Antenatal classes
What’s included? Over four weeks we offer 10 hours of teaching plus dedicated social time, digital key notes from each session including documents to help you write your birth preferences and considerations for your hospital bag. Your group will all be due within a few weeks of each other so it's important to forge new connections. The classes are designed to offer time and space to get to know one another. Although we have a core curriculum the classes are interactive and because we will address the individual needs of the group there is always some variation. We encourage a relaxed environment to have open discussions and relieve your anxieties. All information is delivered by an experienced NHS Community Midwife, is based on the best available evidence and is reflective of your available options within Edinburgh. We recommend our classes for first time parents and will offer refresher courses later in 2025.
Key Course Topics
- Place of Birth
- Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Labour and When to Seek Help
- The Stages of Labour
- Coping with Early Labour
- Birth Positions
- Different Modes of Birth
- Pain Relief
- Partner’s Support During Labour
- Perineum Information
- Your Birth Preferences
- Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
- Hand Expressing
- Tackling Breastfeeding Concerns
- Your Body After Birth
- Nappy Changing, Bathing, and Safe Sleeping
- Changes in the Transition to Parenthood
- Baby First Aid
Who to bring
We welcome you and your birth partner, whether that be your partner, friend or relative.
Your Circle
Our groups are of 10 couples and are arranged so that everyone’s due date is within a month of each other.
Antenatal Circle Fee
The fee is set at £215 per couple. This includes 10 hours of dedicated teaching plus digital key notes from each session, as well as documents to help you work through and consider your birth preferences.