Antenatal Classes

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

We have some funded/free places available if you meet Te Whatu Ora’s eligibility criteria which includes Māori, Pasifika, Youth, Asian & Remote Rural (please email admin@parentscentre.org.nz to access this). If cost is a barrier to you attending these classes please also email us. Please ensure you tick the box if you are a CSC holder to register for free.  If you live closer to Queenstown please click here for courses in this location.

We have partnered with Plunket to bring you these interactive antenatal classes in Arrowtown - click here for Queenstown. They are shaped to give you the information you want and need for pregnancy, labour, and life as a new parent in a supportive, safe, non-judgemental environment. We also set up your coffee group so that you have on-going support and friendship!  Membership to Parents Centre Aotearoa is also included in your registration, this includes various partner discounts including Baby Factory sale days, as well as The Sleep Store, Baby On The Move and Resene discounts.

Antenatal classes follow the Ministry of Health’s recommendations for pregnancy and parenting education, and each class is run by qualified facilitators.

These classes are either run over 2x weekend days, or 2x weeknights from 7pm to 9pm and 2x Sat/Sun from 10am to 2pm.  

Topics covered in the course include:

• labour and birth
• stages of labour
• choices during and after birth
• pain relief options
• infant feeding, and
• newborn care.

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

We offer Te Whatu Ora-funded spaces, for Community Services Card holders and people who meet other eligibility criteria.  Te Whatu Ora’s eligibility criteria include Māori, Pasifika, Youth, Asian & Remote Rural (please email bookings@parentscentre.org.nz to access this),  Please ensure you tick the box if you are a CSC holder to register for free.

We have partnered with Plunket to bring you these interactive antenatal classes in Ashburton. They are shaped to give you the information you want and need for pregnancy, labour, and life as a new parent in a supportive, safe, non-judgemental environment. We also set up your coffee group so that you have on-going support and friendship!

Antenatal classes follow the Ministry of Health’s recommendations for pregnancy and parenting education, and each class is run by qualified facilitators.

Class run on a Tuesday night from 6pm - 8pm or 6.30pm to 8.30pm for 6 weeks or over a weekend from 10am - 4pm, at the Ashburton Plunket Rooms 222 Cameron Street.

Topics covered in the course include:

• labour and birth
• stages of labour
• choices during and after birth
• pain relief options
• infant feeding, and
• newborn care.

Baby & You Postnatal

With thanks from COGS funding we’re able to offer this programme for FREE.

Our Baby and You postnatal programme offers sound tips and strategies as you begin your journey into parenthood.  It is a relaxed, informal programme where you’ll receive quality researched information, be able to ask questions and have enjoy a cuppa.  This programme runs over 3 weeks and is facilitated by our diploma qualified educator who holds an annual practicing certificate.

Topics covered include:

• Feeding experiences & support
• Sleeping, settling & communicating with baby
• Baby's physical, social and emotional development
• Lifestyle changes and looking after yourself

Baby and You Antenatal Programme

Nī hāo

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and welcome to Parents Centre Aotearoa!  This is an incredible time, as you experience how amazing your body is in growing a new life.

Your Parents Centre antenatal programme will be delivered by qualified midwife educator who is Chinese and speaks Mandarin.  All of our educators 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.

These courses are held on a Tuesday night from 7-9pm for 6 weeks at the AIA offices 57 Market Street, Epsom.  It is best you finish your course at least 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

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.

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

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 classes 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.

We serve families primarily in the Howick, Pakuranga, Botany, Bucklands Beach, Flat Bush, Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai areas so your group will be filled with local parents. If you do not live in these areas, click here to search for your local Parents Centre.

These courses are held one night a week from 7-9.30pm for 7 weeks at the Eastview Baptist Church, 559 Chapel Road East Tamaki Heights.  It is best you finish your course at least 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

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 course runs one day a week for 3 weeks from 0-12pm and is located in East Tamaki Heights at the Eastview Baptist Church Cafe. 

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. 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.  

Baby and You Antenatal & Postnatal Programme

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

Antenatal classes

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.

At Bays North Harbour Parents Centre, we serve families primarily in the Castor Bay to Long Bay, Sunnynook, Unsworth Heights, Greenhithe and Albany areas.  This helps you connect with local parents and establish friendships that often carry on after our courses come to an end.  If you do not live in these areas, click here to search for your local Parents Centre.

Location: The Antenatal Courses are held at St Johns Ambulance Training Rooms, 115 Apollo Drive, Albany.

Course Dates:  Select the course date based on when your baby is due. This is a guide to help connect you with other families due around the same time.  

There is flexibility however, if the course before or after the recommended one suits you better, then you can select it.   

Days & Times: 

It may be a weeknight course OR it may be a weekend one, depending on how the dates fall.  

• The Wednesday night classes run from 6.45pm to 9pm over 6 weeks.
• The Sunday classes go from 9am to 4.30pm across 2 Sundays. 

Course Schedule is based on your Estimated Due Date (EDD)

• EDD: May = Sun 10th Mar and 24th Mar 2024 
• EDD: June = Wed 20th Mar to Wed 24 Apr 2024 
• EDD: July = Sun 5th May and Sun 19th May 2024 
• EDD: Aug = Wed 22nd May to Wed 26th Jun 2024 
• EDD: Sept = Sun 14th Jul and 28th Jul 2024 
• EDD: Oct = Wed 24th Jul and 28th Aug 2024 
• EDD: Nov = Sun 15th Sep and Sun 29th Sep 2024
• EDD: Dec = Wed18th Sep to Wed 23rd Oct 2024
• EDD: Jan & Early Feb = Sun 17th Nov and Sun 1st Dec 2024

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

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.   All courses are held for 3 weeks on a Wednesday from 10am to 11:30am at Sunnynook Community Centre on the corner of Sunnynook Road and Sycamore Drive.

