This program is designed to meet the learning needs of women and their partners who speak Mandarin. It explores Western birth and parenting practices and procedures used at Westmead Hospital. The series is culturally sensitive and facilitated by a midwife fluent in Mandarin who is a Certified Childbirth Educator. The program consists of six sessions held on Friday evenings for six weeks. You can attend the workshop either online or face-to-face at Westmead Hospital. Workshop dates are as follows:

Week 1: Friday 7th March - 6:45pm - 9:00pm
Week 2: Friday 14th March - 6:45pm - 9:00pm
Week 3: Friday 21st March - 6:45pm - 9:00pm
Week 4: Friday 28th March - 6:45pm - 9:00pm
Week 5: Friday 4th April - 6:45pm - 9:00pm
Week 6: Friday 11th April - 6:45pm - 9:00pm

Each class runs for 2 hours 15 minutes, from 6:45 pm – 9:00 pm and includes a supper break. First time parents-to-be, benefit enormously from these classes as there is plenty of time to interact and discuss a range of topics from labour and birth to breastfeeding and parenting.

Westmead Hospital positive birth and parenting workshop is a unique childbirth preparation program that brings together only evidence-based techniques and practices. The techniques that you learn for your birth in this course are supported by research. To get the most out of your course we encourage you to attend in person. If this isn't possible you can attend via Zoom.

The workshop starts promptly at 6:45 pm. Please arrive at 6.30 pm for registration so the day can begin on time.

YOU MUST BE BIRTHING YOUR BABY AT WESTMEAD PUBLIC HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNTED FEE. ALL WOMEN BOOKED TO BIRTH THEIR BABY AT ANOTHER HOSPITAL MUST PAY FULL FEE.

It is recommended to book this program if you are due between 9th May to 4th July 2025

Topics include the following:

How labour starts
Labouring at home and when to come to hospital
Positions for labour and birth – being active
Normal birth
Techniques for labour and birth
Acupressure
Massage
Breathing and relaxation
Tour of the Birth Unit
Birth requiring medical assistance
Breastfeeding
Calming an unsettled baby
Communicating with your baby
Parenting issues – including postnatal depression, returning to work, roles and identities.
And more!!

FAQ'S

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? See parking and public transport information located at http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Childbirth---Parenting-Education/Maps---Directions

Do I bring my partner along to all the classes with me? Partners are encouraged to attend. If your partner can't make it then you can bring along a support person.

What can/can't I bring to the event? You may like to bring a snack. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Is my registration/ticket transferrable? No Email:

WSLHD-westmead-parentingeducation@health.nsw.gov.au

Can I update my registration information? Yes, you can return to the booking page to do so.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No. You can print it out or save it on the Humanitix app if you wish.

What is the refund policy?

A full refund may be given only in the following circumstances:

Premature birth
Hospital admission
Cancellation request 3 weeks before the class commencement date

If you provide us with less than three weeks’ notice, you will incur a fee of $30.00. NO REFUND will be given for cancellation requests less than three days before a class commences. NO REFUND will be given for change of mind after the program has commenced.

Private Health Fund rebates are available. A certificate is issued on request after the workshop.