Our core Childbirth Education (Antenatal) course is run by a qualified Childbirth Educator over six evenings. Our aim is to provide a balanced approach to childbirth education and to advocate active birth: that being a birth in which both parents are actively involved, are well informed, are physically and mentally prepared and are making decisions for themselves. Our antenatal course offers expectant parents the following information:
- Nutrition and Exercise
- Development of baby and antenatal test
- Labour signs and stages
- Pain relief options
- Partner support
- The birth process and birth video
- Breastfeeding
- Newborn care
- Postnatal depression
- A discussion panel with parents of newborn babies
On one of the evenings your partner will also be included in a 'Men Only' session - encouraging fathers to take an active supporting role. Your course fee also includes a 'Practical Parenting' session and following the arrival of your newborn, our 5 week 'Baby & You' course - see our Parent Education page for course outlines. Support continues through the establishment of a 'coffee' (support) group on completion of the core course. For new parents in particular, this support group plays a vital role in helping cope with the changes a new baby inevitably brings. You are usually about 29-31 weeks when starting this course.
The course you are assigned to depends on your due date. We will confirm your course start date when you book your place.
Courses are usually held at Athol Syms Hall, 11 Griffin Ave, Epsom. For information about course fees and packages available, click here. | 
