Antenatal Class Information
Thank you for your interest in our Antenatal Classes.
A bit about myself
I am a mom of two beautiful girls, a Paediatric Registered Nurse with overseas experience, a diploma in Midwifery, a particular interest in education, postnatal care (from birth to 1 year), and breastfeeding support. I work part-time at Hermanus Oncology in the Chemo room.
I was fortunate to attend NCT antenatal classes in the UK during my first pregnancy and found the information invaluable as a new mom. When you start this exciting journey of pregnancy and motherhood it can be useful to gain the basic information about your pregnancy, type of births and interventions, what to expect from a newborn, and how to initiate breastfeeding. This empowers you to make informed decisions that will benefit you and your baby and guide you to care for your newborn with confidence.
Class information
Group classes are currently available on Thursdays from 5.30 pm, with a maximum of 6 couples per class. Keeping the groups small for interaction and questions in a relaxed, nonjudgmental environment. The venue is the boardroom of Nurture Hermanus and runs on average about 2 to 2.5 hours (with a refreshment break), depending on the group discussions.
The main topics are covered with enough information to manage this exciting journey. A file with printed class notes will be provided, and supplemental information and links will be shared via email for your reference. Email and WhatsApp correspondence are available during your pregnancy as part of the course benefits.
I love supporting expecting parents by sharing evidence-based information and my knowledge collated over the years and thus preparing them for vaginal or caesarean births. I collaborate with a local Doula here in Hermanus and she also joins the classes on Thursdays as an extra source of information.
Cost
The cost is R2,500 per couple. A 50% deposit is payable before the course commences to confirm your booking, with the outstanding amount payable at the end of the course. Payment options are available upon request. On completion of your course, and once full payment is received you will be supplied with a detailed invoice/receipt to submit to your medical aid. However, they do not cover 100%.
Please complete the registration form and indicate your special requests or specific learning needs. I look forward to sharing this wonderful journey with you.
Agenda
CLASS 1: 3RD TRIMESTER & PREPARATION
Introductions
Troubleshooting: third trimester
Bloods, vaccines
Healthy habits and nutrition
Healthy birth practices
Birth plan
Expectations
Hospital bags and preparations
CLASS 2: VAGINAL BIRTH
Birth expectations
Stages and signs of labour
Birth positions and birth hormones
Coping with labour and pain relief
Tips for daddy
Contractions
CLASS 3: C-BIRTH AND VARIOUS INTERVENTIONS
Hormones and expectations
Inductions
Assisted deliveries
Pain management: epidurals & spinals
C-Births and recovery
CLASS 4: NEWBORN
In-hospital expectations
Golden hour and skin-to-skin
Infant microbiome
Basic newborn care (not practical)
Infant discharge
Expectations in first few weeks
CLASS 5: BREASTFEEDING
How it works
How it is done
How much?
How often?
How long?
Troubleshooting
Where to find help?
Safe alternate feeding