When should I start my antenatal class?
Between 28-34 weeks
We recommend starting the classes between 28-34 weeks. Depending upon your due date, you might have the choice of 2 courses. Which one you choose will be entirely up to you. You might find that one course suits you better in terms of work, holidays, travel etc.
What time do the classes run?
7:15pm - 9:15pm (ish)
Our 4 week antenatal course runs from 7:15pm-9:15pm with time for breaks and chat. Sometimes sessions run over a little if your group wants to ask more about a topic.
Our weekend course runs from 10am – 2.30pm with time for lunch.
Our refresher course runs from 7:30 – 9:00pm (time to get the baby sitter settled in!).
How many couples will be in my group?
Around 8 couples
We have 2 groups running on the same night, in separate rooms, taught by the same midwife every week. Usually each group has about 8 couples in it.
How do you decide who will be in my group?
We spend lots of time working it out!
We take time deciding who will be in what group – using the information that you have given us to help. We aim to put you in a group with people who have similar due dates, postcodes, common similarities (IVF, twins etc…) If there is someone on the course who you already know, then please just get in touch if you would like to be in the same group together… or not!
What do I need to bring?
Nothing
Nothing! We will provide all written materials, email you session notes, and offer refreshments.
If you would like to bring dinner, or a ball to sit on, or a special drink or jot down lots of notes in your favourite notebook please feel free to bring them!
The closest car park to TBJ Towers is at St James’ Car Park, you can use the MiPermit App to pay from your phone.
What happens if we can’t make a course?
We will miss you
Unfortunately we can’t refund you if you miss or cannot make a session. However, we will send you the handouts that you missed and do our best to answer any questions you have. We can arrange for couples to come to a subsequent session a little early so that they can have some 1:1 time with their midwife/teacher.
The Baby Journey was born in 2011 after midwives Hannah & Jules decided the time had come to create the antenatal classes they had wanted to do in their pregnancies.
Since then the two midwives have been joined by more midwives who know both sides of the fence, as mothers themselves and practising midwives.
The Baby Journey classes are ALWAYS led by a working midwife who has little ones of her own, and the team is made up of Ali, Alice, Becca, Rosie, Emma & Jen, as well as Jules and Hannah. Between the 8 of them they have more than 100 years of midwifery experience, and 18 children!
Find Out MoreWhere do we meet?
The Baby Journey HQ
In July 2021 we moved in to our new home in Fairview Court in Cheltenham. Woohoo! It is a wonderful place to host our courses, and we are very excited to be nesting in our very own TBJ Towers.
Birth partners are super important and make a massive difference with great support during pregnancy and labour.
There is loads that you can do to help, and we want you to feel calm and confident with a toolkit up your sleeve all ready to go.
At The Baby Journey antenatal classes we include practical tips on how to help your other half, as well as a clear idea on when to contact the hospital, and what to expect in labour.
The Baby Journey also covers practical baby care so you can feel cool and confident looking after your little one as soon as they are here.
View Classes
So, you’ve done this pregnancy and new parenthood trip before, and now you find yourself with a new little bundle on the way – congratulations!
Our Refresher antenatal course is designed with you in mind, to recap on all things teeny newborn – from tiny nappies and vests to bath time with more than one, as well as how you can prepare for their arrival and the expansion of your family. It’s also a great chance to spend some time together and think about your new baby without the usual distractions at home.
The Baby Journey team know how important it is to have others to share the new baby time with, so we help you to set up your new 3am crew at the sessions as well.
And don’t worry, you will love another one just as much, and you will totally manage it all!
View Refresher Antenatal Classeswe feel ready and excited now and it’s all thanks to youView Testimonials