Are you looking for an antenatal course? Here's what to research first...

You might think that antenatal courses will all cover the same material, be of equal length and be led by qualified antenatal teachers, but guess what - they're not. If taking an antenatal course is important to you then it's important that you do your research before signing up.

First, you'll need to consider whether you want in person classes - either in a group or 1:1. Or maybe you'd prefer something online that you can access from home - but will it be a live, interactive class or will it be something pre-recorded that you can log into when you feel like it?

• Do you like meeting new people?

• Do you enjoy being in a group setting or do you prefer 1:1 classes?

• Do you like to be able to ask questions in real time?

• Would you rather be able to read and absorb information in your own time, preferably snuggled up in your jammies at home?

• Will your partner/ support person be attending with you?

• Are you tight for time and wanting to squeeze something in last minute, or are you planning ahead early on in your pregnancy?

• If it's a pre-recorded class do they provide links to further information, or a way of following up with questions?

Next, think about the type of course you'd like to do. Is it a general birth preparation course, or do you have specific questions about Caesareans, hypnobirthing or are you looking for a course that will help you prepare for when baby is here? Here are some questions to ask:

• Does this course cover interventions and Caesareans (including elective not just emergency Caesareans)?

• Is this course focused on hypnobirthing, and if so does it still cover emergency situations?

• Does this course look at newborn care? Does it cover things like sleep and feeding?

• Does the course cover communication with your partner and relationship changes once baby is here?

• Does the course look at home births as well as birth centres and hospital births?

Another thing to consider is WHO is teaching the course?

• Is the course run by a 'big name' company, and therefore backed up with research, NHS & NICE guidance?

• Is the teacher for the course trained and certified to a level you feel comfortable with? It's ok to ask questions about this!

• How much experience does the teacher have? Do they have their own children (this may or may not influence how/what they teach)

• Is the teacher a midwife, researcher, doula? This may or may not matter to you but is something to consider.

Finally, and often most importantly, how much does the course cost?

• Cheaper isn't always better, just like more expensive isn't always better

• You may like to combine a free, NHS or community based course with an online pre-recorded course at a lower cost to fully cover your bases

• Don't stretch your budget just for the sake of taking a popular course

So how to find out about the courses available in your area or online? You could ask in facebook groups for mums, google, look on pinterest, ask your local health visiting or midwife team, or ask at places like play cafes and baby groups.

At Little Goose Play Cafe we currently offer two antenatal courses;

1. The Fourth Trimester Toolkit, a four week antenatal course which is perfect for first time parents looking for a course that looks beyond birth. Whilst you are welcome to ask questions about birth itself, the focus is on giving your the tools to prepare for a confident and calm homecoming for your baby. You'll learn about sleep, feeding your newborn, what to expect over the first few weeks, how to cope with relationship changes with your partner, how your partner can support you after birth, physical and emotional recovery from birth, and on top of all that, there is plenty of time to chat and ask questions that matter to you. You'll also receive a workbook to help you with things like building up a list of useful contacts in your area, where to find support online, and how to figure out what you actually need for your baby.

2. Ready for Round Two? is a 90 minute workshop for parents expecting their second baby. It's a fab way to reconnect with your partner and reflect on what went well and what was challenging with your first birth and newborn experience, so that you can better prepare for this new baby. You'll gain loads of practical strategies, and have the opportunity to refresh your knowledge on baby care. This course also comes with a workbook so you can continue the conversation at home.

Oh and by the way, the course teacher, Rosie Greaves, is a certified Childbirth Educator, Postnatal Doula, and most importantly has three children of her own, so knows her stuff!

Interested in attending one of our courses?

The Fourth Trimester Toolkit is starting on Sunday 24th May 2026 and can be booked here

Ready for Round Two? is next running on Saturday 30th May 2026 and can be booked here

PS. Both of these courses will be available as online courses very soon!