Many areas will also offer specialist breastfeeding classes, these classes offer advice and techniques for those intending on breastfeeding. During this class you will learn about different breastfeeding positions and how to get your baby to latch on, you will understand how the breast works and how to establish a good milk supply, how to recognise your baby is getting enough milk and where to get breastfeeding help.
This kind of class is best left until the third trimester so the information is fresh in your memory after birth. Classes are normally once a week for around 2 hours. You are encouraged to bring your partner or a friend. Think about what you want to get from your classes so that you find a class best suited to you. You are not restricted to how many different classes you attend, so go along and get a feel for them. Your doctor will be able to give you details of what antenatal education options are available in your area.
NHS classes are usually free, while you may have to pay for other courses. Content will vary, but all will include basic information on what happens during labour and birth, and pain relief options, as well as some of the following:.
All pregnant women in employment have the right to paid time off to attend antenatal classes, but this is not the case for men, so an evening or weekend course may suit you better. These are held in your maternity hospital, health centre or local clinic and run by a health professional, often during the day. As they are open to everyone, class sizes can be quite big and time can be limited, so you may find that some topics are not covered as fully as in private course.
While NHS antenatal classes traditionally used to include a tour of the labour ward, many hospitals no longer offer this, for health and safety reasons. You may instead be offered a virtual tour. National Childbirth Trust antenatal classes are small and encourage fathers to attend, with an emphasis on discussion and informed choice. They are run by qualified teachers, often in their own homes, and include sessions on breastfeeding and parenting issues.
