Antenatal classes / groups?

[BumpingAlong]

I’m planning ahead and wanting to set up a local pregnancy group.
Can’t decide if it should be a casual, weekly drop in, as and when and see where the session takes us - sort of group or more formal group of fixed sessions.
I was planning loose themed sessions with time for guided relaxation, tea, talking etc. But maybe a series of more formal classes would be better?
I am trained in hypnobirthing (and other stuff) and I am not planning on making millions out of this and would only need room hire/insurance/cost covered and would possibly do this by donations rather than a fixed fee - hopefully this would open it up to anyone and not have that big financial barrier that NCT / hypnobirthing has.
There’s not much available currently in this area. I know a few hypnobirthing classes run and there’s NCT but that’s based in the next bigger town half an Hour away.

Opinions please. What would you like from a pregnancy group?

We have no antenatal classes available by me apart from one on breastfeeding. As I’m unable to breastfeed, and can’t afford NCT, I have no choices!

So personal I’d like a group that talked about the lead up to birth, birth itself and life with a newborn without focusing solely on breastfeeding. I know bf is important but if I was told ‘next week is bf’ I could skip that and come the week after. Or even give a talk on formula feeding as I’m still pretty clueless! :) oh and the opportunity to meet mums would be a massive thing as at the moment I know no one....

I’d happily pay a bit each week to cover costs for a group xx

Which part of the UK are you thinking?

I go to a group where you pay for a block of 5, and you just have to use them within 6 months and I find that works well.

I second something on formula feeding. I really struggled as a new mum not being able to breastfeed but also not being given anything about formula feeding.

Maybe a class with a structured activity to start and then a chit chat after?

Also I found classes around 35-45 mins in length were perfect. Long enough to feel like I’ve got out the house and done something, but not too long that baby needs feeding etc

Islay. Middle of the south. Why? Want to come?