So many questions...
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!).
I want to meet other expectant parents, will you help with that?
We certainly will
We take a lot of time to work out who to group with who in the run up to your course beginning. In our welcome pack we will have found out a little more about you so we can work out who’s due dates are close, who lives on the same road etc. During the course there will be some group games and activities to help you to get to know one another. We will also arrange get-togethers for your group once the course has finished, so you can catch up in the evenings and weekends. We also arrange a WhatsApp group for you to start messaging.
Should I bring my partner….they are not too keen?
Yes PLEASE!
We make a MASSIVE effort to make sure expectant fathers and partners are made to feel not only welcome, but important too. The course is tailored to include them, offering top tips on how they can help not just at the birth, but in the early weeks at home.
If your partner isn’t able to come at all, then we welcome birth partners in any shape or form. The Baby Journey aim to be inclusive and friendly to all.
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 is the difference between Baby Journey and NCT?
Lots!
All Baby Journey courses are led by qualified, experienced, practising midwives – who also happen to be mothers themselves. Although NCT instructors have had some training to teach their classes, they are not midwives. The Baby Journey base our courses on our experiences of different types of birth, from water births through to caesarean section. It’s a very practical, non judgemental approach to antenatal classes. We also cover breast and bottle feeding.
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.
What else does The Baby Journey offer?
Speedbumping, Hypnobirthing, Baby Tribe, Baby First Aid, Baby Yoga, Baby Spa......
The Baby Journey offers more than just your antenatal classes. We host hypnobirthing courses, speed bumping nights, and after your little one has arrived we host Baby Tribe coffee mornings, as well as Baby First Aid classes and Baby Spa & Yoga. We’d love to see you.