Do my classes cover similar content as a hospital course?
There is a wide range of hospital classes. Our sessions cover similar content & more. Our sessions are evidence based and designed to inform and educate you about your pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Carmel has designed these classes based on her 30 years of work as a Parenting Educator tailoring them to meet the needs of new parents-to-be, as highlighted by the testimonials kindly provided.
Are the classes claimable on private health insurance?
We recommend that you check with your provider for any specific rebates available. However generally rebates are available for many private health funds, depending on your level of cover.
What’s the difference between the different classes?
See the different Our Classes pages but generally there are Having a Baby classes offered both online and in-person and a hybrid class where it is a combination of both. Note that not all classes are always available so you will need to check the classes currently being offered as well as the timing of the classes to meet your need. Refer to the Book a Class page.
How much experience does the educator have?
The classes have been designed and will be conducted by Carmel Heazlewood, a dedicated Parenting Educator with a Passion for Childbirth Education who has taught thousands of couples at a prestigious public hospital for over 30 years.
What topics are covered in your Having a Baby Classes?
A very brief overview of topics in the Having a Baby Classes include: Third trimester for baby & parents; labour & birth & natural strategies to help; medical analgesia; common interventions & assistance including Caesarean section; becoming a new family & communication skills; looking after a newborn, including breastfeeding, sleep & settling, nappy changing & bathing; the first 2000 days & baby development; professional support available. Having a Baby Classes
Who are your classes designed for?
Any pregnant mothers-to-be. However we also have a Grandparents Class as a refresher and to understand new trends & techniques, so grandparents are up to date with what the parents-to-be have been taught.
What is the format of your classes?
The HAB sessions are presented in a variety of ways to suits individual needs including a lecture-style presentation in zoom called Birth & Baby Intensive.
We also have an in-person set of sessions with the opportunity to practice many new skills & interact with others in a similar situation. There is also a combination of in person & online with weekday HAB. Finally a Grandparents Session. For the specific details see Our Classes page
Do I need to take the classes with a partner?
There is an advantage to have your partner, or your support person attend the sessions with you to practise & learn together but you can attend on your own.
When should I book?
Remember its best to keep an eye on the upcoming classes to ensure a place in the class as each class is small and numbers are limited. See Booking page. Booking depends on what class suits you.
Ideally for HAB classes register before you are 28- 30 weeks. If you may want to wait to closer to the birth, then the Intensive Birth and Intensive Baby sessions might suit. For multiple births we recommend you plan to start the class before 26 weeks.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please refer to our Cancellation policy page.
What if I miss a class? Can I make it up?
If you are unable to attend a session efforts will be made to include you in another session. If this is not possible an outline of the session content will be made available to you.
What are the qualifications of your instructors?
Carmel Heazlewood is a Dedicated Parenting Educator with a Passion for Childbirth Education. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy with a long career working in health education. She is a member of the Childbirth and Parenting Association. She has been a trusted childbirth facilitator at The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, for over 30 years. See About Us page for more details.