Private Antenatal Classes
Birth preparation that's personal to you, with the time and space to ask everything you want to know.
Preparing for your baby's arrival is a big thing. You might have lots of questions, things you've read that you're not quite sure about, or worries that you haven't really had the chance to talk through. You might simply want to understand what happens during labour and birth, and feel confident that you've prepared as well as you can.
My private antenatal classes give us the time to do just that. I'll come to your home and we'll work through birth preparation together, focusing on your pregnancy, your questions and the things that matter most to you. There's no rushing through information or trying to fit your questions around a group. We can take our time and talk things through properly.
I've been a midwife for over 16 years and have taught antenatal classes in both the NHS and privately. I bring that experience into our sessions, sharing evidence-based information and helping you understand your options, so you can feel informed and reassured as you approach birth.
What will we cover?
Every couple is different, so I'll tailor our sessions to you. Depending on what you'd like to focus on, we can cover:
Getting ready for labour - how labour starts, the signs to look out for and when to contact your midwife or maternity unit.
Understanding birth - what happens during labour, how birth progresses and the different ways your baby might be born.
Pain relief - your options, including natural coping techniques, gas and air, pethidine and epidurals.
Birth preferences - thinking about what's important to you, understanding your choices and preparing for different possibilities.
When things don't go to plan - understanding induction, assisted birth and caesarean birth, so these feel less unfamiliar if you need them.
Your birth partner's role - practical ways they can support you, help you feel comfortable and advocate for you during labour.
The early days with your baby - what to expect after birth, feeding, newborn care and your recovery.
Infant feeding - breast and formula feeding, expressing, bottle feeding, combination feeding
Your own questions and worries - time to talk through anything that's on your mind, however big or small.
We won't necessarily cover everything in the same amount of detail. We'll spend our time on what you most want to understand, and there's always room for questions along the way.
How the classes work
The full course is around 10 hours, giving us time to cover everything from labour and birth to feeding and caring for your baby.
I'm really flexible with how we arrange the sessions. We could spend a weekend together working through everything, spread the course over five evenings, or find something that fits around your work and other commitments.
Some couples prefer to have longer sessions, while others find it easier to break things up. We can work out what suits you best, and I'll make sure we have enough time to cover everything properly without feeling rushed.
After each session, I'll send you some additional videos to watch together in your own time.
And once we've finished, you can still get in touch if you have any questions.
Choose your birth preparation package
Every couple is different, so I've put together three options depending on the kind of support you're looking for. All packages include my full private antenatal course, with the option to add a dedicated hypnobirthing session and support once your baby has arrived.
Private Birth Preparation
My full ten-hour private antenatal course, tailored to you, your questions and the things you want to feel prepared for.
£395
Birth Preparation Plus
Everything in the full course, plus an additional two-hour hypnobirthing session to explore breathing, relaxation and ways your birth partner can support you during labour.
£475
Birth & Beyond
The full course, the two-hour hypnobirthing session and a one-hour postnatal home visit after your baby arrives. We'll have time to talk through feeding, newborn care, your recovery or anything else you'd like some support with. The visit is available within five miles of Dunchurch.
£555
Have a chat before booking
Choosing your antenatal classes is a personal decision, and I'd love to have a quick chat with you before you book. It's a chance for us to talk about what you're looking for, any questions you have and which package might suit you best.There's no obligation to book. I want you to feel comfortable and happy that the classes are right for you before we arrange anything.
Get in touch to arrange a call.