Antenatal Classes

My Northumberland antenatal classes empower pregnant women and their birth partners with practical information and emotional support to prepare for birth and parenting.

This course can either be experienced in a group setting or privately. I usually run about four courses of antenatal classes per year, so you can book at a useful stage of your pregnancy.

The content is aimed at pregnant women and their birth partner(s). The birth partner has such an important role in the birth and I believe it is so valuable that you are both as informed as possible and have lots of tools for coping with labour in your tool box.

Group classes are relaxed and friendly and are extremely valuable for sharing information and building connections with other parents. The classes are interactive and practical and there is lots of space for questions and discussions.

You will be given two booklets I have written packed with information and ideas which you can take to your birth.

I am a trained birth-educator and I can help you to access up-to-date research so that you feel fully informed and able to make the choices that are right for you during your pregnancy and birth. I also bring my library of books and resources, which you are welcome to borrow.

What do antenatal classes cover?

Over these sessions we will explore:

the physiology of birth, birth hormones and the stages of labour
the importance of the birthing environment
the role of the birth partner
techniques for coping with pain: discussion of non-medical tools to help, eg breathing techniques, massage, acupressure points , birth positions, ways to use a 'rebozo'/scarf to help with the position of the baby and relaxation
understanding medical interventions
understanding pain relief medication
how to navigate the medical system
the first hours with your baby
caring for a newborn
feeding your baby
caring for yourself postnatally

Information about group classes

Private antenatal & postnatal sessions

I also offer one-to-one antenatal and postnatal sessions either with your birth partner(s) or without, depending on what works for you. We can explore a wide variety of topics depending on your individual needs.

These sessions can offer support for you during your pregnancy and postnatal period with any issues that might arise, be they physical, practical or emotional. They can also be focused on informing you about birth and caring for your baby.

Some examples of topics we could talk about are:

navigating the physiological aspects of your pregnancy and the medical care being offered
exploring the emotional side of this journey, exploring any fears that might arise and working out how to cope with them
Exploring and processing previous (birth) experiences
Helping you to write your birth preferences/ birth plan
Learning about all aspects of birth for example, the physiology of birth, birth positions, tools for coping with labour, breathing techniques, demonstrations of massage and acupressure techniques for pregnancy and birth
exploring ways to understand and navigate the health system
using birth art to explore any concerns you might have
breastfeeding preparation advice
preparing to care for your baby and know how look after your own postnatal recovery
Feeding advice and breastfeeding support
debrief and processing your birth
practical help and advice about your baby’s needs

I am a trained birth-educator and I can help you to access up-to-date research so that you feel fully informed and able to make the choices that are right for you. I also have a library of books and resources which you are welcome to borrow.

Group class costs

In an effort to be inclusive, I have decided to run the group sessions on a sliding scale so people can pay as much as they feel is appropriate for them. The cost is £110-£180 for a unit, and it is fine to bring more than one birth partner along.

I am fully committed to making this course accessible to everyone so if this feels difficult, please get in touch and we can find something that works for you.

Private sessions costs

Client testimonials

Antenatal group member:

"The birth preparation course was brilliant. I learned so much and I came away feeling more confident leading up to our birth. The environment was just right – friendly and informative. My partner loved it too and said he felt much more confident. He had lots of practical tools to help me cope with labour and I’m sure his massage and tricks with the scarf helped the baby to turn. I couldn’t recommend this course enough. Everyone should have access to it!’

TH, Wylam

Private antenatal class clients:

“I really appreciated this one-to-one time and I felt Caroline really tuned in to what we particularly needed – she answered questions, showed us some really useful techniques and gave me lots of tools to use during the labour. I felt much more confident after this session.”

WR, Edinburgh

"I was full of fear about my birth. I had a couple of sessions with Caroline where we went through my last birth with a fine tooth comb so I really began to understand what had happened and why. This helped me to plan my next birth and put a lot of the trauma from last time to rest. She did some ‘birth art’ with me where we explored my fear and afterwards I felt completely different about going into labour. It was so helpful. And I had a really positive experience the second time around and so much of that was due to the preparation I did with Caroline in my pregnancy."

BL, Newcastle