Course Details

Choices in Childbirth classes support you in your birth journey

Choices in Childbirth classes support you to birth in the most natural way possible.

What you need to know:

  • Choices in Childbirth classes run over two days

  • Classes run from 9.30am - 4pm in New Plymouth, Stratford and Hawera

  • $60 for Mama and support person to attend

  • Intakes throughout the year

Designed to supplement antenatal classes, we explore birth through….

  • Techniques of managing the surges of labour, working with the body — e.g. spinning babies 

  • Exploring what informed consent looks like and how to advocate for ourselves

  • Techniques to calm the mind — e.g. hypnobirthing, affirmations, dealing with fears

  • Resources for after baby is born — e.g. advice for breastfeeding success, baby wearing, first thousand days, gathering your community to care for you

  • Positive birth stories from previous class participants

  • The classes are an opportunity to make new friendships at the start of this parenting journey

Call on the experts

We invite speakers that are local to Taranaki and represent a business or community group or are a birth professional supporting pregnant and new families.

Including but not limited to:

  • Doula

  • Midwife

  • Pelvic Floor Physio

  • Acupuncturist

  • Maternal Mental Health Nurse

  • Early Childhood Teacher

  • La Leche League Representative,

  • Hypnobirthing Teacher

Course Overview

  • Day One

    Day one is an introduction to birth. We look at the hormones required for birth to progress smoothly, and how our environment and head space influences those hormones. We touch base on fears and learn how to tap into powerful tools like hypnobirthing and affirmations. We focus on the important decisions and conversations around pregnancy, birth and parenting. We discuss informed consent and birth plans and get really clear on what you need to know for your birthing journey.

  • Day Two

    On day two we look at the all important adjustment to parenthood,  breastfeeding and engaging support from our community before and after birth. We look at how a baby adjusts to life outside the womb and what we can expect from the baby in those first hours and weeks after birth. We look at babywearing and other tips and tricks to help navigate the parenting journey with confidence.

  • Please note:

    » Speakers sometimes change and we have to adjust the days to suit so please try to attend both days.

    » Please wear comfortable loose fitting clothes to each class and prepare to get active!

    » Please come without children and as distraction-free as possible. As parents, we appreciate the trickiness of being child free at these evenings, but we have found that having care for children at home allows conversations and discussions to go more smoothly and for the group to gain a deeper understanding of the topics.

Book my class

New Plymouth Classes are held at Flourish Taranaki »

1 Rogan Street
New Plymouth

Upstairs at the New Plymouth Raceway above the TRFU gym.

 

Stratford
Classes are held at
Tūhono ki Tākaro

194 Broadway
Stratford, 4332

 

Hawera
Classes are held at
Te W’anake The Foundry

130 High Street
Hāwera 4610

 

FAQs

  • Good question. Short answer: no!
    We intend these classes to be taken in addition to an antenatal class.

    Long Answer: Antenatal classes do an excellent job of covering the " nuts and bolts" of pregnancy and birth. Choices in Childbirth classes build on this and explore the physiological and mental well-being of birth. We counter the common narrative that birth is painful, scary and dis-empowering.

    We provide a connection with local birth professionals through our classes. ( including but not limited to a Doula, Midwife, Ppelvic floor physio, Maternal Mental health nurse, Early Childhood teacher, La Leche league representative, and a hypnobirthing teacher ).

    We provide a central point for local positive birth stories and research on all the different birthing options available in Taranaki.

    And…We facilitate connection between new parents during our classes in the hope that this will grow into long lasting supportive friendships during the early years of parenting.

  • Absolutely!! Most of the techniques that we explore during the classes are invaluable skills for your partner to learn before birth (acupressure, spinning babies, hypnobirthing techniques). The classes also allow you and your partner to connect with each other, discuss your wishes, worries and preferences during birth and set aside some time to think about life after baby is born. However if your partner or birth support person can't attend with you that's ok too!

  • As early as possible. Think about this class as a taster for many many different birthing ideas and options. Some you’ll leave and others you will love and want to research and prepare for. Sometimes these techniques need months and months of thought and preparation. But don’t worry . I, if you are at the end of your pregnancy - it is never too late to join a class ( we have had lots of babies arrive between classes!)

  • Yes! Every birth is different. You might have had an awesome birth with your first baby and want to come back to carve out focus time for your next birth and perhaps pick up some new skills now you know what to expect. Or you may have had a difficult previous birth and be looking for inspiration, reassurance or informed consent techniques to set you up for your next births.