Antenatal classes — Nelson Marlborough

Classes to help you prepare for labour, birth and parenting.

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Pregnancy to Parenting at Nelson Hospital

The Pregnancy to Parenting education series at Nelson Hospital is a free two-day course.

You will gain skills to take you through pregnancy, labour and birth, the early days of parenting, and more.

Classes provide information on:

  • forming a birth plan
  • coping skills
  • the process of labour and birth
  • what to expect after the birth
  • feeding your pēpi
  • planning your new roles as parents.

You will meet other expectant parents, offering a chance to form social networks in your community that relate to your current life stage.

The course ends with a tour of the Nelson Hospital Maternity Ward.

Pregnancy to Parenting class dates

  • 13 to 14 December 2025

  • 10 to 11 January 2026

  • 7 to 8 March 2026

  • 16 to 17 May 2026

  • 27 to 28 June 2026

  • 8 to 9 August 2026

  • 3 to 4 October 2026

  • 28 to 29 November 2026.

Young parents

Nelson Hospital offers 4-hour condensed courses for young parents. This is an opportunity to get information in smaller groups and meet other young parents.

Refresher groups

These less formal, short sessions provide up-to-date information and the opportunity to socialise with other parents expecting another child.

These sessions are good to attend when you are around 36–37 weeks pregnant, but you can come at any stage of your pregnancy.

English as a second language (ESOL) classes

ESOL classes are held on an as-needed basis with a relevant interpreter.

Register for a course

Complete the registration form to get access to the Pregnancy to Parenting education series class materials.

Registration for classes will be accepted at any point in your pregnancy. Attending antenatal classes from 28 weeks onwards, and ideally before 37 weeks, offers the best experience of learning for you and your birth partner.

Registration form

Pregnancy to Parenting registration form

After registration, you will receive an automated reply with general information. Your requested date will not be on here, so make a note of the date you have booked.

You will also receive an email with the link to access the Pregnancy to Parenting education series class materials.

Our antenatal class coordinator will be in touch the week before your session with more information.

If you have questions or difficulty registering:

Marlborough antenatal classes

Our free antenatal classes support you every step of the way as you prepare for the arrival of your pēpi.

Designed to be informative, fun and interactive, these classes help you get ready for the journey ahead with confidence and support, and other expectant parents.

It can be your first baby or your third. Antenatal classes are for every expectant parent wanting more information on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.

Classes are held at Wairau Hospital in the Tatau Pounamu rooms.

Attending antenatal classes from 28 weeks onwards, and ideally before 37 weeks, offers the best experience of learning for you and your birth partner.

Topics covered include:

  • pregnancy lifestyle
  • birthing environment
  • childbirth
  • breastfeeding
  • early decisions for newborns
  • newborn behaviours
  • parental wellbeing
  • practical parenting.

Information about our antenatal classes

Classes have 2 formats.

Option 1: Weeknight class

These classes take place over 6 weeks on a weeknight, from 6pm to 8:30pm (with a break).

The registration form below has the available weeknight option and upcoming dates.

Option 2: One-on-one sessions

A small one-on-one session can be arranged with the antenatal educator for Marlborough if the weeknight session is unsuitable.

Register for a course

Complete the registration form to register and gain access to the class materials.

Register for an antenatal class in Marlboroughexternal link

Once you have registered, you will receive a welcome email within the week.

A week before your classes start, you will receive an email reminding you of your upcoming sessions.

If you have questions or difficulty registering, contact the Pregnancy and Parenting Educator for Marlborough, Nedra Schofield:

Nelson Parents Centre antenatal classes

Nelson Parents Centre provides childbirth education (antenatal) classes in Nelson and Motueka.

Your local centre — Parents Centre Aotearoaexternal link