Baby and You Antenatal Programme

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and welcome to Parents Centre Aotearoa!  This is an incredible time, as you embark on your parenting journey.

Parents Centre antenatal programmes are delivered by qualified educators who hold an annual practicing certificate.  We ensure that the classes provide you with evidence-based information to help you make decisions.  They are carried out in a manner that is interactive, engaging, and fun.

Antenatal classes are held one night a week for 6 weeks, from 6.45/7pm - 9.15pm, or over 2x Saturdays from 9am to 3.30pm at Athol Syms Hall, 11 Griffin Ave, Epsom. You are best to complete this course at least 3-4 weeks before your due date.  

Topics include

• Brief overview of pregnancy topics
• Choices in childbirth
• Your labour journey
• Relaxation, management & coping strategies
• Support person/Partner’s role
• Feeding your baby
• Transition to parenthood
• Responsive parenting
• Practical parenting

 

First Aid for Babies and Young Children

There is 1.5 to 2 hours of content including Q&A.  Price is per person and babies are welcome.

• Infant and Child CPR
• Choking
• Common incidents such as: burns, head injuries, fevers, febrile seizures and respiratory distress.

These courses are facilitated by Little Beat First Aid and taught by paediatric nurses.

Moving & Munching

Our Moving and Munching course is tailored to caregivers of 3 to 6 month old babies.  Your baby’s emerging exploration of the environment and discovery of first foods. As your baby starts exploring the environment and discovering foods, you will have lots of questions.

Munching
Hosted by a registered Dietitian and Paediatric Nutrition Specialist – provides an informative introduction to solids based on the latest evidence-based research. It covers textures, nutritional requirements, allergies and intolerances, and stages of development.

Moving
Just when you thought you had it all under control, your baby is starting to get active. Then there are a whole new set of challenges and milestones to enjoy.

With your Teeny Tiny beginning to roll around and sit up, the next stage of development is in full swing. This workshop provides tips and advice on rolling and sitting, and gives fun ways to develop your baby's balance. We look at some new ideas for interactive playtime to keep stretching your baby's imagination and physicality. Plus, we will also discuss the next stage of baby furniture, books and toys.

Baby and You Postnatal Programme

Our postnatal programme follows on from antenatal classes and offer sound tips and strategies as you begin your journey into parenthood.  It is ideal for those with babies up to around 12 weeks old.  This is a three-week course that runs one morning a week from 10-12pm for you and your baby to attend.

To see your baby smile, play and grow can be an extraordinary experience.  You will have feelings of tenderness and closeness and a sense of awe at the miracles of the first milestones.

With a new baby, sometimes come uncertainties.  Your tiny bundle may rule the entire household through their routines, sleep patterns and personalities.  This can be very challenging for a new parent, so come and join us and ask your questions.

Topics include

• A brief reflection birth experience
• Feeding & Sleeping
• Communication and Settling pēpi
• Lifestyle changes and looking after yourself
• Physical development
• Social and emotional and brain development
• Age-appropriate toys and activities

The structure of this course is relaxed and informal with time for your questions and a cuppa. A great opportunity for new parents to get out of the house, meet other parents experiencing the same joys and challenges and foster their coffee group.