Anti-natal Classes
Antenatal classes can help to prepare you for your baby's birth and for looking after and feeding your baby.
They can also help you to keep yourself fit and well during pregnancy. They are often called parentcraft classes and may cover relaxation and breathing, and antenatal exercise. They're a good chance to meet other parents, to talk about things that might be worrying you and to ask questions - and to make new friends. They are usually informal and fun. You may be able to go to some introductory classes on babycare early in pregnancy. Otherwise, many classes will start about eight to ten weeks before your baby is due. Classes are normally held once a week, either during the day or in the evening and last one or two hours. Some classes are for expectant women only. Others will welcome partners, either to all the sessions or to some of them, or you can go alone or with a friend.
Antenatal classes may give you the opportunity to get to know some of the professionals involved in your care and to ask questions and talk over any worries you may have. You can find out about arrangements for labour and birth and the sort of choices available to you. This can help you in thinking about making your own birth plan. You'll usually be able to look round the labour and postnatal wards. You may also be able to meet some of the people who will be looking after you when the time comes for your baby to be born. Classes can give you confidence as well as information. You'll be able to talk over any worries and discuss your plans, not just with professionals, but with other parents as well.
