Antenatal Classes Information

Why come to classes?

What do classes cover?

How are classes taught?

Where are they held?

How long is the course, and when are classes held?

Who runs the classes?

Who can come to classes?

How much do classes cost?

Do I have to be a member?

What happens when the classes end?

How can I book?

Why come to classes?

Expecting a baby can be an exciting but confusing and sometimes stressful time. Being able to talk about your concerns and ask questions in the company of others going through the same experience can really help. Finding out about what is likely to happen during the birth and in the weeks afterwards can boost your confidence and help you to make decisions that are right for you. NCT antenatal classes are designed with these things in mind. Back to top

What do classes cover?

We aim to cover the major aspects of pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting. Topics include

· Looking after yourself while pregnant

· How the baby is born

· How to help yourself in labour

· Pain relief

· Common hospital procedures

· A class devoted to infant feeding

· Practical baby care

· Looking after yourselves after the baby has arrived

· The emotional side of being parents

However, each course is flexible and can be adjusted to include aspects which are important to you. Back to top

How are classes taught?

The emphasis is very much on you, and topics are covered from the viewpoints of both mums-to-be and dads-to-be. Although there is a lot of information to cover, most topics are explored through discussion and practical activities. Groups are generally kept small, with 6 to 8 couples being the norm. Very rarely a weekend class is taught by two teachers and the class size may then be up to 12 couples. Back to top

Where are they held?

We are currently using teachers from Bristol, NorthSomerset and Bath so venues for Bristol courses are in several different areas including: Stoke bishop, St Werburghs, Butcombe (near the airport), Redland, Bishopston and Cotham. They may be in the teacher's home, in a village hall, nursery, or hospital. Back to top

How long is the course, and when are classes held?

Our standard course consists of eight 2-hour, evening sessions. Ideally you would attend a course which ends approx one month before your due date. Sometimes we run weekend courses and we can even run one-to-one sessions, for those for whom attendance at classes is impractical. Back to top

Who runs the classes?

Our qualified antenatal teachers and breastfeeding counsellor. All teachers and counsellors are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care and must register with the NCT every year. Their role is to offer support, information, practical skills and resources to help parents make informed choices for themselves and their babies. They do not offer medical advice, and parents are asked to take any questions about the medical care of mother and baby to their midwife, health visitor or doctor. Back to top

Who can come to classes?

Although our classes are designed for couples, sometimes women attend on their own or with a friend or relative. All combinations are welcome! Back to top

How much do classes cost?

We currently charge £159 per couple for the course, which breaks down as £120 for the course and £39 for one year's membership of the NCT. You do not have to be a member to attend a course. If you do not wish to join, the cost is £120. If this causes problems, we can arrange for payment in instalments before the course begins. In cases of hardship, we may be able to assist with fees (please see the discounted fees policy at the very foot of the main antenatal class page). There is no need to send payment until such time as we are able to confirm your place on a course. Back to top

Do I have to be a member?

No, but by becoming a member you will help the NCT carry on its work and assist in the training of new teachers Back to top

What happens when the classes end?

Each course is assigned a postnatal supporter. She has at least one child herself and offers her home to the group for coffee and a chat in the run up to the birth and for several weeks afterwards. This can be a lifeline in those early weeks when knowing that other people are awake at 2am makes it easier to bear!

Once all the group's babies have been born, the teacher hosts a reunion. Back to top

How can I book?

Phone Sarah on 0844 243 6946 - Classes are often oversubscribed, so please call as soon as you can, bearing in mind that you would attend a course which ends approx one month before your due date.

We look forward to hearing from you. Back to top

* Please note that our teachers and breastfeeding counsellors undergo a thorough training with the NCT, although they are not required to be medically qualified. Back to top

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