Thank you for your interest in our Western Health Childbirth Education Class. Classes are available to parents booked to have their baby at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital or Bacchus Marsh Hospital. Bookings are essential.
You have a choice of 2 programs to participate in:
EmpowerED Birth and Parenting Education by WH
This course has been co-designed with consumers and maternity staff at Western Health to prepare you for labour, birth and the early parenting period.
Cost is $150 ($50 for concession card holders).
Positive Birth Program (Hypnobirthing Australia)
These classes are run by Certified Hypnobirthing Australia who are also midwives at Western Health. The program focuses on the labour and birth period, with an emphasis on natural techniques to use as pain relief.
More information can be found on hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au.
Cost is $200 ($100 for concession card holders).
*The cost listed covers class attendance for the birthing parent plus one support person.
For bookings, please email [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Can I take both classes?
Most parents feel that one class gives them all the info and prep they need for labour and birth, but if you’d like, you can take both!
The Positive Birth Program focuses just on labour and birth, with an emphasis on natural techniques to manage pain and guide you through the process.
The EmpowerED Program covers labour, birth, breastfeeding, and the early postpartum period, and goes over all your options for pain relief and birth plans.
You can also take a free breastfeeding class alongside either program, led by Western Health Lactation Consultants. To book into a class, click on this link:
Antenatal group breastfeeding class- virtual only Tickets | TryBooking Australia.
Will the classes be relevant if I am having a planned caesarean?
Since these classes focus mainly on labour and birth, they might not be as helpful if you're planning a caesarean. In that case, you might want to check out the Positive Caesarean Online course by Hypnobirthing Australia instead.
Where do the classes take place?
In-person classes will be held in the Education Room on Level 1 of Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital. Saturday classes and EmpowerED classes are always in person, whilst the weeknight hypnobirthing classes will alternate between in-person and online. To get directions, follow this link:
Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital - Google Maps
Is food provided?
To keep our program affordable and high-quality, we don’t provide catering. Feel free to bring your own food or use the hospital café during breaks.
If you have any allergies that we should be aware of so we can let other parents know, please feel free to tell us.
There are no dates that suit my due date, what can I do?
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We can add you to our waitlist in case of any cancellations, but due to limited space, we can’t overbook the class.
In the meantime, you might want to look into some external resources that you can do at your own convenience:
Free options
Antenatal Classes – Core & Floor Restore
Childbirth education videos | The Royal Women's Hospital
Videos | Mater Mothers
Paid options
Childbirth Education - Tweddle
Online Birth Classes - Hypnobirthing Australia™
About Birth | Online Childbirth Education Program
There may also be other local community classes available.
If you have any questions or want to be added to the waitlist, email us at:
[email protected].
I’m no longer able to attend my class – how can I get a refund?
Refunds are only available if the entire series of classes is cancelled at least 7 days before the first class starts. Unfortunately, we can’t reschedule classes.
How early should I book my classes?
The ideal time to start your classes is from 26 weeks onwards. If you're doing hypnobirthing, we suggest starting before 32 weeks so you have plenty of time to practice the techniques.
How can I ask any follow up questions?
You can chat with your midwife or doctor at your next appointment, or email us at
[email protected]
