I understand that choosing an antenatal class provider is a big decision and one that could affect the transition into parenthood. Please reach out to me at megan@antenatalandbeyond.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question or if you want to know more.
I am happy to talk to you and answer
At Antenatal & Beyond , I believe that every birthing person and family deserves to have a positive and empowering birth experience. I strive to provide evidence-based care and support that is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences. I also feel strongly that care should continue into the postpartum and that's why I offer postnatal confidence building sessions 1:1 with the families that I support.
There is space for up to 12 people (6 couples) in each course. This is to ensure you can get the most out of the course and be comfortable in the space we learn in. I want to be able to offer you a holistic antenatal course and be able to meet the needs of couples within each group meaning that each course may look slightly different depending on the people in each group and their preferences and requests.
Group classes are taught over two 5 hour sessions.
Before the course, I will arrange a welcome call to get to know you, find out about your journey to conception and talk about what your ideal birth looks like for you. We can talk about concerns, things you want to know more about and discuss what you really want to get out of an antenatal course. This allows me to be sensitive to your needs and tweak different parts of the course to ensure I give enough detail for your areas of interests.
Our first five hours covers everything antenatal:
Our second five hour session covers the postnatal preparation:
My postnatal 1:1 sessions allow an opportunity for me to visit you after your birth and can be tailored to meet your needs.
I provide all the resources you will need for the session.
You are welcome to bring water and any particular snacks that you find helpful during pregnancy. I will provide food and drink refreshments that we will be able to access in the kitchen area during breaks.
The NHS recommends taking classes around 30-32 weeks into pregnancy. In my course descriptions I suggest what expected due dates are good for that month's course. This helps each group to be due around the same time. Ultimately, it is up to you and when you feel comfortable taking them.
Absolutely! In fact, I encourage birth partners to attend as we will be covering how they can support during and after the birth. This may be your partner, a friend or a relative who you would like to support your birth.
I also welcome single parents and offer single parent discounts - send me a message to enquire about this.
In case of missed sessions due to illness, in order to make up the missed material, you can access the course booklet. Where possible, you will be offered to join sessions for other course dates if there is availability.