Transition into Parenthood Course
The most comprehensive, best value antenatal courses for pregnant couples available in Sydney
Expecting a baby is one of life’s most extraordinary experiences. Many couples start out asking friends and family for ideas, reading books, exploring apps, all of which are wonderful places to begin, yet it is still surprisingly common to reach those final weeks wondering what labour will actually feel like, what to do in those early hours at home and how your partner can genuinely support you when the moment arrives.
Transition into Parenthood was created for exactly this, to ensure you are both ready and organised and to genuinely prepare you for the wonderful journey ahead together.
Offered as a choice of one-day intensive or the usual two-day course, this is Julie’s most loved program and the one most couples begin with. From the comfortable, relaxed surroundings of her Sutherland home, she guides you through everything from recognising the earliest signs of labour, easy self-help tips and partner skills to provide the right comfort, knowing when to go to the hospital or call the midwife, to understanding your options in hospital and the practical realities of caring for a newborn through those precious first twelve weeks.
You’ll both want to feel confident and informed when decisions need to be made, and Julie will guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can move forward feeling confident and clear.
With over 30 years of experience teaching, 12 years working within the hospital system and more than 150 births attended as a doula, Julie brings a balanced perspective that simply cannot be found in a book or a hospital pamphlet. She understands what midwives hope couples already know before they arrive in labour at the birth suite, she has seen what actually unfolds during labour in real time and as a mother herself, she remembers what it feels like to be where you are right now.
Couples gain a greater sense of closeness, being a team, better prepared and with a sense of calm. Partners gain the knowledge of knowing precisely how to show up and truly be involved and support, not just to be there, but to make a real positive memorable difference.
Saturday 25 April
Sunday 3 May
Saturday 30 May
Sunday 5 July
Saturday 25 July
Sunday 2 August
Saturday 22 August
Sunday 30 August
Saturday 5 September
Sunday 27 September
Saturday 3 October
Sunday 25 October
Saturday 31 October
Saturday 21 November
Saturday 29 November
Sunday 6 December
Saturday 12 December
Saturday 16 May (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 17 May (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 23 May (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 24 May (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 13 June (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 14 June (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 20 June (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 21 June (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 11 July (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 12 July (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 18 July (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 19 July (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 8 August (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 9 August (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 15 August (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 16 August (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 10 October (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 11 October (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 17 October (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 18 October (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 7 November (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 8 November (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 14 November (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 15 November (Day 2 of 2)
What You Will Gain
Over one or two thoughtfully structured days, you will gain practical skills, evidence-based knowledge and the confidence to navigate labour, birth and early parenting with clarity and calm. Here is an overview of what each day covers.
Day One: Pregnancy, Labour & Birth
Recommended for all pregnant couples
The first day is devoted to understanding what is happening in your body and what to expect as labour unfolds. Much of what you’ll learn is what midwives wish every couple knew beforehand, but simply don’t have the time or capacity to cover once you’re in the birth suite room. That knowledge becomes your foundation, helping you move through labour with quiet confidence, following your instincts, intuition and your body’s lead, with your partner’s full support.
Couples complete this session with smiles on their faces, a genuine sense of uplift and dramatically reduced anxiety.
- Practical, pain reducing strategies and support skills for partners that empowers you both towards a normal birth with less likelihood of medical intervention such as forceps, episiotomy and c-section.
- How to recognise the difference between pre-labour and true labour and what to do during the time at home before heading to hospital.
- Modern Active birth positions, effective comfort measures, massage techniques, acupressure points and how to use the facilities available at home, prior to coming into the hospital and in the birth suite.
- What partners need to know, say and do at every stage, including how to advocate calmly and confidently with staff.
- Understanding medical interventions and medications with a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages, so you can make genuinely informed choices that feel right for you.
- How to write a realistic, practical birth plan that support you throughout the whole amazing journey.
- How to understand the variations of pushing effectively and what position choices you have during this labour phase.
