Balanced, evidence-based knowledge to help you have a positive birth

Our classes are in-depth and cover both the physical process of labour so you know what to expect, while also giving you and your support person the skills to navigate your birth experience.

Illawarra Birth Classes are taught by two birth doulas, Alyssa and Amelia, who are experienced with supporting births at Wollongong Public and Wollongong Private Hospitals. This class has been designed specifically for Illawarra families, it’s not a one-size-fits all generic birth class.
You will learn hints and tips about the local hospitals and common scenarios there.

Rather than teaching just one method for how to cope with labour, we will teach you both a large range of comfort skills. We also don’t tell you how you should give birth. We give you the skills and knowledge to best achieve whatever type of birth you are planning.

This class is perfect if you:

• are planning an unmedicated natural birth

• planning to utilise medical pain relief

• not sure what you want and just want to go with the flow

• birthing at hospital

• having a home birth

• want to feel empowered and positive about your baby’s birth

Why independent birth classes?

Hospital classes are a good start but to get modern, unbiased education, evidence shows that independent antenatal classes are the best way to have all the information.

Recent studies show that people who attend independent birth classes experience:

• less unnecessary interventions

• less epidural use

• shorter pushing stages

• babies who are less likely to require resuscitation at birth

• reduced caesarean rate

Birth classes are for
partners too

It’s not just women who are daunted by the idea of labour and birth, most partners also have their own fears and worries.

The most common concern is seeing their loved one in pain and not knowing how to help. Which is totally understandable!

In our class, partners will learn how they can help you physically and emotionally to make birth easier.

Even though birth is unpredictable we also want you both to be prepared for common scenarios so will explain what to expect at our local hospital.

Group class dates 2020

Saturday 7th March 2020

Saturday 4th April 2020

Saturday 9th May 2020

Saturday 6th June 2020

Saturday 4th July 2020

If you find that none of the dates for the group classes are suitable for you, we also offer private classes that can be scheduled when it suits you.