ANTENATAL CLASSES
Apart from acquiring the necessary knowledge to prepare for the arrival of baby, attending antenatal classes together with your spouse is also a rite of passage that parents-to-be should go through together - enjoy the process!

Seen here: Mrs Wong from Thomson Medical Centre,
demonstrating the basics of bathing a newborn.

What are some things you will learn? Below shows a sample of the topics that most antenatal classes will cover, taken from the Antenatal classes offered at Thomson Medical Centre.

Lesson ONE
•Antenatal Exercise •Nutrition Before & After Delivery •Myths& Traditions •Coping with Pregnancy Discomfort •Back Care & Postures •Instructional Video •Q & A

Lesson TWO
•Antenatal Exercise •Physiological Approach to Breathing Relaxation •Changes in Pregnancy Leading to Signs & Symptoms of Labour •Other Alternative Types of Pain Relief in Labour •Instructional Video •Q & A

Lesson THREE
•Antenatal Exercise •Physiological Approach to Breathing Relaxation •Learning to Cope in Labour •Mechanisms of Normal Childbirth •Husband's Role •Hospital Tour •Instructional Video •Q & A

Lesson FOUR
•Hands-on Child Care •General Care •Skin Care •Diaper Care •Bathing •Coping with a Fretting, Crying Baby •Coping with a Sleepy or Wakeful Baby •Coping with Colic •Instructional Video •Q & A

Lesson FIVE
•Breastfeeding •Bottle Feeding •Sterilization of Feeding Equipment •Weaning (introducing solid food) •Learning to Enhance your Child's Physical & Mental Development •Q & A

Lesson SIX
•Husband's Role during Childbirth •Problems Associated with a Newborn •The Process of Labour •Living with the In-laws •How to Raise a Brighter Child •Post-natal Depression

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Most antenatal classes cost between S$130 - S$180 for the entire course for both parents.

It is worth finding out about the available classes first from the hospital you will be putting up, before checking out those offered at other hospitals. The advantage is that both you and your husband can become familiar with the hospital surroundings, and also, build a strong bond with the midwife or coach.

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Other places to check out:

Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre, Singapore General Hospital
What it offers: A package of eight lessons titled - Pregnancy Without Fears, Labour Without Tears.
Costs $20 per lesson or $140 for a full package of eight lessons.
Spouses get in for free.
Registration and payment to be made at the O&G Centre, Block 5, Level 1. Phone bookings are not allowed, but if you have queries, call the obstetrics coordinator on 6321-4516.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital
What it offers: Antenatal programme, aqua fitness, baby massage and postnatal care, among other services. For more information, go to http://www.kkh.com.sg/

Birth & Beyond
What it offers: A team of experienced teachers who conduct a range of classes and services to help expectant and new parents cope with the demands of pregnancy, labour and birth, breastfeeding and infant care.
Address: 19 Tanglin Road, #04-04, Tanglin Shopping Centre
Tel: 6736-1636/7 Fax: 6736-3500
Website: http://www.birthandbeyond.com.sg

aLife Pregnancy Assistance and Counselling Centre
What it offers: Medical expertise, counselling services and antenatal services.
Address: Block 308, #01-165, Shunfu Road
Tel: 6258-8816 Fax: 6258-4339
Website - http://www.alife.org.sg - answers many questions about common problems during pregnancy.

The Mother and Child Centre
What it offers: Antenatal classes for both expectant and new parents. Address: #03-11, 163 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Mall Tel/Fax: 6836-0063
Website: http://www.motherchildcentre.com/home.htm
E-mail: mother_child@pacific.net.sg

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"The tips offered were extremely useful and down-to-earth. It gave my hubby and I ample mental preparation. We looked forward to the weekly sessions. At least there was something we could do for our baby before she was born."

- Kay, first time mother -