Antenatal classes (sometimes referred to as parent craft) provide expecting parents with information about pregnancy, labour, giving birth, and early parenthood. They also provide an ideal opportunity to spend time with others in the same situation as you. They are not compulsory but are recommended, and as the father you are entitled to take unpaid time off to attend these. This is capped at six and a half hours each time, generally to attend two appointments. Research suggests that women who have attended antenatal classes cope far more comfortably with the labour and the birth process than those who haven’t.
Although there are many different kinds of classes, the topics covered will be fairly similar, most will cover:
- the physical and emotional effects having a baby will have during, and after, pregnancy
- how the mother should look after herself and baby during pregnancy – including exercises and tips on nutrition
- what to expect in pregnancy, labour and after the birth
- the best ways to relax and the pain relief available
- information about different kinds of births and interventions such as forceps delivery
- effective breathing techniques
- some medical procedures which may be required
- baby care including feeding
‘Getting Ready for Baby’
This is a new way of delivering care and supporting first time parents through pregnancy, preparing for labour, birth and the early days of baby’s life. It links antenatal appointments and parenting group support for the first time in Northern Ireland.
What’s different between Getting Ready for Baby and standard Antenatal classes?
‘Getting Ready for Baby’ group based care includes all the same information as traditional ‘parent craft’ classes but it also helps Mum get to know and develop a relationship with baby. This is because it uses the Solihull Approach, an evidence based programme, all about emotional health and wellbeing. It is designed to help Mum and baby through pregnancy, labour and birth and to provide a strong foundation for secure attachment and positive mental health. It involves both antenatal check and parent craft combined so, the appointment will take around 2½ hours each time. As the father of the baby you are invited to take part in all the appointments as your participation is so important for both mother and baby.
Private Antenatal Classes – This debate rumbles on, why pay for classes when they are free from the NHS? Some of the private classes offer women only sessions and some offer low numbers attendance which may be the appeal. Explore both options as private classes may not be available in your specific area or you may think they are too costly and the money could be spent more wisely once baby comes along.
Have you attended an ante natal class, did you find it beneficial? Did you consider private classes, if so what swayed the final decision? Join or start the conversation in the comments.
