Pregnancy & Parenting Education Classes

Waitematā District Health Board (DHB) provides a free comprehensive programme for pregnancy and parenting education. The Pregnancy and Parenting classes are for all pregnant women/people who live in the Waitematā area, and their partners, support people and whānau. We offer the option of face-to-face or Zoom sessions.

Update 23/5/22: Pregnancy and Parenting classes under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Lights)

From June 2022 we are recommencing some face-to-face classes, with face masks and 1m distancing precautions in place.  Please be aware that this may be subject to change at short notice, depending on Ministry of Health advice. Zoom options will continue to be available at all settings. If you have a strong preference for in-person or Zoom classes, please indicate your preference in the "Do you have specific requirements?" section of the registration form.

We strongly support The Ministry of Health’s recommendation that pregnant women/people and their whānau 12 years and older are double vaccinated for COVID-19, with boosters up to date as recommended.

As a public health service, our classes will remain open for all regardless of vaccination status.

If you have any questions, please email

Courses Offered

Pregnant, What Next? is an early pregnancy class for all pregnant women and people under 20 weeks pregnant, their partners or whānau. This is a 2-hour information session to help answer all your pregnancy questions.

Classes in English are held on the first Wednesday of every month via Zoom.

Classes in Mandarin are held on the last Saturday of every month via Zoom.

Pregnancy and Parenting Courses consist of 4 x 2-hour classes run over 4 weeks, or 2 x 4-hour classes run over 2 weekends. Courses are also available in Mandarin. If registering for the Pregnancy and Parenting course, you will be booked to start your selected course at around 26 - 28 weeks of pregnancy. Topics covered include:

• Keeping well in pregnancy
• Your labour and birth
• Breastfeeding and safe sleeping
• Caring for your new baby

Breastfeeding classes are run once per month at Waitakere Hospital, Maternity Outpatient Clinic in Takapuna, and via Zoom. This is a 2-hour session.

Breastfeeding classes for speakers of Mandarin are available once a month at Maternity Outpatient Clinic in Takapuna, and via Zoom.

Hapūtanga Wānanga - NEW in 2021 - A two day Wānanga open to any wāhine hapū/pregnant people and whānau at any stage of pregnancy. Focus is on empowering a healthy pregnancy, birth and transition to parenthood through restoring kaupapa Māori traditional birthing knowledge. The two days are FREE with healthy kai and parking vouchers provided. Overnight stay on the Marae is encouraged. Tamariki and whānau welcome.

Four Wānanga are held each year. Spaces are limited so book early using the online booking form below. For further information, please contact Kate Hare - Midwife Coordinator Pregnancy & Parenting Education, kate.hare@waitematadhb.govt.nz. Ph 021 523 479.

Te Aka Oranga Waikawa Wahakura Wānanga - A weaving Wānanga open to any wāhine hapū/pregnant people and whānau at any stage of pregnancy to weave their own Wahakura (baby bassinet) for their pēpi. The day is FREE with all materials supplied, lunch and parking vouchers included. Safe sleep messages are woven into the day and whānau support is encouraged.

Four Wānanga are held each year. This is a full day and spaces are limited so book early via Rosie Houghton - Māori Women’s Health Liaison Coordinator, ph 021 926 361 or by using the online booking form below.

Bookings for all our courses are essential.

Information Sheets

• Hapūtanga Wānanga are held at Waitakere Marae
• Te Aka Oranga Waikawa Wahakura Wānanga are held at Waitakere Marae

For Zoom classes, you will receive email instructions and a Zoom link to join the class.

Bookings and Enquiries

Pregnancy and Parenting Education Schedule

Unless a date is specified, all courses run one after the other throughout the year.

Pregnancy and Parenting classes under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Lights)

From June 2022 we are recommencing some face-to-face classes, with face masks and 1m distancing precautions in place.  Please be aware that this may be subject to change at short notice, depending on Ministry of Health advice. Zoom options will continue to be available at all settings. If you have a strong preference for in-person or Zoom classes, please indicate your preference in the "Do you have specific requirements?" section of the registration form.

To book please register for an Early Pregnancy Information session, Pregnancy and Parenting Education course, Breastfeeding session, Hapūtanga Wānanga or Te Aka Oranga Waikawa Wahakura Wānanga.

Pregnancy and Parenting Courses for Teen Parents

Living and Learning Family Centre Young Mum Programme, Henderson - The Young Mum programme supports young mums/young parents-to-be (16-25 year olds) in West Auckland.  The programme covers parenting programmes, life skills, group workshops on health and wellbeing to build personal growth and development.  The programme runs for 20 weeks (with two intakes per year), on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 0930-2:30pm.  There is no charge to the programme and childcare is available on site. 

To make a referral to Young Mum Programme or for more information please contact the Programme Coordinator on text 029 773 063l, Centre contact number 09 837 7992 or email

Grace Gate Young Mums Programme, Rosedale, North Shore - Young Mums Programme provides a variety of different ideas and resources, to equip young parents with knowledge and understanding for their parenting journey. For information visit http://www.gracegate.org.nz/young-mums/, phone Charisa Giles on 09 914 2999 or email charisa@gracegate.org.nz 

Pregnancy and Parenting Classes for Whānau North Rodney

Helensville Birthing Centre - We offer free Pregnancy and Parenting classes for women/parents living in the South Kaipara area. Please email Helensville Birthing Centre for more information or book online here

Warkworth Birthing Centre - Pregnancy and Parenting classes are held at the Birthing Centre throughout the year. Suitable for first time mums/parents as well as those who have previously had children, the courses cover a wide range of topics and are run in an informative, supportive manner responsive to the group's needs. Book online here or contact us on phone (09) 425 8201 or email admin@wwbc.co.nz

Pregnancy and Baby

In addition to classes, evidence-based pregnancy and parenting information is available on the "Mokopuna Ora Healthy Pregnancy and Baby" website.

Other Providers of Pregnancy and Parenting Education

FREE Pregnancy and Parenting Education is available at:

Te Puna Hauora, North Shore – Mana Maatua is a free nine week parenting programme for parents, held on Thursday Mornings from 9.30am – 1.00pm. The programme is designed for whānau to share their experiences, ideas and views while gaining new knowledge and skills in becoming confident, capable parents. Each week a new module topic is discussed: whānau, child development, behaviour, healthy lifestyles, blended families, safer families, goal setting and problem-solving. Contact: Te Puna Hauora Social services on 094890187 or 094890186 or complete an online referral
http://tepuna.org.nz/connect

Te Whānau o Waipareira – Kaiarahi Child Services provide a FREE flexible home based service that supports parents, caregivers and whānau, to be the best parents they can be and help their child get the best start in life 0-5yrs. Enrol during pregnancy or before your child turns 4yrs.
https://www.waipareira.com/support-for-you-and-your-whānau/pepi-tamariki/

Plunket - Last classes in June 2022! Register now for FREE ‘Your New Baby’ course - focuses on establishing a positive relationship with baby from birth, how baby communicates, the important role parents and caregivers play in baby’s brain development, the changes and challenges of becoming a new family and practical care aspects such as bathing, settling, safe sleep and safety tips.  Email or phone 09-4760705 for more information and to enrol.

For private providers of user pays programmes search online for pregnancy and parenting education or antenatal education North Shore or West Auckland.