Epworth offers childbirth classes in Mandarin

The team at Epworth Freemasons' maternity unit is now offering childbirth education classes in Mandarin, aiming to support more families as they prepare for their baby's arrival and the early weeks of parenting.

The classes have been developed and delivered by experienced Epworth midwives, drawing on decades of clinical expertise.

A recent survey of participants indicated that 92 percent of respondents felt more confident about labour, birth and early parenting after completing the Melbourne hospital's program.

Epworth Freemasons' Childbirth Education Co-ordinator, Frances Laing, said the Mandarin initiative reflected the Victorian private healthcare group's commitment to providing inclusive and accessible maternity services.

"Every family deserves to feel supported throughout their parenthood journey," she said.

"By offering childbirth classes in Mandarin, we are ensuring Mandarin-speaking families can access the same high-quality education and preparation for labour, birth and early parenting.

"Our aim is to ensure families feel informed, confident and equipped with practical tools for the early weeks with their newborn."

Mandarin is the official language of the People's Republic of China, Taiwan and Singapore, and is also widely spoken in Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia.

A recent participant in Epworth's childbirth education program highlighted the value of accessing the classes in their preferred language.

"Being able to attend the classes in Mandarin made it much easier to understand the information and feel prepared for the birth of our baby," the participant said.

"The midwives were knowledgeable, approachable and very supportive throughout the program."

The Mandarin childbirth education classes, introduced in late 2025, cover topics including 'labour, birth and baby', as well as help for caesarean section deliveries. They are offered alongside Epworth's existing English-language childbirth program.

Breastfeeding classes conducted in Mandarin will also begin in the coming months, subject to demand. Each class will accommodate up to nine couples.

Families are encouraged to secure a place early in the second trimester, with attendance recommended between 30-35 weeks of pregnancy.

Read more: 'Magical connection' as mum assists birth

Read more: Maternity concierge finds 'different path'

Next On The Ground:
27/3/2026 Ramsay investment boosts local eye care options

Previous On The Ground:
19/3/2026 Surgeon puts Paralympian 'back together a second time'