Learning about pregnancy, birth and baby

Learning about your pregnancy, birth and baby can help build your confidence and prepare you for the weeks ahead. Redcliffe Hospital has resources and experienced staff available to help you throughout your pregnancy.

Childbirth and Parenting Education

We offer classes with experienced staff, who will answer any of your questions about your pregnancy, birth and parenting. If you have any questions outside of these classes, please ask your health care provider.

To book these classes please ring (07) 3883 7802 between 1.00pm–4.00pm Monday–Friday.

Birth and parenting classes

Evening classes

When: Monday or Thursday evenings from 6.30pm–8.30pm. You can choose which evening to attend.
Located: Education Centre, Redcliffe Hospital

Saturday classes

When: Saturday 9.00am-2.30pm (please note that these classes are on two consecutive Saturdays each month)
Located: Education Centre, Redcliffe Hospital or North Lakes Health Precinct

Young Parent Group (YPG)

When: Every second Tuesday from 1.00pm-3.00pm
Located: Community Health, Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe

Emotional preparation for parenthood classes

Emotional health is just as important as physical health. A combined team of health professionals and peers outline some of the emotional challenges of pregnancy, birth and adjustment for parenthood. Information is provided about practical resources to support your own and your partner’s emotional wellbeing during this time.

Breastfeeding classes

Breastfeeding classes are recommended for all women who are having their first baby or have experienced problems breastfeeding. Classes are run by a midwife and are designed to provide consistent advice and support for you to make an informed decision about breastfeeding. The class teaches you practical skills and tips to successfully breastfeed your baby. Partners and a support person (friend, mum, sister, aunt) are encouraged to attend.

When:  Monday or Thursday 6.30pm–8.30pm
Located: Education Centre, Redcliffe Hospital

Physiotherapy classes

Come along to the physiotherapy class to help with problems such as leaking when you cough or sneeze, difficulty sleeping, general aches and pains in your pregnancy or if you are interested in safe exercise.

When:  Monday 6.30pm–8.30pm
Located: Education Centre, Redcliffe Hospital

Maternity Unit tour

A tour of the Maternity Unit is included in the Evening and Saturday Classes. For women and partners/support persons who would rather just visit the unit, a tour can be arranged separately. To organise a tour, please ring the Birth Suite on (07) 3883 7714.

Emotional support

Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are times of great change. Most women experience various emotional reactions. It helps if you can talk about your concerns openly with your partner or close friend. We are able to provide support and treatment through our expert clinicians.

There are also many organisations that offer support. If you are experiencing signs of depression, there are a number of places you can go for help. A list of these services are below:

Perinatal mental health

• Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) 1300 726 306
• beyondblue’s Just Speak Up 1300 22 4636
• White Cloud Foundation 1300 726 306

Mental health support

• Black Dog Institute
• Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours a day)
• Sane Australia 1800 18 7263
• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 (24 hours a day)

Pregnancy support

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
• 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84
• Women’s Health Queensland Wide
• Pregnancy Helpline 1800 090 777 (if you have an unplanned pregnancy and want to discuss your options with a qualified counsellor)
• Perinatal Mental Health

Alcohol

The safest choice for your baby is to not drink any alcohol. This is advice from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

Smoking

It is recommended to stop smoking during pregnancy. We offer support for you to stop or reduce the amount you smoke. Ask your doctor or midwife during your antenatal appointment. You can also call Quitline on 13 78 48.

Smoking while pregnant increases your risk of:

• ectopic pregnancy
• miscarriage
• premature labour
• complications during birth.

Smoking while pregnant can increase your baby’s risk of problems after birth:

• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• low birth weight
• infections and other health problems
• asthma and other breathing difficulties
• behavioural problems.