"Antenatal Classes"

Hi pyxisd55,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this feedback, and congratulations on your pregnancy.

It’s completely understandable that, as a first-time parent, you’re wanting practical, hands-on learning and the chance to ask questions face-to-face. Many parents feel the same way.

I also want to acknowledge that any change in antenatal education can feel big, both for families and for the midwives delivering the service.

Broome was actually one of the first WA Country Health sites to offer the Positive Birth Program in person, and it was incredibly well received at the time. COVID restrictions unfortunately brought those sessions to a halt, so it truly is a privilege to be able to offer them face to face again. We’re genuinely excited to see the classes return, and we’re grateful to the Broome midwives for investing the time and effort into the additional training required to bring this program back to local families.

The Positive Birth Program is an evidence-based antenatal education program that has been rolled out across WA Country Health following extensive review and consumer feedback.

It covers all the same core topics traditionally included in antenatal classes—labour and birth, stages of labour, support techniques, decision-making, interventions, pain management options. Importantly, the program can be just as hands-on as the midwife delivering it chooses to make it. There is plenty of scope for demonstrations, practice, discussion, and personalised learning.

Broome midwives will absolutely make these sessions interactive and practical, and we have no doubt families will feel very supported.

In addition, Broome has a great opportunity to also offer 4th Trimester, Breastfeeding, and Early Parenting classes – quality education around newborn care, breastfeeding, and early parenting. This program has been developed in consultation with midwives, lactation consultants, Ngala, Child Health Nurses and once the Broome team has settled into a rhythm with the birth program, we’ll be taking on feedback like yours to expand offerings so new families receive both the comprehensive education and the hands-on skills they’re asking for. This is currently available on Telehealth if you would like to access it.

Thank you again for reaching out. I hope this helps put your mind at ease, and we truly look forward to supporting you as you prepare for your birth and the special months that follow.

Kind regards,

Kasey Biggar