This comprehensive course will cover many topics in relation to early parenting including; baby development, sleep, feeding, bonding, baby massage and the whole family’s needs.

Fridays: November 30th, December 7th & 14th
10 am – 12 noon
with

Sunderai Felich, Pre-School, Mothercraft & Childbirth Educator and Director of Dial a Doula. Sunderai has 25 years experience in supporting couples in pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Pinky Mckay, author of "Sleeping like a baby". Infant massage instructor and Lactation Consultant.

Held at: The Health Arts College,

Suite 1 , 26-28 Ellingworth Pd. Box Hill

Cost $150 Full Course - $30 per session

You can attend individual sessions at any time
Bookings Essential
Phone Sunderai – 0401 626 883

Click here to download an enrolment form

Course Outline

Session 1
Bathing - Preparing the space, baby bath or family bath, supporting your
baby in the water – the benefits of bath time. Products - Recommended products. Options and choices re prams, cots, bassinettes, change tables and slings. Clothing – What clothes will you need. Nappies - which kind will work best for you and your baby. Family pressures - how to deal with extended family, day-to-day management of your baby and family. Expectations vs reality. Nurturing for you as a mother - mothering the mother.

Sesson 2
Support - pre-birth and post-natal support - the first six weeks. Expectations from your partner and on your partner. Expectations on yourself as a mother and from others. Support for the father - bread winner vs father. How do men feel during this time of huge change. Supporting your relationship and the family as a whole.

Session 3
Your baby's development in the first 3 months. What to expect - each day is a new day. Supporting gross motor and fine motor development. Realistic expectations. Babies and illness - how to deal with high temperatures and fever. Available support. Appropriate action. Tuning into your baby and trusting your instincts. Baby listener, Priscilla Dunstan.

Session 4
Feeding - Breastfeeding - supportive advice. You and your baby finding your way, hands off from others. Your story - were you breastfed? was your partner breastfed? how this can impact your present experience. Expressing and bottle-feeding. Problems that may arise from lack of information and support. Sleep - Realistic expectations. Routine - what does it mean? Sleeping arrangements - co-sleeping, beside your bed, in the room, in another room? Separation anxiety - how it affects your nervous system and that of your baby. Sleep deprivation - for mum and dad, how to minimise it and find appropriate support.

Session 5
Baby Massage - Why massage your baby? When to massage, appropriate oils and safety. Benefits of baby massage include: reducing stress and aiding sleep, enhancing bonding and development. Learn how to give your baby a mini massage.

There will be time in all sessions for discussion and question and answer.

THA College is now running Aromatherapy Massage & Kinesiology Courses across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide: ring the THA College team on 1300 658 326 (local call outside Victoria) or (03) 9898 0243.