I talk to many second time mamas who have attended mainstream antenatal classes for their first babies and who are looking to improve their subsequent birth experience. Most of them admit that those classes were brilliant to meet other parents but that in hindsight, they were not well prepared for the birth. They often say that they wish they’d known more about the physiological process, how the maternity system works, what their options truly were, and how they could have been more in control of their experience.
I personally believe that antenatal classes should be more focused on parents' choices, and women empowerment than just about making friends.
Are Hypnobirthing Classes for me?
Hypnobirthing is for all expectants parents who wish to prepare for a positive and empowered birth experience. And most importantly, Hypnobirthing is for all births, whatever your preferences are, and however your journey unfolds.
Hypnobirthing is not just about breathing, relaxation and positive reinforcement. My main goal in fact is to give you the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to navigate your pregnancy and the birth of your baby feeling confident and well informed, and to make sure that you and your birth partner are equipped to ask questions and advocate for your preferences and needs.
I really want to meet other parents, should I choose NCT?
While it is important to have the opportunity to meet other parents during pregnancy and to socialise once baby is born, I personally believe that antenatal classes should be more focused on parents' choices, and women empowerment than just about making friends and playing with dolls. NCT classes might well be your preference, but make sure that you sign-up for the programme they offer and not just because that's what other people do to make friends. Birth is too big of an event in your life to not give yourself the best chance to have the best possible experience.
What should I be searching for to find the Best Antenatal Classes in my area?
Whether it is NCT, Hypnobirthing, or any other antenatal courses, you should be able to find out who the teacher is and feel some form of connection with them - follow your gut! It can be nice to set-up a call before booking to ask a few questions about their approach to antenatal education and what is included in their course. I love when intro calls with parents feel like an interview. This is the way it should be. You are recruiting someone to be part of your pregnancy and birth journey, and you deserve the best!
The best antenatal classes put expectant mothers and their partners at the centre of the experience they are preparing for; unlike a 'traditional' approach where you're being told how it's done, and who will be the professional in charge in the birth space.
Your classes should also include some information about your birth rights and provide tools so you feel equipped to advocate for your wishes. Other important inclusions are: birth physiology (the 'stages' of labour and birth, your birthing hormones, and how to create a conducive environment that will support physiology), breathing techniques and coping tools, birth positions, biomechanics and how to prepare your body for birth, birth place options, pharmaceutical pain relief options (including their benefits and risks), induction of labour (what it is, how it works, benefits, risks, and decision-making), caesarean section (including tools for a gentle belly birth experience), your care providers' roles, birth partner role and tools for them to support you, preparing the body for birth, how to create a birth plan, and postpartum information.
In-person or online?
I love teaching in person and know that most people prefer attending face-to-face classes, but depending on your circumstances, or if that's your preference, I believe that you can get the same value with an online class if taught privately. It is definitely much harder to engage virtually in a group format.
Does any of this resonate with you?
If you want to feel confident and to prepare for a positive birth experience. You can join my Antenatal & Hypnobirthing courses in-person (in Bristol) or online. (Small Group and Private Courses available). Click below for more info.
