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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

tailored private antenatal classes

15 replies

scrumping · 02/10/2018 14:04

Hi everyone.
I have changed my user name as this is an idea very much in the early planning stages so I'm being a bit cagey!
Could I ask your opinions on individual antenatal classes. I am a qualified midwife and I am thinking of setting up a small business offering antenatal education to individuals or individual couples in their own homes. I am something of an introvert myself and remember when we were expecting our first baby we went to local classes but they were really not our thing. I think there could be some interest in very informal sessions tailored to individual need. I would also at some point like to look at offering these sessions at very reduced rates or even free where possible for those in greater need. I would love to hear your thoughts,
thank you so much xxx

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ChocolateChipMuffin2016 · 02/10/2018 15:08

Hi,
I'm 50/50 on this TBH, we went to our local NHS one and it was ok, but the biggest reason most people went to them in my experience was to meet other people and make mum friends (did not work for me!).
On the other hand my best friend paid a fortune for someone to do one on one hypnobirthing classes with her and had a breastfeeding consultant so I can see that some people might want the extra knowledge on a one to one basis if it was about a topic they were worried about/interested in. Maybe if you were covering both of those topics that would be good, they seem to be quite popular.

I would ask people in your local area (maybe on a facebook mums page) and see what they say.
Good luck!

Celebelly · 02/10/2018 15:26

I would go for something like this. I don't really have an interest in meeting other couples at classes (my DP has even less interest and finds those kind of forced social settings horrific) so something tailored to us would be really good, plus I'd feel more comfortable asking questions if it was a smaller setting like that.

jasmin93 · 02/10/2018 15:33

This is something we are currently looking for - as our midwife failed to book us into any NHS paid antenatal classes!! We have no family, we could ask for help regarding looking after a baby, the birth in general, breastfeeding....
All we know is off the internet.
So YES! If you are anywhere near London and interested to start this asap, then send me a PM! First baby due in less than 4 weeks/GD diagnosed.

happymummy12345 · 02/10/2018 15:40

I'd say it would be perfect for those who are not keen on big groups, or would just prefer a more intimate class for whatever reason.

I didn't go to any type of class as I didn't need to and it's not my thing at all. But I can see the benefits for those who want to

Original poster

scrumping · 02/10/2018 16:17

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Chocolate chip, meeting people is a huge benefit of groups, I know, but I do wonder if there are many out there like me who don't really go in for big group things! thanks Celebelly and happy mummy, I really appreciate your input. Jasmine, sadly I am not in London area or we definitely could have done something, I would get on to your midwife and see if she can get you onto a course asap although I know provision is sadly lacking in a lot of areas. Best of luck to you x

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TheWanderlust · 02/10/2018 20:02

I would... our areas version is some online videos. As a very anxious first time mum with my own mental health issues, the thought of even trying to find a group is petrifying. I'd prefer to have the opportunity to meet 1-1 or in a very tiny group to chat and ask questions.

If you cover any of Surrey, Hampshire or Berkshire I'd be really interested.

snoopy18 · 02/10/2018 20:24

Definately a market for it! I’d prefer 1-on-1 to group ones as I’m not overly bothered ( at this stage at least ) about meeting heaps of people whilst trying to take in important information. It would be so much more relaxed and personal with a 1-1 service.

GreenMeerkat · 02/10/2018 20:28

Not for me personally but I reckon there is definitely a market for it. Especially if you included things like hypnobirthing.

Maryam18 · 02/10/2018 20:53

There is definitely a market for this. I recently attended a private antenatal class and whilst I found the information given very useful, I found the day quite stressful.

I am an introvert too and I also find social situations difficult and I really felt that I was being put on the spot at the antenatal class which ruined the day for me. The emphasis seemed to be on making friends and forming groups to discuss our feelings with other couples. I didn't want to make friends, I really just wanted to go to the class to learn.

I would have preferred a one on one class with my husband as I would have been confident enough to ask as many questions as I needed.

monkerina · 02/10/2018 20:58

Tbh the main reason we did NCT was to meet naice local people with babies of similar ages... We called them 'Paying for Friends' class.

I think there's a definite market, especially if you included hypnobirthing/bf information.

@TheWanderlust just FYI, I'm on the Surrey/Berks/Hants border if you fancy a chat. DS is 2.5 but due a sibling early next year, need to refresh a little myself!

TheWanderlust · 02/10/2018 21:09

@monkerina that'd be great. I'm fairly new to the area and feeling quite overwhelmed with this being my first pregnancy.

Uncreative · 02/10/2018 21:46

I’d be interested! But at the same time, I would consider group classes because of opportunity to meet people in a similar situation. If it takes off, perhaps you could also offer ‘networking’ opportunities in the form of introductions to your other clients?

I’d suggest you should have your own standard syllabus but seek input from parents as to what they particularly want to concentrate on.

MaverickSnoopy · 03/10/2018 08:20

This is going back 7 years but when I went to NHS antenatal classes all they covered was birth and pain relief, absolutely nothing about looking after a baby. I wanted to know about feeding and sleep and general care. Several of my friends have gone to classes recently and they said the same.

What do the NHS classes cover in your area? I'd say I'd you can cover some of the gaps then people would have more of an interest.

orangejuicer · 03/10/2018 09:42

Definitely a market, especially for FTMs like me. Birth beginnings in the Vale (or something like that) do a similar service, might be worth a look at their site?

Original poster

scrumping · 03/10/2018 13:06

Thank you so much everyone for all your kind replies, you have given me lots to think about. Wanderlust, unfortunately I'm not in your area or we could have done something, I really hope you get some support and are able to enjoy becoming a mum, it's hard sometimes but definitely worth it! xxx

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