Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes are essentially childbirth preparation classes. As well as covering all aspects of having a baby, from exercises before birth to labour, these classes also advise on breastfeeding and baby care. There are many advantages to attending, for both medical and social reasons, and these are listed in the questions and answers below.

Who runs the classes? The classes are usually run by midwives and health visitors and are usually free. There are also independent organisations that offer courses. The teachers are trained to teach all aspects of pregnancy and labour and many will have had a child themselves but they will not necessarily be trained midwives.

Why bother with childbirth preparation classes? Pregnancy classes can be extremely useful because they provide a relaxed informal setting in which to learn about childbirth with other parents-to-be.

If you are prepared for your delivery you will be less apprehensive and less tense when you go into labour and this extra confidence can help enormously in pain reduction and a positive experience of childbirth. The sessions will also deal with breastfeeding and this preparation will considerably enhance your prospects of success at breastfeeding your baby.

Are there any other advantages? Meeting other women whose babies will be born around the same time as yours offers great opportunities for making new friendships. If you've been working and plan to keep doing so right up to the birth, you may find that once the baby is born, your old friendships change in nature. Knowing others who are in the same area and situation as you often leads to lifelong friendships. It also means you can babysit each other's kids, form your own playgroup or even start a kindergarten!

I live far away from towns and cities...there are no classes near me! If you live too far away to attend classes, don't despair! You can prepare for your birth by distance learning instead: for more information in a course that we recommend Click Here!

Can my partner come along too? Taking a birthing partner along to your antenatal classes is highly recommended - but if you have to go alone, don’t worry, you will almost certainly not be the only lone expectant mother there. There will be single mothers and women whose partners cannot attend because of work or other commitments. You may want to ask a friend, male or female, to be your birthing partner. Learning the proper methods of relaxation and breathing is not just good preparation for the big day, it also gives you 'time off' for yourself. Most people, women and their partners, emerge from the classes feeling de-stressed and calm!

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For more information on antenatal care Click antenatal classes