Choosing Antenatal Classes

PREPARING FOR BIRTH AND EARLY PARENTHOOD

Antenatal education can help you understand your options, prepare for labour and birth, and feel more confident about the early days with your baby.

There is no single “right” course, but there is a right way to choose your educator: check that they appear on the FEDANT National Register. The best choice depends on the subjects you want covered, how you prefer to learn, who you want to attend with, your budget and the support available locally.

What might an antenatal course cover?

Pregnancy and wellbeing
Physical changes, emotional wellbeing, staying active and preparing for the weeks ahead.
Labour and birth
Signs and stages of labour, birth settings, comfort measures, pain relief and common interventions.
Choices and communication
Questions to ask, informed decision-making, birth preferences and communicating with your maternity team.
Birth partner preparation
Practical ways a partner, relative or friend can provide support during labour and afterwards.
Feeding your baby
Information about infant feeding, responsive feeding and where to find qualified support.
Early parenthood
Newborn care, safer sleep, recovery after birth, relationships and adjusting to family life.
Special circumstances
Courses may address multiple pregnancy, planned caesarean birth, birth after caesarean or other individual needs.
Refresher learning
Focused updates for parents who have had a baby before or whose previous experience was some time ago.

Common types of class

NHS antenatal education

Availability and format vary between maternity services.

  • Usually free
  • May be face to face or online
  • Often delivered or supported by maternity professionals
  • Ask your midwife what is available and how to book

Independent or private courses

These may offer a wider choice of dates, teaching styles or group sizes.

  • Normally charge a fee
  • May be delivered in groups or one to one
  • Check the educator’s FEDANT National Registration
  • Ask what is included and whether concessions are available

Online and hybrid classes

Live online sessions can provide interaction, while recorded learning offers flexibility.

  • Useful when travel or scheduling is difficult
  • Check whether you can ask questions
  • Ask how long materials remain available
  • Confirm any technical requirements
  • Check the educator’s FEDANT National Registration

Specialist workshops

Some providers offer focused sessions alongside a general course.

  • Infant feeding or newborn care
  • Hypnobirthing and relaxation
  • Caesarean birth or birth after caesarean
  • Multiple pregnancy, pelvic health or postnatal wellbeing
  • Check the educator’s FEDANT National Registration

Intensive or weekend courses

Longer sessions over one or two days may suit people who cannot attend weekly.

  • Check the amount of teaching time
  • Ask about breaks and opportunities for discussion
  • Consider whether the pace suits your learning style
  • Check the educator’s FEDANT National Registration

Refresher courses

Shorter courses can revisit key information for experienced parents.

  • Useful when guidance or circumstances have changed
  • Can focus on a previous difficult experience
  • May include sibling and family preparation
  • Check the educator’s FEDANT National Registration

Questions to ask before booking

Who teaches the course. What is their qualification. What is their FEDANT National Registration Number?
Which subjects are included and which are not?
Is the information balanced, evidence-informed and regularly reviewed?
Are partners, relatives, friends or other supporters welcome?
How many sessions and teaching hours are included?
What is the group size, location and accessibility?
What is the full cost and cancellation or transfer policy?
Is follow-up support available after the course?

When should you book?

Ask earlyPopular courses can fill up, so explore your options well before you want classes to begin.
Typical timingMany general courses begin around 8 to 10 weeks before the expected birth, although formats vary.
Choose what worksEarlier, refresher and specialist sessions may take place at different stages of pregnancy.

Time off work for antenatal care

Pregnant employees are entitled to paid time off for antenatal care. This can include antenatal or parenting classes when they have been recommended by a doctor or midwife.

Rights for partners are different. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance on pregnancy and antenatal appointments and speak with your employer.

Please remember: Antenatal education supports preparation and informed discussion, but it does not replace care or individual medical advice from your midwife, doctor or maternity team.

Ready to explore your options?

Search the FEDANT National Register by entering a postcode for the area in which you would like to attend a class.

Find a registered professionalHow to check a registration
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