Antenatal courses (DRAFT - Best start)

Antenatal courses (DRAFT - Best start)

Antenatal classes can help you to prepare for your baby's birth and give you confidence and information.

Choosing an antenatal class

Think about what you hope to gain from antenatal classes so you can find the sort of class that suits you best.

Places on antenatal classes can get booked up early. It's a good idea to start making enquiries early in pregnancy so you can secure a place in the class that you choose. You can attend more than one class.

To find out about classes near you, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP. NHS antenatal classes (Birth and Beyond) are free.

Speak to your community midwife if you cannot go to classes.

Making a birth plan

A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour, birth , and after the birth. If you would like a birth plan your midwife will help you plan one. 

The following link provides information about how to make your birth plan and a link to download a birth plan template.

How to make a birth plan - NHS

Birth and beyond

Birth and Beyond provides free sessions for Parents to Be on topics such as: 

  • getting to know your unborn baby
  • changes for you/partner
  • giving birth and meeting baby
  • your health and wellbeing (Parents)
  • feeding, bathing and practical care of your new baby
  • information about people and services who are there for you

It is recommended that you start Birth and Beyond Worcestershire between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.  Sessions run over four consecutive weeks and last two hours with a further session after your baby is born. Follow the link for more information.

Birth and Beyond - Starting Well

Online learning

The Solihull approach

The Solihull Approach is a not-for-profit NHS service for practitioners and parents to support emotional health and wellbeing in children, families, adults and older adults.

The Solihull approach offers 'in our place' which is a portal for online courses tailored to children’s developmental stages for you to learn in your own time in a safe, private space.

Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby

Useful links

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