps couples release fear and embrace a positive and empowering mindset.

We recommend that you attend the program at approximately 24-30 weeks of pregnancy.

Cost and how to book

Cost: $595.00 per couple.

Book and pay online to secure your place: https://www.trybooking.com/195086

If you are interested in a one-day Calmbirth® refresher course, please email: SESLHD-HealthEducation@health.nsw.gov.au

EMBODY Pregnancy - our virtual Physiotherapy Program

EMBODY pregnancy is a group physiotherapy program, designed by the expert team of women's health physios at RHW. All women having a baby at The Royal are invited to register and attend. The sessions are held at 12 md and are virtual lasting 30 minutes. We understand not all women have the flexibility to attend while at work, so we encourage you to treat these sessions like appointments. We can provide appointment certification for your employer if needed. Once you register, you will be sent the log in details for the Microsoft Teams Webinar event - simply follow the link and enter the invitation code to join. EMBODY and physiotherapy are covered by Medicare. If you are Medicare ineligible, you can attend EMBODY free of charge.

Similar to seeing a physiotherapist 1:1, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and tune in from an environment where you can move around. Your physiotherapist will guide you through movement, pelvic floor exercises and key health information to boost your pregnancy health. EMBODY has been designed for all women regardless of health or fitness level. Attending EMBODY weekly will help you gradually build strength and fitness as your pregnancy progresses.

How do I register for program 2 and 3? Your EMBODY physiotherapist will give you these details in program 1. We don't recommend registering in advance as the programs continually roll over. You can always check back on the website at the end of each program to register for the next or contact us at SESLHD-PhysioRHW@health.nsw.gov.au.

Program 1 - early pregnancy (up to 20 weeks)

This program runs every Monday at 12pm midday, except for public holidays. We recommend completing 4-12 sessions in program 1 up to 20 weeks of pregnancy especially if you are having your first baby. You will receive a tailored pelvic floor program to start your pregnancy and find simple strategies to manage fatigue and improve your health in pregnancy. Register here!

Program 2 - mid pregnancy (between 20-30 weeks)

Program 2 runs every Tuesday at 12pm midday except for public holidays. Program 2 keeps you active in pregnancy to make your last trimester more comfortable. You'll receive leading physiotherapy guidance to prevent and get on top of tricky pregnancy symptoms like pelvic girdle pain and incontinence. If you missed Program 1, don't worry! We keep the focus on pelvic floor muscle training across the 3 programs so you will have the chance to revive your pelvic floor program or be instructed for the first time. We recommend attending 4-8 sessions in program 2, through the middle of your pregnancy. If you are between 20-30 weeks pregnant, you can Register here! for program 2.

Program 3 - late pregnancy (from 30 weeks)

Program 3 runs every Thursday at 12pm midday except for public holidays. Our final pregnancy program is all about birth preparation and setting up your recovery after birth. Build consistency in your pelvic floor muscle preparation, skills for labour and strategies to improve sleep, stress, aches and pains. We recommend attending 6-8 sessions in program 3, up until you have your baby. If you are more than 30 weeks pregnant, register here! for program 3.

EMBODY After Birth - our Virtual Physiotherapy Program

EMBODY after birth is a group physiotherapy program, designed by the expert team of women's health physios at RHW. All women having a baby at The Royal are invited to register for this 3-part series at key milestones in the recovery after childbirth. We recommend you attend between 1-4 sessions of each program to maximise the benefits of this evidence-based physiotherapy program. All babies are welcome and make for great training companions! Your physiotherapist will give you options for participating with sleeping, feeding and unsettled babies at the beginning of each session. Once you register, you will be sent the log in details for the Microsoft Teams Webinar event. Simply follow the link and enter the invitation code to join. EMBODY and physiotherapy is covered by Medicare for women who had their baby at The Royal. If you are Medicare ineligible, you can attend EMBODY free of charge. If you need to see a physiotherapist face-to-face, there is a charge if you don't have Medicare.

Similar to seeing a physiotherapist 1:1, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and tune in from an environment where you can move around. EMBODY has been designed for all women regardless of health or fitness level. Attending EMBODY weekly will help you gradually build strength and fitness.

Your EMBODY physiotherapist will give you these details in program 1. We don't recommend registering in advance as the programs continually roll over. You can always check back on the website at the end of each program to register for the next or contact us at SESLHD-PhysioRHW@health.nsw.gov.au.

Program 1 - early recovery (0-6 weeks after birth)

This program of 4 sessions covers top tips for making a full and quick recovery. It runs every Monday at 1130 am, except for public holidays. We recommend completing 4 sessions in program 1 within the first 6 weeks after birth, especially if you had your first baby. You will leave with a tailored PFMT program to start your recovery and find simple strategies to manage pain and pelvic floor symptoms. Each session involves both movement and pelvic floor exercise and has a topic focus:

Session 1- individual pelvic floor muscle training program
Session 2 -getting active
Session 3 - common symptoms after childbirth
Session 4 - healing wounds To attend program 1, Register here!

Program 2 - the 6-week check (6-12 weeks after birth)

Program 2 builds on your movement and pelvic floor exercise across 4 sessions. It runs every Tuesday at 1130 am except for public holidays. You'll receive leading physiotherapy guidance about returning to exercise, returning to sex and pelvic floor symptoms. We recommend attending 2-4 sessions in program 2, at the time of your GP 6-week check. Your pelvic floor exercises will be progressed and you will be confident to exercise, returning to your pre-pregnancy exercise routine

Session 1 - retraining bladder habits
Session 2 - returning to sex
Session 3 - pain in the butt
Session 4 - running & jumping & my pelvic floor To attend program 2, Register here!

Program 3 - chasing active (12+ weeks after birth)

Program 3 will help your pelvic floor handle the many different challenges that motherhood will throw at you. It runs every Thursday at 1130 am except for public holidays. We recommend attending 3-4 sessions in program 3 anytime after your baby is 3 months old. If you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, 6-8 sessions are ideal. If you are still experiencing symptoms this final program is for you! You will have access to pelvic floor screening and 1:1 physiotherapy if you need it as you attend these final sessions

Session 1 - incontinence
Session 2 - vaginal symptoms
Session 3 - returning to running
Session 4 - planning next pregnancy To attend program 3, Register here!

Gestational Diabetes GYM

Diagnosed with or at risk of gestational diabetes?

Physiotherapy and exercise can help you! Follow the link:

Gestational Diabetes GYM

Transition to Parenthood

The Transition to Parenthood program aims to equip parents in their transition to parenthood.