Newcastle’s new mums will have the chance to talk about the often taboo subject of sex after childbirth during a special seminar to be held at Newcastle Region Library on Monday 8 November 2010.

The City of Newcastle, Marie Stope International and Bayer Schering Pharma are working in partnership to deliver the event, which will be hosted by leading sexual health experts.

Well-known sex therapist and sex coach Jacqueline Hellyer says the seminar is an ideal opportunity to have a candid conversation about the real issues women face following the birth of a child.

“No one tells you how your sex life will change after you have a child; it is not mentioned in birth preparation classes, baby books skirt the issue and friends with babies hold back on the detail.”

“The seminar will help women learn how to build desire and the role that contraception can play in setting the mood and relaxing mothers.”

The seminar will also feature Marie Stopes International representative Grazie Crammond, who will address the myths around contraception and contraceptive options following childbirth.

“Many women, especially time-poor mothers, are looking for convenient ways to manage family spacing,” said Ms Crammond.

“Some have been on the same contraceptive since early adult life and are unsure what will work for them in their new role as a mother.”

The seminar is the first in what is hoped to be a national roll-out of education sessions. Women are encouraged to bring with them an open mind and all their questions, for a frank and energetic session.

Mothers looking for more information about the event should contact Newcastle Region Library on 4974 5300 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bookings not required but recommended. Mums with bubs in arms are welcome.


What: ‘Sex after childbirth’ seminar for new mums

When: Monday 8 November 2010, 10.30am – 11.30am

Where: Newcastle Region Library, Laman Street, Newcastle

Speakers:

Jacqueline Hellyer is a sex therapist and sex coach for Men's Health and Women's Health magazines, mother of three and author of ‘The Sex Life Survival Guide for Parents’.

Grazie Crammond is a midwife and runs the Westmead and Newcastle Maire Stopes International centres.

Learning to ride in a safe environment will soon be easier with construction underway of a circuit zone at the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground at Speers Point Park.

Manager City Projects, Adam Wakeman, said kids on tricycles, scooters, bikes, and wheelchairs will be able to learn courtesy and good road manners on the circuit zone. “For younger riders there is a slower paced ‘town centre’ track, which measures 80 metres in length and built to imitate driving around town,” Mr Wakeman said. “Here, travellers will encounter two-directional traffic, intersections, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, and a solar powered recharge station for ‘refuelling’. This is inter-connected with a 95m one-directional track that has plenty of fast bends for the more experienced rider.”

“Picnic shelters, seating, and other furniture with additional swings will be also installed in this fully fenced circuit zone located at the far end of the playground in the coming months,” he added.

Construction on the circuit zone is expected to be completed by the next school holidays in October.  The construction of the circuit zone will not affect the rest of the Variety Playground.

Seven further zones will be built by early next year with thanks to the Federal Government's Regional & Local Community Infrastructure Program - Strategic Projects grant and funding from Council, Variety the Children's Charity, and Xstrata Coal.
You can keep up to date with what is happening at the playground by joining the Facebook group Lake Macquarie Variety Playground.