Anyone planning a pregnancy is encouraged to sign up for a new course being offered by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
The Planning a Baby course runs as a two-hour session and is open to anyone in Sutherland Shire or St George who is thinking about starting a family.
The first session will be held at Sutherland Hospital on Monday, June 21, and attendance can be in-person or online.
The course is a first for the area and aims to educate people about the importance of the first 2000 days of a child's life.
It is based on the First 2000 Days Framework - a strategic policy of NSW Health, which refers to the period from conception to five years.
The course aims to educate about the importance of planning for a baby and being as healthy as possible prior to conception.
Alana Hurst is the Parent Education Co-ordinator at Sutherland and St George hospitals.
She said the aim was to give children the best start in life by educating both women and men about the importance of preconception planning.
"A woman and her partner's health is directly related to the health outcomes of their child," Ms Hurst said.
"The session includes information on why planning a pregnancy is important, fertility, importance of medical, family and reproductive history, immunisations, supplements, diet and exercise, alcohol and smoking, psychosocial aspects, resources in the community and models of care offered at Sutherland Hospital.
"The course will also promote awareness around services in the community that can be accessed by a woman and her partner and give them a general understanding of some of the tests and investigations that may be done prior to conception."
She said the course would be run by experienced antenatal education facilitators who are also registered midwives.
The course will initially be offered every two months, but this may increase if there is demand.
Details: For information or to book your spot click here.
