What Our Antenatal Course Covers
Prepare for birth — and feel supported long after your baby arrives
First Steps Antenatal is designed to help you feel calm, confident, and genuinely prepared for birth and the early months of parenthood.
These small, friendly classes combine clear, evidence-based antenatal education with practical newborn preparation and ongoing postnatal support — so you’re not left guessing once you’re home with your baby.
What makes this course different?
✔ Covers birth AND early parenthood, not just labour
✔ Small, supportive groups — no overwhelming classrooms
✔ Honest, real-life information (no judgement, no scare tactics)
✔ Ongoing support after your baby is born
✔ Led by a qualified antenatal & postnatal educator
The Full Antenatal Course (5 sessions)
5 weekly in-person sessions
Small group setting (maximum 6 couples)
Partners welcome
Each session is designed to build confidence step by step — with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Session 1: Final Stages of Pregnancy & Preparing for Birth
As your due date approaches, this session helps you feel physically and mentally prepared.
You’ll learn:
- What to expect in the third trimester
- How your body prepares for labour
- Gentle perinatal exercises and massage
- How to support oxytocin release
- What to pack in your hospital bag
Session 2: Understanding Labour & Your Options
This session focuses on helping you feel informed and empowered during labour.
We cover:
- The stages of labour
- Signs labour is starting
- Pain relief options (medical and non-medical)
- Induction of labour
- How partners can support you effectively
Session 3: Birth, Recovery & Those First Days
Prepare for birth itself and the immediate postnatal period.
You’ll learn about:
- Different types of birth (including assisted and caesarean)
- The golden hour
- Postnatal recovery and healing
- What to expect in the first 24–48 hours after birth
- When and how to ask for help
Session 4: Feeding & Caring for Your Newborn
Practical, realistic guidance for life with a newborn — no assumptions, no pressure.
Topics include:
- Breastfeeding basics
- Bottle feeding and combination feeding
- How often babies feed and why
- Nappy changing, bathing and safe sleep
- Understanding newborn behaviour
Session 5: The Fourth Trimester & Early Parenthood
This session prepares you for what often isn’t talked about.
We cover:
- Newborn sleep patterns (and what’s normal)
- Baby development and growth spurts
- Common regressions
- Parental wellbeing and emotional changes
- Adjusting to life as a family
Ongoing Support After the Course
Support doesn’t stop when the classes end.
When you join First Steps, you’ll also receive:
✔ Access to a private WhatsApp group
✔ Access to a private Facebook support group
✔ Email support for up to one year after your baby is born
✔ Invitations to relaxed postnatal meet-ups every 6-8 weeks
You’ll always have somewhere to ask questions — without judgement or pressure.
Group Antenatal Course
- 5 in-person sessions
- Small, supportive group
- Maximum of 6 couples
- Price is for two people
One To One Course
Ideal if you:
- Prefer private sessions
- Have specific needs or circumstances
- Want flexible timing
Sessions take place in your home and can be tailored to focus on the areas most important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to attend the course?
Most parents attend between 26–36 weeks of pregnancy, but the course is beneficial at any stage. If you’re unsure when to book, feel free to get in touch.
Is this suitable for first-time parents?
Yes — the course is particularly helpful for first-time parents, covering birth, newborn care, and what to expect in the early months.
What time is the course?
If you are attending a Colchester course, it begins at 7:30pm, and Maldon starts at 7:45pm. It may feel late, but it allows you to finish work without rushing, get home, eat properly and take a breath. It usually allows partners to arrive without needing to leave work early, or feel under pressure. You can arrive fed, settled and relaxed, ready to slow down, learn and ask questions. It looks late on paper, but in reality, it works really well.
Can my partner attend the sessions?
Absolutely. Partners are encouraged to attend all sessions and are included in the course price. If you have someone else that will be your birthing partner, they are welcome to come instead.
How many people are in each class?
Classes are kept small and supportive, with a maximum of 6 couples per group, allowing plenty of time for questions and discussion.
What if I’ve already done an antenatal course elsewhere?
Many parents attend First Steps even if they’ve completed another course. The focus on newborn care, early parenthood, and ongoing support often fills the gaps left by traditional antenatal classes.
Do I need to prepare anything before attending?
No preparation is needed. You don’t need to bring anything with you — just come as you are.
Will I be pressured to make specific birth or feeding choices?
No. The course is non-judgemental and evidence-based, supporting all birth and feeding choices so you can decide what feels right for you.
Is breastfeeding the only feeding method covered?
No. The course covers breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and combination feeding, with practical guidance for each.
Is this suitable if I’m planning a caesarean or induction?
Yes. All birth options are discussed, including planned and unplanned caesarean births and induction of labour.
What makes this course different from NHS or NCT classes?
First Steps Antenatal focuses on real-life preparation, including newborn behaviour, sleep expectations, and emotional wellbeing — with ongoing postnatal support, not just preparation for labour.
Will this course help with newborn sleep?
Yes. You’ll learn what is normal for newborn sleep, common challenges, and how to manage expectations during the early months.
What support is available after the course ends?
You’ll have access to WhatsApp and Facebook support groups, email support for up to one year, and optional postnatal meet-ups.
Can I ask personal or “silly” questions?
Yes — all questions are welcome. There’s no judgement and no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.