During either a 6 week antenatal class or a weekend course, we will gently guide you through the unpredictable nature of birth, empower you to make the decisions that are right and unique for you and teach you practical techniques to ensure that you maintain control and autonomy over your body and your birth, every step of the way, even if things don't go quite to plan.
An EMPWRd birth experience, regardless of how you have grown or plan on birthing your baby starts with antenatal classes unique and tailored to you.
Based in Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand we're here for all your antenatal education needs.
What's included in the price?
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6 weeks of antenatal classes or a weekend course during your pregnancy with a selection of tea, coffee and treats
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1 postnatal meet up (after your baby is born) where you get the opportunity to ask the questions keeping you up at night, practical parenting tips and hands on breast/chestfeeding support
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Comprehensive 80 page pregnancy book
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Free digital download of Earthside: birth stories from Aotearoa
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Members only area packed with extra information, videos, resources and support
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Birth affirmations, breathing techniques and more
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An EMPWR goodie bag from trusted kiwi brands and discount codes
Subsidised classes and fully funded classes for low-income families available
$280
The details...
EMPWR's antenatal classes are an inclusive, holistic, 6 week birth and parenting course with an additional postnatal meet up after your baby is born.
Grounded in reproductive justice, we believe that every parent has the right to autonomy and self determination in their pregnancy, birth and parenting experience. Regardless of whether you're planning an undisturbed home birth, an elective caesarean, a hospital birth with an epidural or anything in between; we aim to provide you with the tools you need to navigate your experience in a way that feels empowering, positive and unique to you.
There is no right way to grow, birth, parent or feed a baby.
These antenatal classes are gentle, compassionate and kind. They aren't what you might expect. You will not be bored to tears with endless powerpoint presentations or made to feel that your question is silly. We aim to provide you with the information you want to know and the questions that you want answered and if that means we go off on a tangent, then so be it. Guided by you, with you at the centre of what we teach and discuss, this 6 week antenatal class will be your guide to an empowered birth.
By providing you with evidence based information, guiding you through exploration of your values and helping you develop your informed decision making skills; you will be able to apply these skills to your journey into and throughout parenthood.
What do the classes cover?
Topics include::
Informed decision making: the consumer - care provider relationship and navigating deviations from your plan
Signs and stages of labor: when to call your midwife, how to cope in labour and practical tips for distraction
The role of support people: how you can assist the birthing person
Coping with discomfort: medical and non-medical techniques, including guidance from an acupuncturist and masseuse
Positive caesarean birth: and tools for recovery
Feeding your baby: including inducing lactation, co-feeding, donor milk and formula feeding
The basics of caring for your baby: swaddling, settling techniques, nappy changing and more
Becoming a parent: the transition to parenting, including your postpartum recovery
Who are these classes for?
Everyone! Our antenatal classes are inclusive of all families and all bodies, we are HAES practitioners, inclusive of LGBTQIA+ whānau, polyamorous communities, solo parents, disabled parents, sex workers and those who need NZSL interpretation. We also have subsidised options for low-income families.
Whilst we are celebratory of LGBTQIA+ whānau, anyone is welcome to attend, you don't have to be part of the rainbow community to access evidence based childbirth education grounded in reproductive justice.
When should I start antenatal classes?
Ideally, you would start your antenatal classes in your third trimester, so from 28 weeks onwards. This means that there's enough time to consolidate your learning and put it into practice before having your baby and you won't have finished your classes too far in advance and have forgotten everything! If you're not sure which class date is best for you, send us an email and we are more than happy to help you.
What about my partner?
The cost of your class is for one family unit; so that includes your partner(s) or a support person(s)!
Do you have subsidised classes?
YES!! EMPWR are passionate about ensuring everyone, regardless of financial barriers are able to access safe, rainbow celebratory antenatal education. Please email us if you need financial assistance and we can come up with an option that suits your whānau! We also have afterpay to help spread the cost as well.
Each set of classes also has ONE FREE SPACE for a family who need it, no questions asked. Just email us to grab your spot!
