So you know you want to book an antenatal course but with so many out there how do you choose??? Here are some tips to find the right course for you…
Self-learning vs Live classes
There are so many courses online which you can do yourself, giving you the basic knowledge you need. If you’re already really busy and aren’t worried about anything in particular, this is a good option for you.
On the other hand, there are courses that are taught live, whether they’re in a group setting or 1:1. These are great because they’re more engaging and you can ask questions specific to your situation, throughout, which is exactly what I do in Birth Anxiety ➡️ Baby Calm. Although I follow the same framework, the programme is completely tailored and personalised to my clients. I’ve found these are more comfortable with parents who are very anxious.
You can also get to know your teacher/s and visa-versa, and with group courses, you get to also meet other like-minded parents – making it feel like a community as well.
Group vs 1:1
This can depend very much on your priorities. It’s common for many expectant parents to look for group courses because they also get to meet other parents-to-be. They’re also great if you’re looking for straightforward courses and an opportunity to build a community. Many mums stay friends with other mums they attended antenatal classes with, because they can talk about their journeys together.
On the other hand, my 1:1 clients come to me because they want something tailored to them. I work with mums who want a more personal approach, including mums who have anxiety, had a traumatic birth before, or struggling emotionally, whether it’s due to infertility, loss or anything else. Most teachers, like myself, will also tailor the course around your situation. For example, a client signed up to my Birth Anxiety ➡️ Baby Calm Programme who had experienced a previous loss. I was able to spend time focusing on anxiety management strategies as this is what they needed to help them feel more calm and confident.
What kind of teacher do you want?
You might think that all teachers will teach you the same thing, in the same way, but that’s not the case (even if it’s a franchise). First of all, it’s important to know that they’re actually trained, preferably by an organisation accredited by The Royal College of Midwives. (like me!) Then you want to find out a little bit about their views, background and if they specialise in anything in particular. You might find someone who’s very pro-homebirth or someone who knows more about VBACs.
Think about your pregnancy and what kind of birth you want. For me, as well as giving evidence-based information and teaching about how birth really works, my focus is very much on managing anxiety, emotional wellbeing and preparing parents for after birth, which is why a third of my programme is on postpartum recovery and planning.
Last thoughts...
However your pregnancy is going, please consider doing an antenatal course and think about what’s important to you before deciding which one to do. Also, talk to your birth partner about what they would like to do. It will keep you on the same page. If they’re engaged in whatever course you choose, they’ll be more prepared – which means they’ll be able to support you better too.
If you’d like more info on the course that I teach, click the link below or book a free chat on Zoom and we can have a chat about what’s right for you.