Why Every Pregnant Mum Should Sign Up for Antenatal Classes

Congratulations, mama-to-be! You've got a tiny human on the way, and life is about to get a whole lot more exciting (and a bit chaotic). But don't worry, you're not alone.

Antenatal classes are here to help you navigate the wonderful world of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond and are worth doing even if this isn’t your first pregnancy rodeo. Think of them as a crash course in baby 101, complete with expert tips, new friends, and maybe even a few laughs (and tears) along the way too. Whether it's your first baby or your third, these classes offer valuable insights and support.

What Are Antenatal Classes?

Antenatal classes are educational sessions designed to prepare you for childbirth and early parenthood. They should cover everything from labour and delivery to newborn care and breastfeeding and take a variety of different approaches. Most focus on mum but some are tailored especially for dads too. Think of them as the ultimate prep course for the biggest (and best) test of your life.

Types of Antenatal Classes

There are various types of antenatal classes to suit every mum's needs and preferences. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Traditional Antenatal Classes

These are your classic, in-person sessions led by experienced midwives or childbirth educators. You'll get a comprehensive overview of labour, pain relief options, and baby care. Plus, you'll meet other expectant parents – perfect for forming a new mum squad. In the UK, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is the biggest provider of antenatal classes and most local areas have active NCT groups and courses that you can join.

2. Hypnobirthing Classes

Hypnobirthing focuses on using relaxation, visualisation, and breathing techniques to reduce fear and pain during labour. If you're aiming for a calm, serene birth experience, this might be the class for you. The Positive Birth Company has won multiple awards for its hypnobirthing courses and sessions can be taken online or in person.

3. Active Birth Classes

These classes emphasise movement and positioning to help labour progress naturally. You'll learn exercises and techniques to stay active and comfortable during childbirth. Think of it as prenatal yoga with a purpose and the Active Birth Centre has a variety of courses that you can take. 

4. Breastfeeding Workshops

Dedicated solely to the art of breastfeeding, these workshops offer practical advice on latching, milk supply, and dealing with common challenges. Perfect for mums who are determined to master the boob-to-baby connection. Many standard antenatal courses will cover this but if you need more support, La Leche League offers free online sessions to focus on mastering all the techniques. 

5. Antenatal Classes for Men

While you are undoubtedly the star of the show, more providers are recognising that there is a need for antenatal education focused specifically for men, to help them help you in the best way they can. Manetnatal is a digital platform running on demand courses as well as group sessions and 1:1 coaching, focused on helping dads be the best dad and birth partner they can be.

Benefits of Antenatal Classes

Now that you know the types of classes available, let's talk about why you should sign up – even if you have been there and done it before.

1. Knowledge is Power

Understanding the stages of labour, pain relief options, and what to expect can make a huge difference in your confidence and anxiety levels. Antenatal classes arm you with the information you need to make informed decisions. If you’ve already had a baby, its easy to forget what your options are so a refresher is especially useful.

2. Support System

Attending classes gives you the opportunity to meet other expectant parents that will have babies at the same stage as yours. Sharing experiences, tips, and both the ups and downs with fellow mums can be incredibly comforting and reassuring.

3. Partner Involvement

Antenatal classes aren't just for mums – partners are welcome too! If they don’t do a class focussed on their role, learning together helps partners feel more involved and prepared, making them the ultimate birth cheerleaders for you.

4. Practical Skills

From changing nappies to soothing a crying baby, antenatal classes teach you practical skills that will come in handy once your little one arrives. If you’ve never had or looked after a baby, even knowing how to bathe a newborn can feel like the most daunting of tasks. You'll leave feeling like a baby-handling pro.

5. Stress Reduction

Knowledge and preparation can hugely reduce the stress and fear associated with childbirth. With breathing techniques, pain relief options, and coping strategies under your belt, you'll feel more at ease when the big day arrives.

6. Customised Birth Plan

With all the information and techniques you'll learn, you can create a birth plan that suits your preferences and needs. Whether you want an epidural or a water birth, you'll know how to communicate your wishes effectively – and ensure your partner knows how to advocate for your choices when the time comes.

7. Latest advice

If you have already had a baby, navigating the ever-changing advice around sleep, feeding, car seats and more can leave you feeling stressed as advice can change so much in a short space of time. Getting the most up-to-date guidelines from the experts can help reassure you that you are always doing the best for your baby, no matter how experienced you are.

The Bottom Line

Antenatal classes are like a treasure map guiding you through the adventure of pregnancy and childbirth. They equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to face labour head-on and take care of your newborn like a seasoned pro in the early months. Plus, they're a great way to meet other parents and build a support network. So, why wait? Sign up for a class that suits your style and get ready to rock this whole mum thing. You've got this!