For many parents-to-be, the weeks leading up to baby’s arrival come with a strange mix of excitement and uncertainty. There is the hospital bag to pack, the nursery to prepare and, somewhere in between, a growing list of questions that Google never quite manages to settle.

What happens during labour? How do you know what your newborn needs? Will breastfeeding really come naturally? And, perhaps most importantly, what do you actually do when you bring that tiny human home?

These were some of the questions at the heart of the Parenthood x Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Antenatal BootCamp 2026, held on 29 August at Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Nexus @ Bangsar South. Designed to help mums and dads feel more prepared for the journey ahead, the full-day programme brought together medical experts, practical demonstrations, interactive activities and plenty of opportunities for parents-to-be to ask questions.

Expert Advice for the Journey Ahead

The most important part of the bootcamp has got to be the line-up of expert-led sessions, covering some of the biggest concerns parents-to-be may have before and after their baby arrives.

Dr Muniswaran Ganeshan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, spoke on “Navigating Complex Pregnancies with Precision: What Every Couple Should Know”, addressing what couples should understand when a pregnancy requires additional attention or monitoring.

Newborn behaviour was another important focus, with Dr Uma Sothinathan, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, covering “Decoding Your Newborn: Understanding Cues, Cries & Behaviours.” The session helped parents look beyond the crying and start recognising the different ways babies communicate their needs.

Breastfeeding was covered by Sr Angelina, Midwife from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, who took parents through practical techniques for successful breastfeeding. The session also highlighted the important role partners can play in supporting mothers during the breastfeeding journey. Parents also had the opportunity to learn practical newborn care through a baby bathing and swaddling session conducted by the midwifery team from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Rounding off the educational programme was a First Aid & CPR session, led by the Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur team. While it is a skill every parent hopes never to use, knowing what to do during those first critical moments can make a meaningful difference.

The Brands and Communities Behind the Experience

The bootcamp also brought together a selection of participating partners, giving parents the chance to discover products, services and resources relevant to their parenting journey.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

For couples already thinking about where they will deliver, the Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) booth offered a useful opportunity to explore what the hospital has in store for the journey ahead. Information on PHKL’s delivery packages gave expecting couples a closer look at their options, while its breastfeeding services highlighted the support available to mothers beyond delivery.

The booth also had something practical for mums to take home, with pregnancy supplements given out to attending mothers. Alongside all the expert led sessions by the professionals from PHKL, the booth gave parents another chance to learn more about the care and support available as they prepare to welcome their little one.

Earth & Me

Earth & Me, a Malaysian plant-based baby essentials brand, introduced parents to its range of Plant-Based Bamboo Diapers and Natural Cleansing Wipes. Staying true to its “Less Plastic. More Plants.” philosophy, the brand focuses on using more plant-based materials while avoiding unnecessary harsh chemicals.

Parents could also get a closer look at the diapers through a hands-on resilience demonstration, putting the product to the test and seeing for themselves how well it holds up. The booth also kept things light with an interactive quiz, giving parents a fun way to learn more about the brand and its products.

CryoCord

For parents considering their options around cord blood and stem cells, Vivian from CryoCord shared insights during “The Wonders of Stem Cell Banking”, giving expecting couples a clearer understanding of stem cell banking and the considerations involved. CryoCord also had a booth at the event, where parents could continue the conversation and find out more.

Upang

For busy moms juggling feeds, naps and everything in between, Upang showcased its sterilisation gadget designed to make baby bottle sterilisation more convenient. The booth also highlighted the importance of properly sterilising baby bottles as part of everyday baby care, giving parents a useful reminder about keeping their little one’s feeding essentials clean and ready to use.

Saeson

Saeson brought its Tencel™ swaddle cloths to the bootcamp, with parents able to explore the brand’s offerings together with SLB, which shared the same booth. The booth also formed part of the Station Passport activity, giving parents a chance to stop by, discover both brands and collect another stamp on their passport as they explored the different partner booths around the event.

A Few Happy Surprises to Take Home

After a packed programme of learning, practical sessions and partner activities, six participants walked away with prizes in the bootcamp’s lucky draw.

The lucky draw also added a little extra excitement to the day, with six parents taking home prizes from Lunavie, Saeson, SLB and Babyshop. From baby essentials and swaddles to nursing and snack-time goodies, the prizes gave the lucky winners a few thoughtful treats to take home after a full day of learning and activities.

More than a full day of talks and activities, the Antenatal BootCamp gave parents-to-be something that goes beyond a checklist of things to learn before baby arrives. It gave them the chance to ask questions, practise hands-on skills and leave with a little more confidence for the journey ahead.
Because while no one can truly prepare for every surprise that comes with becoming a parent, having the right knowledge, support and community can make the road ahead feel a whole lot less overwhelming.

Thinking about joining the next one? Keep an eye out for Parenthood’s upcoming Antenatal BootCamps and family events, where more expert advice, practical tips and parent-friendly experiences await.

Follow Parenthood Malaysia on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know when the next event is announced.