Antenatal Courses Made Simple: Pick the Right Class for You

As soon as I hit the 12-week mark in my pregnancy, I started looking for an antenatal course. We’d moved to a brand-new area just a few months before, about 60 miles from our old place, and I didn’t have many friends here. I knew that to get through those early newborn days, I’d need some mum friends, and an antenatal course felt like the perfect way to meet people in the same boat.

Depending on where you live, the NHS might offer a free antenatal course, although these are usually online, rather than in person. A lot of expectant parents opt for private courses, in person courses instead, if that’s what you’re thinking, here are a few things to consider before booking.

How to Choose the Right Antenatal Course for You

Timing
Check when the course runs in relation to your due date. You’ll want to finish it before your baby arrives and not too soon to giving birth! Ideally, aim to start around 28 to 32 weeks pregnant. Most courses last 4 to 6 weeks, with weekly sessions, giving you plenty of time to absorb all the info without feeling rushed.

Location
When choosing a course, it’s important to think about more than just the venue. Consider how close it is to home and where life will take you after the course. It might seem convenient to choose a course near your workplace or convenient for both of you coming from work, but think about how you’ll feel about meeting up socially in that town afterwards. I live in a small town and opted for a course about a 20-minute drive away in a larger town. I knew that most of the other parents would likely live in the same area, and we’d probably meet up there, so it worked well for me. I did consider another course across the other side of the nearest big town, but that would’ve meant a 35-minute drive each way, which felt a bit much for regular meet-ups later on.

Course Content
Most antenatal courses will cover the essentials:

• Signs of labour and when to head to hospital
• Pain relief options
• What to expect during birth (including assisted births and C-sections)
• Feeding your baby, both breastfeeding and formula
• Newborn care like nappies, sleep and winding

It’s definitely worth looking into what’s included in the course. For example, does it cover baby first aid? Even if you only remember a few key points, having that knowledge can be so reassuring.

Also, some more traditional courses can lean heavily towards vaginal births and breastfeeding as the “ideal”. While that may suit some, it’s worth knowing that around 42% of babies in England are delivered via C-section, and many parents plan to formula feed from the start. A good course will be supportive and non-judgemental about whatever choices work best for you.

Dates & Times
Can you and your partner get there easily after work? If either of you works shifts, will it be doable without using up annual leave? Some providers offer weekend courses, which might work better depending on your schedule.

Cost
Private antenatal courses, as opposed to those provided by the NHS, can range from around £185 to £299, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget. It might seem like a lot, but if the course helps you feel more prepared, and provides you with a ready-made group of parent friends (and, of course, the famous WhatsApp group), it can be well worth the investment.

Recommendations
Ask around! Friends, family, or even local parenting Facebook groups can be great sources of advice. You can also find reviews online, it’s always reassuring to hear from someone who’s been through it.

Choosing the right antenatal course can really help you feel more confident and connected going into this next chapter. Hopefully, this gives you a good starting point for finding one that’s just right for you. Booking your antenatal course is just one of many baby essentials covered in Listely’s baby to do list – your go-to guide for all things bump, baby and beyond.

Listely is your smart pregnancy checklist. Our dedicated baby list is thoughtfully organised into four key sections: the to-do list, shopping list, hospital bag list and first 8 weeks list. Each list doesn’t just tell you what you need, it also offers helpful advice on why you might need it, along with recommended products to make the decision-making easier.