Pregnancy to Parenting at Nelson Hospital
Free Nelson Antenatal Classes
The Pregnancy to Parenting education series at Nelson Hospital is a free 2-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.
Young parents
Nelson Hospital offers 4-hour condensed courses for young parents on a Friday afternoon every 2 months. 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 would be good to attend from around 36–37 weeks pregnant, but you can come at any stage of your gestation.
English as a second language (ESOL) classes
ESOL classes are held on an as-needed basis with a relevant interpreter. Email antenatalclasses@nmdhb.govt.nz to organise.
Pregnancy to Parenting class dates for 2025
- January 11 and 12
- February 22 and 23
- May 3 and 4
- June 14 and 15
- August 9 and 10
- October 4 and 5
- December 13 and 14
Pregnancy to Parenting online course dates for 2025
A 6-week course delivered via Zoom runs Tuesdays at 7pm, from March 25 to April 29.
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
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Let customers speak for us
We used this TENS machine during my wife’s labour, and it was an absolute lifesaver. From the early stages right through to active labour, it provided consistent, drug-free pain relief and gave her a real sense of control over her contractions.
The machine was easy to use, even in the middle of contractions. The boost button was especially helpful when the intensity of the pain ramped up – it gave her instant relief and something to focus on. She said the gentle tingling and pulsing sensations helped distract from the discomfort and made things much more manageable, especially before heading to the hospital.
It’s compact, reliable, and the battery lasted the entire time we needed it. This TENS machine helped delay the need for other pain relief, and it made a noticeable difference in her overall birthing experience. Highly recommend for any expecting mums – a small device that makes a big difference
This is my second baby and my second time hiring TENS. For my first birth I made it to around 7cm before I needed gas as well. For this birth I only used TENS and a birth comb (also purchased from natal care naturally) until transition. I was handling the contractions so well with the TENS that I didn’t think to call my midwife until I started to feel the urge to push. Luckily we live close to the birthing centre. Within 45 minutes of ringing my midwife baby was here. I didn’t take the TENS off until I got into the bath to give birth. Highly highly recommend! Natal care naturally are also super efficient with their shipping. Product arrived quickly and with lots of helpful little goodies. The price is also so worth it!
I hired a tens machine and would do again as many times as needed. Great product, really helped me with the contractions. It is easy to arrange for the hire, the machine is easy to operate, great customer service. Very satisfied!
Loved using the TENs machine during labour, it really helped manage the pain relief.
This service was affordable and really easy to utilise.
Everything came so quickly and packaged nicely. The instructions of how and when to use were clear and "baby brain" friendly.
Will be recommending this service to everyone.
The TENS machine was a total game-changer during labour. It helped me stay calm and in control through each contraction especially in the early and active stages. I loved having something I could manage myself, this is the second time I’ve used the TENS for my pregnancy and I honestly don’t know how I would’ve coped without it. Highly recommend to any mama-to-be!
Popped this down my bra on a tissue once contractions ramped up and it sped things up so much!
Absolutely recommend this machine for natural pain relief ! First timer for home birthing and couldn't have been better with the TENS machine.
Totally worth the effort and money. Great Tens model comparing to the ones I used before. Thank you for providing this service!
I hired a tens machine to use during early labour with the intention of a hospital birth. This got me through 6hrs of contractions! Definitely worth it and helped so much. I used with my first child too and would use it again if we had a third!
Ordered for the second time for the birth of my second daughter. Amazing pain relief. The best service and so easy receiving the machine and sending back. Thanks again!
Definitely recommend! Would not have coped without it! Natal Care was so seamless to order from and send back to. Got my deposit back promptly too!
I hired the tens machine for my second labour and wish I did it for the first! It was so helpful for those early contractions, highly recommend. If you’re on the fence about whether or not it will be worthwhile, please do it :) I promise it will be worth it
Second time hirer for natural births and it’s been the best addition to get through those contractions.
Using the tens machine got me through 8 hours of my labour! Such a good tool for channeling the pain and allowing you to focus on breathing. Absolutely recommend hiring one, it was worth its weight in gold for me.
The TENS machine was fantastic as was the service. I accidentally turned the machine off mid contraction (user error not machine error) and noticed how impactful it was. I will never labour again without one. I wish all hospitals and birthing centres had access to these.