Eight things to consider when choosing Antenatal Classes
- Hannah Webster
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
September and October are traditionally the busiest time of the year for midwives. Turns out the festive season is a time for mince pies, mulled wine and other fun activities. For Hailey and I, our late summer and early autumn classes fill up quickly as a reflection of this. If you are expecting a baby this autumn, perhaps you are swithering about antenatal classes. And choosing the right classes can feel surprisingly overwhelming. There are NHS classes, private classes, online courses, hypnobirthing, active birth workshops, weekend courses and everything in between. So, how do you know which is the right one for you?
As midwives who have been providing private antenatal classes and active birth workshops in Edinburgh for over six years, we know that there isn't one perfect course for every family. The best class is the one that gives you the information, practical skills and confidence you need to feel prepared for your own journey into parenthood.
Here are some of the things we'd encourage you to think about before booking.
Who is actually teaching the class?
This is one of the first questions we'd ask. Look at the qualifications and experience of the person teaching your course. Are they a midwife, childbirth educator or another appropriately trained professional? How much experience do they have supporting people through pregnancy, birth and the early days at home? As midwives, we spend our working lives supporting families through the realities of pregnancy and parenthood. A real-world experience that can be incredibly valuable when you're preparing for your own birth. It's also worth asking whether the person teaching the class regularly updates their knowledge and bases their teaching on current evidence as research, guidelines and practice change regularly.
What does the course actually cover?
Look at the content of any course you might be booking. A good antenatal course should give you a broad understanding of all types of birth and early parenthood rather than focusing solely on one type of birth or one way of feeding. Look for courses that cover interventions, recovery, the role of your birth partner, postnatal recovery and how to make informed choices. The NHS describes antenatal classes as covering a range of practical information about labour, birth and early parenthood and the key is not simply learning what might happen, but understanding why things happen and what your options may be.
Is there a focus on informed choice?
This is a big one for us. Antenatal education shouldn't be about telling you what type of birth you should have. Birth doesn't always follow the plan. You may have an induction, use an epidural, have an assisted birth or need a caesarean birth. You may change your mind halfway through. None of these possibilities make you a success or failure. The purpose of antenatal education is to help you understand your options so that you can have meaningful conversations on the day and make informed decisions. We believe the best preparation is not about creating a rigid birth plan. It's about developing a birth toolkit that you can draw on whatever happens.
Does the course welcome questions?
Pregnancy and birth come with a LOT of questions. Some are sensible. Some are slightly random. Some are the questions you were too embarrassed to ask your midwife at your appointment. A good class should give you space to ask them. We love questions because they often lead to the most useful conversations. You should feel comfortable saying, "I'm not sure I understand that," or "What happens if...?" You don't need to arrive knowing everything. That's the point of coming to an antenatal class!
Is your birth partner included?
If you're planning to have a partner, friend or family member supporting you during labour, consider whether they are actively included in the teaching. Birth partners don't just need to know where the hospital is. They can learn how to help you stay comfortable, create a calm environment and understand your preferences. Partners are there to support you if plans change and well as navigating the early days with baby. We think good antenatal education should help birth partners feel like active participants rather than spectators.
Do you want a weekend course or weekly sessions?
Think realistically about your life. Some parents love attending a class over several weekday evenings. Others would much rather dedicate a weekend to getting prepared and then have their evenings back. Neither is better. The important thing is choosing a format that means you'll be able to attend, concentrate and actually enjoy the experience. There are now plenty of options including face-to-face, online and mixed-format courses.
Does it feel like the right environment for you?
This one is often overlooked. You are going to be talking about birth, feeding, your body, your worries and becoming a parent. You need to feel comfortable doing that. Look at the photos. Read the reviews. Ask questions before booking. Does the language feel supportive rather than frightening? Does the course feel inclusive? Does the teaching style suit you? Do you get the impression that you'll be listened to rather than talked at? Trust your gut.
What do previous parents say?
Reviews can tell you a lot. Look beyond simply the star rating and read what parents actually say. Did they feel more confident? Did they learn practical skills? Did their partners feel included? Did they feel listened to? Did they make friends? Did the class help them feel prepared for different birth scenarios? And perhaps most importantly, did they feel that the people teaching them genuinely cared?
Why Choose Us?
As midwives providing private antenatal classes and active birth workshops, we reckon that our classes are evidence-based, practical and filled with fun. We have years of experience as midwives and mothers ourselves and there is no question too silly! We strive to make sure our classes are inclusive and welcoming with opportunity to practice practical skills and discuss anything you feel is important. We also offer our ongoing support after the classes as well as a monthly postnatal support group. Our antenatal classes and active birth workshops are designed by midwives and mothers who understand both the evidence and the reality of pregnancy, labour and new parenthood.
If you would like to find out a little more about our classes, we would love to hear from you. Why not get in touch?
@growandgatherbirth
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