- Delivery of the placenta, the first breastfeed and those beautiful early moments of bonding.
Day Two: Baby Care & Parenting
Recommended for couples planning a Natural Birth or C-Section
The second day turns the focus from the birth to what comes next, because as Julie warmly reminds couples, you are not just having a birth. You are having a beautiful new tiny baby, and that baby is going to be giving you signals to read, sounds to decipher and Julie guides you through it all beforehand in a fun way, you will be smiling at the details, fascinated and anticipate it with awe instead of facing a wall of the great unknown.
- Feeding, including breastfeeding positions, how to achieve a good latch and how to navigate the most common early challenges.
- Helpful resources to call on, how to gain the correct assistance in the first hours, in hospital and then when you’ve come home.
- Sleeping, settling, swaddling and how to calm a baby who is tired, overtired and possibly overstimulated. Julie efficiently takes you through these steps and provides excellent printed notes to refer to late for brilliant guidance.
- Nappy changing, bathing and cord care, hygiene care and what to avoid.
- How to recognise if the baby is experiencing colic, or a myriad of other common newborn issues, which can be distressing if its all unknown and you feel completely unaware of any of it and what the safe responses are to do about it.
- Minimising the risk of postnatal depression and anxiety for both parents. Julie is an experienced, knowledgeable PND support counsellor who guides couples through the wise ways to minimise risks beforehand with great tools that are easy to employ together when you have been exposed to the right information about how to adjust to new parenthood together.
- Going back to work, expressing and storing breastmilk and managing that transition.
- Understanding newborn behaviour and finding your footing as parents through the first twelve months.
Every couple takes home two beautifully produced workbooks covering everything from the course and more. They are the kind of resource you will reach for at 2am when you need to check whether something is normal, and you will be genuinely glad you have them.
Transition into Parenthood Course Options & Pricing
The Transition into Parenthood course is available as a one-day intensive or a two-day course. Both cover the same thorough content, but the two-day format offers a more relaxed pace, more time for questions and a deeper exploration of each topic. The popularity of choosing either one-day or two-days is reflected in Julie’s 5 star Google reviews – clients are very happy and satisfied with either choice.
Julie highly recommends the two-day option for couples who can make it work.
All courses are priced per couple, so both of you are included.
One-Day Intensive
Recommended for couples planning a Natural Birth
Everything covered in a single day, beginning with pregnancy, labour and birth in the morning and moving into baby care and parenting in the afternoon. A wonderful option for shift workers, couples travelling from further afield or anyone with a busy schedule who needs thorough preparation in one focused, well-paced session.
Price: $445 per couple
Best Seller!
Two-Day Course
Recommended for couples planning a Natural Birth
The same comprehensive content spread across two days, allowing more breathing room for questions, richer conversation and the chance to really absorb each topic at a pace that feels comfortable. Many couples tell Julie this extra time made all the difference.
Price: $545 per couple
The Ultimate Course Package
Bundle Courses & Save
Book the Transition into Parenthood and Mindful Hypnobirth courses together and an extra discount can be requested. This is the most complete preparation Julie offers, combining active birth techniques and baby care essentials with the breathing, relaxation and visualisation skills that give so many couples their greatest sense of readiness.
Price Option 1:
TiP 1 Day + MHB 1 Day for $790 per couple (save $100!)
Price Option 2:
TiP 2 Day + MHB 1 Day for $890 per couple (save $100!)
Upcoming Course Dates
Julie keeps her classes intentionally small so every couple receives personal attention, plenty of time for questions and a genuinely relaxed learning environment. Because of this boutique format, places are limited and often fill several weeks in advance. If you have a preferred date in mind or are approaching the 28 to 34 week window, it is worth securing your spot early.
