Antenatal Classes
What to Expect in your Antenatal Class
Week 1
In your first antenatal class, as well as getting to know your new group, we'll take a look into the final stretch of your pregnancy journey, focusing on the last 3-4 weeks before childbirth. In this session, we'll explore the latent phase of labour, providing you with insights and understanding about what you may expect during this time.
From practical tasks and responsibilities for the birth partner to discerning the appropriate moment to make that all-important midwife call, we'll help equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the early stages of labour comfortably from home.
We'll explore the full birthing process and help you create a birthing plan. We'll discuss what you might expect from a straightforward delivery and all things 'normal'. The aim of the first class is to create a sense of preparedness and calm by delving into essential breathing techniques, active birthing and hypno birthing methods. These are all invaluable tools to aid relaxation and manage discomfort during labour.
Week 2
Your second class will involve exploring essential topics surrounding pain relief, unexpected deviations from birth plans, and medical interventions. In this session, we provide a thorough exploration of various pain relief options available during labour, guiding you with knowledge about both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to manage discomfort effectively. We'll address the realities of childbirth taking a different path than anticipated, offering guidance and support to navigate unexpected situations with resilience and confidence. Our discussion extends to instrumental deliveries, including forceps and vacuum extraction, as well as cesarean sections, providing insights into these medical interventions and their potential roles in childbirth. With a focus on understanding and embracing the spectrum of birthing experiences, including more medicalised scenarios, we aim to equip you with the information and tools needed to approach your birthing journey with informed decision-making and peace of mind.
Week 3
In your third birthing class, we focus on the crucial period immediately following childbirth and the transition to life with your newborn. In this session, we provide invaluable guidance on what to expect in the immediate postpartum period, including practical tips for going home and navigating the early days with your baby. Our discussion extends to feeding methods, covering both bottle and breastfeeding, with insights into establishing a successful feeding routine and addressing common feeding challenges. We'll have an open discussion about postnatal depression, offering support and resources for recognising and managing what can be an overlooked condition. Additionally, we provide essential information on identifying signs of a well and unwell baby, strengthening you with the knowledge to monitor your baby's health and well-being with confidence. Finally, we offer practical demonstrations and guidance on nappy changing, ensuring you feel prepared and equipped for this essential aspect of caring for your newborn.
Join us as we navigate the early days of parenthood together, providing you with the knowledge, support, and confidence to thrive in this transformative journey.
The Saturday class will cover everything above but all in one day.
All classes will include a 30-minute break with refreshments for you to meet and get to know your Antenatal group, or to ask any private questions on what you have learned so far.
The Saturday classes will have 1 x lunch break 45 mins and 1x break 20 mins.
There will be an opportunity to create a WhatsApp group for the group so everyone can let us know when their little one has arrived and stay in touch.
Free goody bag for each birth team at the end of the course.
Current classes are taking place at:
The Cowshed Dorset, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole, BH16 6BA
The Bell Inn New Forest, Canterton Lane, Brook, Lyndhurst, SO43 7HE
Evolve Co-working Hub, 8a Parr Street, Ashley Cross, Poole, BH14 0JY
Find out times and dates here.
Costs:
For evening course 3x evenings 6.30-9: £150
For the whole day Saturday course 10- 4.30: £135
All prices are for 2 people (you and your birth partner)
For Adopting or Parents via Surrogate 1x class: £60
I also offer 1:1 classes within the comfort of your own home, please message me to enquire.
Attending antenatal or birthing classes offers numerous benefits:
Education:
Antenatal classes provide evidence-based information on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, empowering parents to make informed decisions about their birth preferences and parenting choices.
Preparation:
By learning about childbirth techniques, pain management options, and newborn care practices, expectant parents can feel more confident and prepared for the arrival of their baby.
Support:
Antenatal classes create a supportive environment where expectant parents can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Building friendships and support networks can be invaluable during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Confidence:
Through interactive learning and hands-on practice, antenatal classes help expectant parents build confidence in their ability to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition to parenthood.
Partner involvement:
Antenatal classes often involve partners, providing them with the knowledge and skills to support the birthing parent during labour and beyond.
At Nurture with Knowledge, our antenatal classes offer a unique blend of expertise and warmth led by a compassionate NHS midwife who is also a parent. We believe that the knowledge and support gained from attending antenatal classes are invaluable investments in the well-being of both parents and their new baby.