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.  

First Aid for Babies and Young Children

There is 1.5 to 2 hours of content including Q&A.  $35 for one person, or $60 for two.

In this course

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

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 on Wednesday mornings from 10.15am -12.15pm for you and your baby to attend and is located at the Sunnynook Community Centre, 148 Sycamore Drive, Sunnynook.

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. 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.  

Moving & Munching

This course is held on Fridays from 10.15-11:45am at the Sunnynook Community Centre on the corner of Sunnynook Road and Sycamore Drive.

The Moving & Munching course is made up of two fun and informative sessions for parents of children aged (or soon to be aged) between 4 and 6 months. Babies are also most welcome to attend!

Some members may have pre-purchased Moving & Munching course as part of their membership package.  If you aren't sure, check your original confirmation booking email.  You can elect to book the Moving & Munching Sessions at any time.  Both Members and Non-Members are welcome to book.

In this course: 

Moving

​What will be covered:

• On the move  - how to support and encourage active movement
• Rolling
• Advice on sitting
• Reflexes
• Vestibular Development
• Music and Movement
• How you can help your baby learn through play and exploration

Munching

What will be covered:

• Why introduce solids around 6 months but not before 4 months
• Which signs indicate baby may be ready for solids
• Which foods can be introduced first
• What are the developmental stages of feeding
• How to ‘balance’ baby’s milk with solids
• Which textures are appropriate and when to introduce new textures
• How, and what stage to offer new foods
• What are the best times to feed and how much food does baby need
• Food hygiene: cooking, storing and reheating food
• Which equipment to use e.g. highchair, bibs, spoons, bowls etc
• Ideas for snacks and meals at different stages

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.

Our classes in Cambridge are fully funded, therefore FREE.

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 during the week from 6.45-9pm for 6 weeks or 2x Saturdays 9am to 3.30pm, at 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge, New Zealand.  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

Parents Centre + St. John's Child First Aid Course

This half-day course is ideal for people who are looking after children in their own home or for those needing to renew their Child First Aid certificate.  

Please note: We have been advised by St Johns that due to this course being NZQA accredited and assessments are done, Babies & Children cannot attend.  Breast fed babies can be dropped in for feeding but otherwise have to leave again.

• Recommended for parents, grandparents and other family caregivers
• Recognised qualification for home-based educators and nannies
• 4.5 hour course,
• Eligible for NZQA unit standard 25459

This course is FREE and will be run on a Saturday 9am to 1.30pm

Women's Pelvic Health Seminar

With a Women's health physiotherapist your pre-natal and post-natal questions answered!

First time, next time & some time ago parents or thinking about being parents - all are welcome!!

This course is fully funded therefore FREE.

Baby and You Antenatal & Postnatal Programme

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

Package 1: Antenatal Classes + Postnatal Classes+ 1 year membership: ​$315

Package 2: Antenatal Classes + Postnatal Classes + Moving & Munching Classes + 1 years membership: ​$365

Antenatal Classes

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.

We serve families primarily in the following areas so your group will be filled with local parents.  If you do not live in these areas, click here to search for your local Parents Centre.

Antenatal classes are held one night a week on a Tuesday or Wednesday, for 6 weeks, from 6.45pm - 9.15pm, 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

Postnatal classes

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. 

Moving & Munching classes

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.

Antenatal Classes for Multiples

Are you expecting Twins, Triplets, Quads or more? Our two day intensive Multiples antenatal courses are run in conjunction with Multiples Auckland Central. The course content is tailored to those expecting multiples and is open to participants Auckland wide. 

This course runs over two Saturdays 10am to 5pm.  If you are interested in purchasing a Parents Centre Membership, Baby and You course and a coffee group placement, we are happy to connect you to your closest Parents Centre who will be able to organise this for you..

We run our Antenatal courses at Athol Syms Hall, 11 Griffin Ave, Epsom. 

This antenatal course offers expectant parents the following information:

• Nutrition and exercise
• The birth process and birth video
• Development of baby and antenatal tests
• Breastfeeding
• Labour signs and stages
• Newborn care
• Pain relief options
• Postnatal depression
• Partner support

Practical Parenting topics will be incorporated throughout the course, which will include the following:

• Bedding / safe sleeping
• Winding / burping baby
• Swaddling and settling baby
• Car seats
• Clothing and nappies
• Baby bathing demonstration (a real baby when possible)

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.  

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 Antenatal Programme

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

Antenatal Classes are held one night a week, on a Tuesday, for 6 weeks from 6pm to 8pm, at the CHB Health Centre, Pregnancy and Parenting Hub in Waipukurau.  You are best to complete this course at least 3-4 weeks before your due date.

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 delivered in a manner that is interactive, engaging, and fun.

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

Sign up as a member at CHB Parents Centre for just $45 per year!  Members get access to free toddler and preschooler swimming lessons, discounts from a number of local Central Hawke’s Bay and also Hawke’s Bay retailers and National member benefits that include discounts at Baby Factory, The Sleep Store, Baby On The Move, and more.  Read more and sign up here

Baby and You Antenatal & Postnatal Programme

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

Antenatal Classes

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.

These classes serve families primarily in Cashmere, click these links if you live closer to these areas - Papanui or Lincoln.  These classes are held at Cashmere Presbyterian Centre one night a week on a Tuesday or Thursday from 7pm-9pm for 7 weeks or two Saturdays, from 10am-4.30pm and one Thursday from 7pm-9pm.  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

Postnatal Classes

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.  

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.  

All of our Antenatal programmes include membership with Parents Centre, see our membership page for what discounts are offered.