Saturday 25 April
Sunday 3 May
Saturday 30 May
Sunday 5 July
Saturday 25 July
Sunday 2 August
Saturday 22 August
Sunday 30 August
Saturday 5 September
Sunday 27 September
Saturday 3 October
Sunday 25 October
Saturday 31 October
Saturday 21 November
Saturday 29 November
Sunday 6 December
Saturday 12 December
Saturday 16 May (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 17 May (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 23 May (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 24 May (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 13 June (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 14 June (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 20 June (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 21 June (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 11 July (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 12 July (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 18 July (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 19 July (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 8 August (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 9 August (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 15 August (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 16 August (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 10 October (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 11 October (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 17 October (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 18 October (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 7 November (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 8 November (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 14 November (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 15 November (Day 2 of 2)
What Past Participants Say
The Transition into Parenthood course is available as a one-day intensive or a two-day course. Both cover the same thorough content, but the two-day format offers a more relaxed pace, more time for questions and a deeper exploration of each topic. The popularity of choosing either one-day or two-days is reflected in Julie’s 5 star Google reviews – clients are very happy and satisfied with either choice.
Julie highly recommends the two-day option for couples who can make it work.
All courses are priced per couple, so both of you are included.
Lynsey Potts
“Julie’s course was amazing. The content was exactly what we needed, a practical approach to what to expect, how to approach all stages of pregnancy, understand labour and the birthing process, and the newborn phase. Hubby was amazing through my labour and a lot is thanks to Julie’s course. He actually had Julie’s book in the delivery suite with us as I was swaying through contractions. After 2 hours of labour and 19 minutes of pushing, I birthed our healthy and gorgeous baby girl.”
Tony Green
“Even though we had done a hospital course, we were really no better equipped to handle the birth of our first child. We still had many questions and wanted different options, methods and opinions. Julie gave us practical tips and easy to learn strategies on how to manage the labour and know what to do, when and how to do it. The course was held in a really cosy, homely room which made it very easy to learn and I felt extremely comfortable to ask questions. My partner struggles with sitting down at this stage of the pregnancy, so it was great that she could move around freely and use the cushions provided, for her comfort. From a man’s perspective, I am now far more confident about being involved and better able to prove support to my partner through the birth and advocating for how we want our birth experience to be. Thanks Julie!”
Stephen Cheung
“My wife and I attended Julie’s Transition into Parenthood course and it was an incredibly valuable experience. As first-time parents expecting identical twins, we had so many questions and concerns. Julie’s knowledge, experience, and supportive approach made us feel much more prepared and confident about what’s ahead. The course was practical, well-structured, and full of useful insights – from pregnancy and birth to newborn care and managing life with twins. Julie created a warm and welcoming environment where we felt comfortable asking anything. We walked away feeling reassured and empowered. If you’re expecting twins, I highly recommend this course. Thanks, Julie, for all your guidance and support!”
Shamiso Dingani
“Julie Clarke offers the most comprehensive antenatal classes available on birthing and transitioning to parenthood. Her ability to break down complex information into clear, practical insights is remarkable — a true reflection and testament of her many years of experience and education. The knowledge she shares will equip you with the confidence to create a lovely birthing experience and to approach birth in a way that aligns more closely with nature and your own intuition. We first completed Julie’s course five years ago in preparation for our first child and recently returned for a refresher as we prepare to welcome our second. Once again, we feel informed, empowered, and ready for this next chapter.”
What Is Included
- The Transition into Parenting workbook, 160 pages of pregnancy, birth, baby care and parenting information you will return to again and again.
- Two textbooks, Preparing for Birth: Mothers and Preparing for Birth: Fathers.
- Small group sizes so every question is welcomed and every couple genuinely feels seen.
- Beverages throughout the day.
- Direct access to Julie by phone and email for questions before and after the course.
- Priority access to Julie’s in-home post-birth baby support service.
- The option to have Julie attend your birth as your doula – available exclusively to course attendees.
- An invitation to the free Cronulla Pram Walking Group.
