For many first-time parents, preparing for a baby feels a bit like cramming for the world’s most unpredictable exam. You are excited, overwhelmed, curious, terrified, and somehow expected to know what a proper latch looks like on two hours of sleep. That is why Parenthood’s Antenatal Bootcamp (ABC), held recently with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur at Nexus, Bangsar South, could not have come at a better time.

Packed with expert advice, hands-on demos, and honest conversations, the event gave almost 80 pairs of parents-to-be something every new mom and dad desperately needs before baby arrives: reassurance. Here is a look at everything that went down.

Expert-Led Guidance: From Labour to Living Rooms

The expert-led sessions were the heart of the day, covering everything first-time parents genuinely worry about. Dr Paul Ng Hock Onn, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), took the stage to de-mystify the labour room. He walked couples through the transition from early contractions to the final delivery, focusing on practical knowledge to swap fear for focus. Once the baby arrives, the real adventure begins. Dr Anushree Narayanan, a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, stepped up to break down newborn care. She focused on those precious, bewildering first weeks, teaching parents how to read newborn cues without losing their peace of mind.

Then came the topic that makes almost every new mother text her group chat in a panic at 2:00 AM: breastfeeding. Sr Kanmani, Lactation Consultant from PHKL, delivered a reassuring, straight-talking session on successful breastfeeding, breaking down positioning, latching, and how to manage expectations without unnecessary guilt. Later in the afternoon, PHKL’s Sr Banupriya, Breastfeeding Counsellor, took the stage for a highly anticipated live demonstration on baby bathing and swaddling. For anyone who has ever feared dropped soap or a loose blanket, watching a pro navigate a slippery newborn simulation was the ultimate confidence booster.

Booths, Brands, and a Lucky Draw Worth Sticking Around For

Beyond the sessions, the event floor was buzzing with vendors who were not just there to set up a table and hand out flyers. Each participating brand brought something genuinely useful to the table, including talks, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for parents to ask questions one-on-one.
Heart Knocks set up a booth alongside a fascinating talk by KH Koh titled The Secret Life of the Unborn Child, offering parents a whole new perspective on what their baby is already experiencing in the womb.

Prudential’s Ivy Liew presented a session on lifetime protection and financial planning for your child’s future, because the earlier you start thinking about it, the better. And Milk Inc brought the fun with a diaper demonstration that got the dads up on stage to try their hand at it. Let’s just say it was entertaining for everyone involved.

Of course, no boot camp is complete without some parting gifts. Our massive lucky draw segment saw multiple winners walk away with incredible gear to kickstart their parenting journeys, with prizes supported by Babyshop, Lunavie, Milk Inc, and Granny Ben. The top spots of the day included:

• Prize 1: Granny Ben TENCEL™ Muslin Animal Hooded Swaddle (worth RM199)
• Prize 2: Saeson TENCEL™ Swaddle Cloth (worth RM259)
• Prize 3: A premium SLB hamper (worth RM269)

Our Valued Partners

CryoCord

CryoCord was on hand throughout the day to educate expecting parents on stem cell banking, what it involves, why it matters, and why more and more families in Malaysia are choosing to bank their baby’s stem cells as a long-term investment in their child’s health. Their booth gave parents the space to ask questions and get real answers, and their talk broke it all down in a way that was accessible and genuinely informative.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL)

As the official partner for this year’s Antenatal Bootcamp, PHKL showed up in a big way. Beyond bringing in the medical experts behind the day’s talks and guidance, from labour and newborn care to breastfeeding, their booth was also dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and raising awareness of PHKL’s breastfeeding programme, backed by their status as a Baby Friendly Hospital in Malaysia. On top of that, they gave out free breastfeeding supplements to attending mums, which honestly might have been one of the most practical things anyone could walk away with that day.

KitaParents

Our very own community hub, KitaParents, was on the ground with a lively booth to welcome new families into the fold. The team organised a special branded mission to encourage parents to connect, driving sign-ups for the nationwide platform. To make the welcome even sweeter, the first 50 parents to register walked away with delicious treats from the SLB Lactation Cookies Goodie Bags.

With expert guidance, hands-on practice, and the generous support of our valued partners, this edition of the Antenatal BootCamp was a resounding success. For the couples in attendance, it was not only a day of learning but also a chance to step into parenthood with greater assurance. As Parenthood Media Network continues to bring ABC to families across Malaysia, one thing remains clear: the journey of parenthood is always better when shared.

Ready to join us for the next one? Stay tuned for the next Antenatal BootCamp and never miss an update on our upcoming events by following us on Instagram and Facebook.