Antenatal Education

Free online antenatal classes for New Zealand parents. Four sessions covering birth, newborn care, and early parenthood. 

Our free four-session online antenatal course is designed to support and empower expectant parents in New Zealand with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to navigate pregnancy, labour, birth, and the early weeks with your baby. 

This course combines evidence-based education with compassionate, real-world guidance to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or looking for a refresher, these sessions provide a safe space to ask questions, explore your options, and build confidence in your ability to make decisions that feel right for your family. 

This course is suitable for women 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. Partners and support people are strongly encouraged to attend and will leave with practical ways to support both mum and baby. 

Meet Your Facilitators 

Kristina Bellamy is a Childbirth Educator and CPR Instructor with a passion for helping parents approach birth and early parenthood with confidence and clarity. 

Drawing on both best-practice education and the realities of family life, Kristina creates a supportive learning environment where expectant parents can gain practical knowledge, explore their choices, and feel capable throughout their journey into parenthood. 

The fourth session will be facilitated by Liora Noy, an Obstetric Postnatal Nurse, Lactation Consultant, Parenting and Postnatal Depression Educator. 

Liora is passionate about supporting families through one of life’s biggest transitions. Drawing on her extensive professional experience supporting parents through pregnancy, birth, feeding, recovery, and early parenthood, she provides practical, evidence-based guidance in a warm, compassionate, and judgement-free environment. 

What You’ll Learn 

Across four interactive online sessions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of birth, newborn care, and the transition to parenthood. 

Session One: Understanding Birth, Your Body, Baby and Choices 

Learn how your body and baby work together during labour and birth. 

Topics include: 

• The stages and signs of labour 
• Movement and positioning during labour 
• Understanding the role of hormones in labour and birth 
• The role of your birth partner 
• Understanding your rights and making informed choices throughout your maternity care 

Session Two: Navigating Interventions and Parenting Realities 

Birth doesn’t always follow a predictable path, and understanding your options can help you feel more prepared and confident. 

Topics include: 

• Common medical interventions, including assisted births, episiotomies, and caesarean sections 
• Pain relief options and coping strategies 
• The importance of the Golden Hour after birth 
• The emotional and physical realities of the fourth trimester 
• Building realistic expectations for early parenthood 

Session Three: Caring for Your Newborn, Safety, Skills and Confidence 

Feel prepared for those first precious weeks with practical guidance on caring for your baby and responding to their needs. 

Topics include: 

• Safe sleep practices and SUDI prevention 
• Feeding your baby with confidence 
• Understanding and soothing unsettled babies 
• Baby care basics: bathing, dressing, nappy changing, and cord care 
• Reading your baby’s cues and building a secure connection 
  

Session Four: Foundations of Breastfeeding + Perinatal Mental Health

In the fourth session learn more in-depth information about feeding your baby in those early days.

• How to recognise hunger cues before baby gets to the crying stage.

• How to cope with low supply or over supply.

• How to avoid sore/cracked nipples.

• Achieving a deep, comfortable latch, practising different feeding positions, and how to know if baby is getting enough.

• A clear picture of what’s happening in your body when it produces milk.

• Practical ways to work through common feeding challenges and less common ones such as mastitis.

We will also cover getting emotionally prepared for what is coming up and having realistic expectations.

• Recognising the emotional and psychological challenges that can show up during birth and postpartum.

• Practical strategies for building resilience and managing stress and anxiety.

• Risk factors and early signs of postpartum depression, so you know what to watch for and how to catch them early.

• Building a support network and communicating what you actually need to the people around you.

• Plus setting expectations for birth and early parenthood that match reality rather than the highlight reel.

By the End of the Course, You’ll Feel: 

• Confident about labour, birth, and your options 
• Equipped with practical newborn care skills 
• More confident supporting your baby’s feeding and development 
• Reassured about the realities of early parenthood 
• Connected to trusted information and support 

Ready to Join Us? 

Join us from the comfort of your own home.