Birthtalk.org Antenatal course

At Birthtalk we know that BIRTH MATTERS ...

A gentle, positive first birth

a gentle, positive first birth

Roz says of the her
experience attending Birthtalk:

“Even before we fell pregnant,my sister in law, Ursula, had encouraged me to attend Birthtalk, citing them as more informative than any antenatal class. Some birth experiences that I had heard about from friends and colleagues were described as horror stories, I guess I wanted to hear the positives and the possibilities.
As we attended each session, my knowledge on birthing widened, assisting Andrew and I to become more aware of our choices. It taught me to identify my fears and to confront them by finding out more information so that if ever faced with such a scenario, be empoweredenough to make an informed decision. I also realised that it wasn’t the outcome that was crucial (eg caesarian or vaginal birth) but more so that Andrew and I wanted to be consulted and respected in each necessary decision that would arise. I also walked away from the sessions feeling reassured that
a woman’s body was designed to birth, and hence confident that my body could certainly do it. I felt so empowered during my birth that for a couple of days I was on a high, in totally awe of what I had just done! I was so proud of Andrew, he was truly amazing and was such a rock during the labour and birth – I certainly feel that it has strengthened our bond even
more. I wasn’t quite sure if he had taken in all the Birthtalk sessions, but our birth experience has certainly cleared any of my doubts. The birth has definitely taken our
relationship to another level and helped us bond with and adjust to Anissa, who we love to bits!

The Path to a Better BirthTM FAQs

Antenatal and VBAC course FAQs

What are the dates for the next Course?
All current available dates are on our Calendar page. To find out further dates, join our online Mailing List, or our Facebook Group to receive updates. We will upload the new dates as soon as possible.

When should we start classes?
Unlike regular Antenatal Courses, (which you attend in the latter part of your pregnancy), we encourage you to come to Birthtalk as soon as you can. The information we offer can be very helpful when choosing a caregiver, which requires a set of knowledge not often available to couples. Plus the earlier you attend, the more chances to hear positive stories, and good news about birth. Once you have attended the 6 week course, it is FREE to redo those sessions later in your pregnancy, if desired.

Can I attend before I am pregnant?
Definitely - we often have women (and couples) attending before conception. The good news is that once you have attended our entire course, it is FREE to attend again for the same pregnancy, if you want to brush up on any aspect down the track.

Can partners attend?
It is highly valuable for partners to be at as many sessions as possible. It is vital for a birthing woman to be surrounded by people who not only know and love her, but also who trust birth & understand the importance of good support. Birthtalk can be a place for them to build this trust, based on facts and enhanced by hearing other women’s stories. They can’t support you well if they don’t know what this support is, or why you need this support, and how to offer it.

Does Birthtalk offer a daytime course?
We only have the evening sessions at present. However, you are very welcome to arrange a private “crash course” over a couple of weekends with Debby Gould, the midwife who co-founded Birthtalk, and runs our Courses. If the demand is there, it is possible to run a Crash Course for a few couples together, thus having the benefit of other couple’s support plus a reduction in cost. For more information see Deb’s Private Consultations page

Do I need to attend all the sessions in the Course, or can I come along
to just a few?
The Courses are currently capped at 12 people per session. Usually these spots are filled by those attending the entire course. However, we understand this is not always possible, so we do have a very limited number of casual positions at various sessions - call Deb on 3878 70915 for more information.

I am due before the current course ends...what can I do?
You have a few options - probably the best is to attend the sessions that you can, and arrange a private “crash course” to fill in the gaps with midwife Debby Gould, who runs the Course. Phone Deb on (07) 3878 7915 or see her Private Consultations page

Can I attend the remaining sessions of the current course, and do the sessions I missed in the beginning of the next course?
This is sometimes possible, depending upon availability - just complete an online enrolment form & let us know in the questions/comments section about your needs.

I want to do Birthtalk’s entire course, but I have to miss one session
– can I make it up?
Every session builds on information from the previous one, so it is important to ensure you have not missed out on vital information and are prepared for the meetings following the one missed. We recommend calling us to determine whether it would be best to arrange a private session with midwife Debby Gould, or whether (based on sessions attended) you could pick up the missed session next course.
Phone Deb on (07) 3878 7915 or see her Private Consultations page.

What methods of payment are available?
We accept cash or cheque on the first night of the course, or payment via Direct Debit. Just email info@birthtalk.org for our Bank Account details.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself, and your partner or any support people as appropriate.

Do you have any similar courses in other states of Australia?
Birthtalk is currently only available in Brisbane. We do offer some Phone Support services for women outside the Brisbane area. Please also contact us for info about Interstate Groups that provide empowering birth education or Birth After Caesarean courses.

Where are your meetings?
Our Antenatal Course, Mythbusting Evenings, and VBAC Course are all held at Toowong Physio Rehab Centre, 13 Morley St, Toowong, Brisbane.

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