When I started teaching antenatal classes after three long years of training, I will give the groups some Flipchart paper and ask them to tell me why they were coming to my classes, very quickly I realised a pattern through repetition: To make friends, to meet others in my situation.

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And when looking for venues like pubs, they will refer to my classes as "baby club". I didn't take it too well, I've thought all this training in adult education, obstetric concepts, parenting, birth, etc...To hold a club for parents to make friends. 

But after so many years of teaching I have realised that if my groups bonded that was the best thing they could have.

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It has been great running into some of them occasionally and hear them say: we are still meeting! Or even: I am getting together with the girls today...10 years later.

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I have also learned as a birth educator that fun is essential in learning.

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So I am now turning the whole concept of antenatal classes the other way around, setting it up from the social and adding the learning. 

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Pizzas are easy to share and also personalise and adapt to all tastes, so we will get a pizza (or two!) as part of our antenatal gatherings and chat about birth while all the serious and important stuff gets discussed but most importantly bonds are created for life!

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What will you learn:

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• Hormones in Pregnancy 

• Due Date and Induction

• Caesarean (elective vs emergency)

• Birth Plan (includes Caesarean plan)

• Role of Partner 

• Role of Doula and Midwives

• Informed Decision Making 

• The importance of questions 

• The importance of networking for parenting

• How to deal with family and friends 

• Posnatal plan

• Early Days 

• Where to look for breastfeeding support

• Keeping in touch with The Birth Club and your group