Parents often need a wide range of support and guidance when it comes to preparing for the arrival of a new baby, particularly if it is their first.
We hope to see parents experience as much confidence and joy as they can – from your pregnancy, through to your baby’s birth, and beyond, as you transition into parenthood. That’s why we offer comprehensive parent education services, maternity unit tours, a maternity pre-admission clinic and phone support.
Our parenting classes cover many aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and early parenting. These relaxed, informal classes hosted by experienced midwives offer you a safe environment to learn, share and ask questions. Some classes may involve other health professionals qualified to speak on a particular topic.
Maternity ward tours
We offer in-person tours run by our experienced midwives giving you an opportunity to see our private maternity ward, well-equipped birthing suites, special care nursery and discuss any questions you may have. To check availability or make a booking please register for a maternity ward tour.
Prenatal parenting classes
We offer a range of parent education classes for you and your partner during pregnancy which cover a range of topics to help you prepare to welcome your baby into the world.
The childbirth and parenting class is a one-day workshop covering birth and parenting skills. The class can be taken over two half days if needed. We recommend doing these classes at around 32 to 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Birth topics
Birth topics covered in the class include:
normal labour and normal birth
admission to hospital
non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and other
pain management options
induction and augmentation
fetal heart rate monitoring
medically assisted births, including Caesarean section, forceps and vacuum.
Parenting topics
Parenting topics covered in the class include:
estimating the workload
normal newborn behaviour
crying, settling and sleep
prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
breastfeeding
perinatal emotional health
routine postnatal ward care
postnatal healing and recovery
basic baby care
pet safety.
Days and times
Sundays: 10:00am to 3:00pm (full day workshop)
Mondays: 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Part 1 and Part 2)
Costs for parent education classes
An out-of-pocket expense will occur for uninsured patients and those giving birth at hospitals other than St John of God Geelong Hospital.
These classes are free for privately insured patients giving birth at St John of God Geelong Hospital.
Booking our classes
Please register into a class that suits your availability.
If you are attending this class on two separate days, please ensure you register for both part 1 and part 2. If you are scheduled for a planned Caesarean, you need only register for the parenting class (part 2).
The birth skills and partner support workshop is a skills-based course focusing on creating a positive mindset and teaching practical skills for you and your birth partner to use in the lead up to and during the birthing day.
The aim of this course is to build confidence and create a positive birth experience. The techniques can be utilised no matter how your birth journey unfolds. All attendees will receive a hard copy of ‘Preparing for Birth’. The ideal time to attend this workshop is between 26 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
These classes are suitable for the following:
first birth
subsequent birth
next birth after a caesarean (NBAC).
Topics
Topics covered in the class include:
the birth partner’s role
changing perceptions around pain
optimising baby’s position during pregnancy
breathing and relaxation techniques
massage and acupressure
labour and birth positions.
Times and days
Sundays 8:45am to 4:30pm (One Day Workshop), or
Tuesdays: 6:15pm to 9:15pm (Part 1 and Part 2)
Spaces: six couples (12 attendees in total)
Cost: $300 for you and your support person
Booking this course
Please register for a workshop that suits your availability.
To further support our mums, we provide breastfeeding education classes in Geelong. Classes are hosted by our experienced lactation consultants who provide advice and education sessions to increase your knowledge surrounding feeding cues, the positioning and attachment of the baby at the breast and other important information that a breastfeeding mother needs to know.
This class is suitable for first time mums and second time mums who may have experienced difficulties feeding their first baby.
We recommend you attend this session between 32 weeks and36 weeks of pregnancy.
Cost: $75 per couple. Expectant women are welcome to bring their support person to the class. If you would like to bring along an additional person to the class, they need to be booked-in prior to attendance and there is an additional cost incurred.
Our lactation clinic offers one-hour consultations to provide education and support to women who require additional assistance with breastfeeding. The lactation clinic is staffed by experienced lactation consultants who provide support and specialised breastfeeding advice in a relaxed and confidential atmosphere.
We also offer antenatal consultations to pregnant women with breastfeeding concerns or previous breastfeeding difficulties.
How we help with lactation
The St John of God Geelong Hospital Lactation Clinic helps with issues including:
positioning and attachment
management of sore nipples
assessment of milk supply
medications and breastfeeding
feeding support for twins or triplets
cleft lip and/or cleft palate
mastitis
breast and nipple thrush
tongue-tie
any other breastfeeding concerns you may have.
Lactation clinic details
We welcome anyone to make appointments at the lactation clinic, regardless of their birth hospital.
Location: Lactation Clinic, Level 3, Women’s Health Unit, 80 Myers Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Opening hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:00pm (by appointment only)
Cost: $100 per consultation for mums birthing at St John of God Geelong Hospital, $150 for mums birthing elsewhere
Booking: To make an appointment please call 03 5226 1304
More information and support
Patients booked in to give birth at St John of God Geelong Hospital are welcome to contact us with pregnancy-related concerns or questions.
A registered midwife will assess your situation and refer you to the most appropriate service.
St John of God Health Care private hospitals provide benefits that include reduced wait times for surgery, your choice of specialist, and access to high-quality, compassionate care.
We provide a range of ways to pay for your treatment.
Your private health insurance may cover some or most of your hospital costs, depending on your policy.
Contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses.
Before you are admitted to hospital you will be provided with the estimated costs of your care. You will be asked to acknowledge these estimates during the admissions process so it is important to understand these documents.
