National Health Service (NHS) Classes
If you have booked a hospital birth, you may be able to go to NHS antenatal classes at the hospital or a local clinic. You may also be able to do these if you have booked a home birth with NHS midwives
NHS antenatal classes are usually taught by midwives who will be very knowledgeable about labour and birth, and also the hospital's policies and procedures. Classes will probably include information about what labour is like, pain relief, interventions and Caesarean birth. You may also learn about skills you need as a parent, such as how to bath a baby and changing nappies. They will also give you the opportunity to visit the hospital and may include a tour of the maternity unit. The classes will probably be free.
The classes are often large so it is difficult to get to know the other people at the classes. Because of their job, there may be a different midwife teaching each week, and the midwives may not be trained in adult education.
If you wish to go to NHS antenatal classes, let your midwife know as soon as possible.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Classes
The NCT hold antenatal classes all over the country. Most of these classes are for women and their partners towards the end of their pregnancy, although some areas also hold classes for early pregnancy.
Antenatal teachers are usually not midwives, but are women who have had at least one baby. They have been trained by the NCT to teach antenatal classes, and some have a university Diploma in Antenatal Teaching. The style of the classes tends to be informal and are often held in the teacher's own home. There are different formats of class available, such as couples' courses and women's courses, 8 week courses and weekend courses. The classes are usually small (5 to 7 couples, 6 to 10 women) so you have the chance to get to know the other people on the course.
The classes will usually include relaxation skills and practising different positions for labour, as well as information on pain relief, interventions in labour and Caesarean birth. Part of the course will probably focus on what life will be like with a new baby, and strategies for coping with postnatal problems.
NCT classes cost from about £120 per course depending on where you live. In London they may cost from £240 upwards. If you would like to attend but cannot afford it, then the NCT is happy for you to pay whatever you can afford as a contribution to the cost of the course. The NCT is keen that no-one is prevented from coming to classes on financial grounds.
NCT classes tend to get booked very quickly, so the earlier you can book, the better. To find out how to book classes near you, call the NCT on 0870 444 8707, and ask for the telephone number of the Antenatal Class Booking Secretary in your area. All classes are booked locally.
You can order a copy of their free magazine, "bumps & babies" and the Happy Birth Day DVD by visiting the NCT website.
Active Birth classes are based on using yoga to strengthen your body and gain confidence in preparing for birth. You will learn how to use breathing and relaxation to relieve stress, and to reduce the strains of pregnancy by improving your posture and circulation. The classes hope to give you a general sense of well being and an increase in confidence as you approach the birth of your baby.
All the exercises are gentle, safe and easy to follow, and are suitable for any stage of pregnancy.
A typical class might consist of yoga, breathing and relaxation, including some work on positions and breathing for labour. There might then be some time for discussion of a particular birth-related topic, or to meet a new mother and hear her birth story, or simply to socialise.
Active Birth classes are booked locally and the cost varies around the country. In addition, many teachers offer couples information courses.
To find your nearest Active Birth Teachers visit Ruth Armes' Website, which has a complete list of all teachers.
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