The Department of Health is offering free childbirth education classes to expectant mothers and their coaches.

A series of weekly, lunch-hour sessions will be held at the Bermuda Youth Library between 12.30 p.m. and 1.45 p.m., starting this Friday.

The classes will be taught by experienced healthcare professionals and are designed to be "fun, educational and to promote the well-being of mothers and their babies", a Ministry spokesperson stated.

"Topics include relaxation and breathing techniques, stages of labour and comfort measures, pain medications, cesarean birth, infant massage, breastfeeding and postpartum issues. Participants who attend all six classes will qualify for a certificate and a special familiarisation tour of the Maternity Ward at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital."

Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

For further information including the complete schedule of classes telephone the Maternal Health and Family Planning Department on 278-6441.