Paid time off to attend antenatal classes

[Bikeproject]

I'm looking at antenatal classes and I understand that I can take paid time off "if recommended by a doctor or midwife". But looking at people's experiences around me, it seems that many employers don't ask for proof of recommendation (for classes, not medical appointments), within reason. So I wanted to ask about recent experiences. I'm sure it's employer dependent but did you have to ask your midwife for a note for your employer or was your employer happy to approve paid time off for antenatal classes easily? Thanks

NHS and my line manager had no issue at all with midwife appts + antenatal classes + unplanned assessment visits eg at maternity assesment unit

It never crossed my mind antenatal classes could be done during work hours, that seems to be taking the mic as they’re not necessary (unlike medical appointments). Choose one outside of work hours

I'm actually quite shocked by some of these responses! I have been advised by my midwife to attend a 'Wellbeing in Pregnancy' course my NHS Trust run due to an additional risk factor I have. I was originally told that it would be a fortnightly session but I went along to the first one today and apparently it is weekly.

As far as I'm aware it's not mandatory but having been to one I can see how it would be beneficial for me and baby. I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and the sessions will be Mondays 11:30-12:30 until 10 weeks post partum. I'll be discussing it with work tomorrow, but as far as I'm concerned I've always worked hard and approx. 2 hours out of my week (if you include travel time) shouldn't be a problem, it is the law after all! As previously mentioned, the sessions have been recommended by my midwife and mine and my baby's health and wellbeing are my priority, so I hope my employer is understanding of that.

It is this sort of response that make honest mums to be, especially first time mums, more anxious in pregnancy. Most people would already be concerned about the impression they are making, a manager should be more understanding and know this is already a difficult but much wanted time in the parent's lives.

So relieved that the law is there to protect women as some of these comments are awful

exactly, if this is what they DO say, think of what they DON'T say.