Preparing For Baby
Navigating the Transition to Parenthood
The transition to parenthood brings enormous change. While much attention is placed on preparing for birth, many parents feel less prepared for feeding, understanding their newborn and navigating the early weeks after birth.
The postpartum period can also be overwhelming, with conflicting advice from family, friends, social media and health professionals often leaving parents unsure what is normal and what support they may need.
This private session helps you develop a deeper understanding of newborn behaviour, feeding and the realities of early parenthood so you can approach this next chapter with confidence, realistic expectations and practical strategies for life with your baby.
You will gain an understanding of what is commonly expected in the early weeks, how to recognise when additional support may be helpful, and where to access local services on the Central Coast. A comprehensive resource guide is included to help connect you with trusted support if needed after your baby arrives.
Preparing for Baby includes:
Preparation Beyond Birth
This session combines practical preparation with realistic expectations to help you approach early parenthood with greater confidence and clarity.
Together we explore:
Understanding breastfeeding
Understanding your newborn
Navigating the fourth trimester
Understanding Feeding
Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a learned skill. Many parents are surprised by the learning curve that comes with feeding a newborn and the amount of conflicting advice they receive during the early weeks.
This section helps you understand how breastfeeding works, what is commonly expected in the early postpartum period and how to recognise when feeding is going well. We also explore common challenges, practical strategies and where to seek support if needed, helping you approach feeding with greater confidence and realistic expectations.
Topics include:
Understanding how breastfeeding works
What to expect in the first days and weeks
Recognising when feeding is going well
Preventing and managing common challenges
How partners can support breastfeeding and feeding confidence
Knowing when and where to seek support
Understanding Your Newborn
Newborn babies arrive with their own unique personalities, preferences and ways of communicating. While caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming at times, understanding normal newborn behaviour can help you respond with greater confidence and develop realistic expectations for the early weeks.
This section explores your baby’s physical, emotional and developmental needs, helping you better understand their cues, build connection and feel more confident navigating life with your newborn.
Topics include:
Understanding newborn behaviour and communication
Recognising and responding to your baby’s cues
Newborn sleep and realistic expectations
Crying, settling and comforting strategies
Building a strong, secure attachment through responsive parenting
Navigating the Fourth Trimester
While much attention is placed on preparing for birth, many parents are surprised by the physical, emotional and practical adjustments that follow.
The fourth trimester is a period of significant change as you recover from birth, adjust to your new role as a parent and get to know your baby. Developing realistic expectations for this time can help you approach the early weeks with greater confidence, recognise when additional support may be beneficial and make informed decisions that feel right for your family.
Every family is unique. This section explores the realities of early parenthood, helping you navigate the transition with greater confidence, flexibility and self-compassion.
Topics include:
Physical and emotional adjustment after birth
Realistic expectations for the early weeks of parenthood
Nourishing your physical and emotional wellbeing during the postpartum period
Building and utilising your support network
Navigating parenthood together and adjusting to changing family dynamics
Navigating conflicting advice and information
Recognising when additional support may be beneficial and accessing appropriate services
Book Your Course
Preparing For Baby
$330 per couple
Included:
Three-hour private in-home session
Comprehensive resource booklet
Local directory of trusted Central Coast support services
Phone or email guidance from Kate if you are unsure which support services may best meet your needs
When to Attend
Ideally from 30 weeks of pregnancy onwards, when many parents begin turning their attention from preparing for birth to preparing for life with their baby.
Booking Availability
July
Booked Out
August
Saturday 1 August | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday 2 August | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Wednesday 5 August | 10: 00 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 12 August | 10: 00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday 14 August | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday 15 August | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday 16 August | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Wednesday 19 August | 10: 00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday 21 August | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
September
Wednesday 3 September | 10: 00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday 4 September | 4.30 pm – 7: 30 pm
Saturday 5 September | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 9 September | 10: 00 am – 1:00 Wednesday 16 September | 10:00 am – 1: 00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the sessions held?
Preparing for Baby is offered as a private session in your home across the Central Coast, allowing information to be tailored to your individual needs, circumstances and questions.
Is this session suitable for both parents?
Yes. Preparing for Baby is designed for both parents and explores feeding, newborn behaviour and the transition to parenthood. Partners play an important role in supporting feeding, responding to their baby’s needs and navigating the early weeks together.
Does this session cover preparation for birth?
No. This session focuses on preparing for life with your baby after birth, including feeding, newborn behaviour and the fourth trimester.
For birth preparation, I recommend attending a Calmbirth® course, which complements this session by providing comprehensive preparation for labour, birth and informed decision-making.
I'm not planning to breastfeed. Is this session still worthwhile?
Absolutely. While feeding is an important component of the session, we also explore newborn behaviour, sleep, settling, responsive parenting and the transition to parenthood.
If you would like a session tailored to your individual circumstances and feeding choices, please contact Kate to discuss your needs.
When is the best time to attend Preparing for Baby?
As a general guide, Preparing for Baby is best attended from 30 weeks of pregnancy onwards. This timing allows information to feel relevant and fresh as you prepare for your baby’s arrival, while still giving you time to reflect on the content and access additional support if needed.
However, every family is different, and sessions can be scheduled earlier or later depending on your circumstances.
Can I claim Preparing for Baby through my private health fund?
Many private health insurers provide rebates for childbirth and parenting education. As coverage varies between insurers and policies, I recommend checking with your health fund and contacting Kate prior to booking to confirm eligibility.
Do you provide postpartum care?
Kate is available for phone or email guidance if you are unsure about something or would like help identifying appropriate support services. However, she does not provide clinical midwifery care, postnatal home visits or breastfeeding consultations after your baby is born.
What if my baby arrives before my scheduled session?
If your baby arrives unexpectedly before your session, please contact Kate to discuss available options.
Is this session suitable for parents preparing for another baby?
Preparing for Baby is best suited to first-time parents.
Parents expecting another baby may benefit more from a Birth and Postpartum Mapping Session, which is tailored to your individual circumstances. These sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on previous birth and postpartum experiences, identify your needs and priorities, and develop a plan for a more supported and nurturing transition with your next baby.
Feel Prepared for the Early Weeks
Develop realistic expectations, practical strategies and confidence for life with your baby.