If you are expecting your first baby, an antenatal class can be a fantastic way to help you prepare for the delivery and the first few weeks of life with a newborn.
Antenatal classes, often known as labour and birthing classes can assist new parents with preparing for labour, birth, breastfeeding and caring for their newborn baby. Antenatal classes are for both the mother and a birth support partner. Meeting other expectant parents at an antenatal class can be an amazing source of support, especially if you are on maternity leave and are navigating through life with a newborn.
Expectant parents begin to look into prenatal classes in the second trimester. I recommend beginning the classes around 28 weeks pregnant, with the goal of completing them by 36 weeks pregnant. This ensures that the information is fresh in your mind as you prepare for labour and birth.
Antenatal classes can teach a variety of topics. Some examples of what you can learn are below :
• Exercises for before, during and after labour
• Preparing a birth plan
• What to expect during labour and birth and your choice of pain relief
• Health during pregnancy, diet advice and coping with minor health issues
• What to expect in later pregnancy, such as early signs of labour
• Relaxation and breathing exercises to help you cope with labour and birth
• Possible issues during labour and procedures such as caesarean section
• Bonding with your new baby
• Feeding your baby
• The impact of pregnancy and newborns on relationships
Some antenatal classes are for women only, others are for couples. Make sure to research your classes before you book; some are designed especially for different groups, such as young parents, mums from the same ethnic groups, same-sex relationships and partners and dads.
The NHS offers free antenatal classes; you can find out where they are offered by contacting your community midwife or your local hospital. There are also many private antenatal classes available that offer a more comprehensive program; please note that some of these classes are dependent on your location.
There are online birthing classes available for people to join as well. The ones that I have heard of and been recommended are below:
Finding a local antenatal class can sometimes be difficult. I have found two in the area for you. Adora Birth n Baby, located in both Leybourne Chase and Kings Hill, is run by a lady called Lauren. Lauren is a trained birth and baby specialist who is qualified to teach antenatal education, pregnant yoga, hypnobirthing, newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, postnatal yoga, baby massage and baby yoga.
Adora Birth n Baby run classes in the two different locations throughout the week making them easily accessible.
Birth Talks in Maidstone are another option to have a look into for antenatal classes. They also run classes on the weekends for birth partners that may not to be able to maker a weekday evening. Both of these Antenatal groups are FEDANT accredited.
Antenatal classes are primarily focused on preparing for the baby's birth, however there is information on postpartum care. If you require more assistance after your baby is born, you can get advice from your midwife or the hospital. The National Childbirth Trust offers a wide range of postnatal care seminars, including baby first aid and weaning help. SureStart offers family health and early childcare support through a network of centres across the UK. They also offer childcare, as well as free training and assistance with a number of services like as breastfeeding and early childhood development. After your baby is born, your local community midwives and health advisers will usually provide assistance and wellness checks, as well as open sessions where you can weigh your baby and discuss any concerns you may have.