“Dear Partners: This Is Not a Spectator Sport”
Not every partner walks into an antenatal class brimming with enthusiasm. Some arrive a little sceptical, half-expecting long lectures, awkward demonstrations and hours of sitting quietly in the corner. Many assume their role will be limited to moral support on the day, perhaps holding a hand and trying not to get in the way.
It rarely stays that way for long.
Within the first hour of attending Julie’s antenatal courses, something shifts. The setting is relaxed, the group is small, the questions are real and it becomes clear quite quickly that this is not about watching from the sidelines. It is about becoming part of a team.
Julie teaches partners exactly what they need to know. How to recognise when labour is changing, how to physically support the birthing mother, how to communicate calmly and confidently with staff and how to stay steady when intensity rises. Partners practise techniques, talk through real scenarios and come to understand that their presence has genuine, meaningful impact.
Time and again, partners reflect after the birth that they felt useful, confident and proud of the role they played, not just a witness to something, but an active part of it.
One father, reflecting after the birth of his third child, put it simply: “To the dads out there, it is the way to go. It is not just for your wife, it is for you as well.”
Birth is not a spectator event. It is a shared experience, and when both parents walk into that room prepared and connected, the atmosphere changes, the confidence changes and the story they carry home with their baby changes too.
Saturday 25 April
Sunday 3 May
Saturday 30 May
Sunday 5 July
Saturday 25 July
Sunday 2 August
Saturday 22 August
Sunday 30 August
Saturday 5 September
Sunday 27 September
Saturday 3 October
Sunday 25 October
Saturday 31 October
Saturday 21 November
Saturday 29 November
Sunday 6 December
Saturday 12 December
Saturday 16 May (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 17 May (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 23 May (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 24 May (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 13 June (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 14 June (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 20 June (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 21 June (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 11 July (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 12 July (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 18 July (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 19 July (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 8 August (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 9 August (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 15 August (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 16 August (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 10 October (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 11 October (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 17 October (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 18 October (Day 2 of 2)
Saturday 7 November (Day 1 of 2)
Sunday 8 November (Day 1 of 2)
Saturday 14 November (Day 2 of 2)
Sunday 15 November (Day 2 of 2)
FAQ
You will gain a clear and practical understanding of pregnancy, labour, birth and early baby care tailored to your personalised needs and preferences. This is not a one size fits all school or hospital style lesson. It includes recognising the signs of labour, knowing when to stay home and when to head to hospital, understanding your options around interventions, learning comfort measures and preparing for feeding, sleeping and settling in those early weeks.
This course is for couples who want to feel genuinely ready, prepared, and quite organised, not just a little informed, for the birth of their baby and everything that follows. It is especially valuable for first-time parents, though many couples return in later pregnancies because the confidence they gained the first time made such a difference.
From around 28 weeks is ideal, when preparation feels real and focused rather than rushed. You are welcome earlier or later if that suits your situation better. If your due date is approaching quickly, simply give Julie a call and she will help you find the best option.
Yes, absolutely. The course welcomes twin parents, VBAC families and couples navigating complex or more specific circumstances. The small group setting creates space to discuss your individual situation and receive guidance that feels genuinely relevant to you.
Completely. Partners are included in every part of the course. They learn how to provide physical and emotional support during labour, how to communicate confidently with hospital staff and how to feel calm and capable in their role. This is very much a joint experience.
Hospital classes provide a quick, light overview of hospital procedures and policies. This course goes much deeper. In a small, personal setting, Julie covers practical strategies, evidence-based information and real-life preparation that leaves couples feeling genuinely confident and steady rather than simply informed.
The price shown is per couple. Both of you are included. Couples often comment to Julie, “this has been the best value for money we’ve spent through the entire pregnancy. We’re so relieved we attended.”
Ready to Feel Truly Prepared?
Julie would love to welcome you and your partner into one of her upcoming classes. Spots fill quickly, particularly through the busier spring and summer months, so it is always worth securing your place sooner than later.
Have more questions? You’re welcome to call Julie anytime on 0401 265 530 – she’d love to help you find the course that’s right for you.