Bunbury Hospital is leading the way by becoming one of the first public hospitals in Australia to offer a free Comprehensive Complementary Therapy Birth Education Program for expecting parents.
Program coordinator Kasey Biggar said it was an exciting development.
“A recent Australian study highlighted the importance of attending a program that included complementary therapies to support labour and birth,” she said.
“Evidence also shows the courses can make a hugely positive difference to the birthing experience of mums and dads because it prepares them to take an active role in the delivery."
The course focuses on best practice complementary therapies including breathing and relaxation techniques, while maintaining medical principles such as induction of labour, pain relief and unexpected outcomes.
Bunbury resident and mother Felicity Marra said completing the Birth Education Program at Bunbury Hospital prior to her son Leonardo’s birth three months ago had been empowering.
“My husband Adam and I learnt so much from the course - it gave us confidence and valuable knowledge prior to and during Leonardo’s birth, especially because we knew what our options were ahead of time,” she said.
A Supportive Care Givers Course for midwives and care givers has also been recently introduced.
“All of these education initiatives strengthen our Midwifery program at Bunbury Hospital, because it’s expecting parents who will benefit from them,” Ms Biggar said.
For more contact 9722 2284.
