Antenatal (refresher/short) courses

Refresher courses are for those who have already had at least one baby. They offer a chance to reflect and build on past birth experiences and prepare yourself for looking after your new baby.

These courses vary in length, although are generally much shorter than standard antenatal course usually 6-14 class hours. Most include sessions for mothers only, while some include sessions for 6 to 8 women and their partners or supporters to attend together.

Our courses all vary slightly because each course is designed around the group of people who are on the course to meet their needs. Refresher courses especially are tailored to the needs of those there based on their previous birth experience and their desires for this birth. Most courses run as a set of sessions with the same group attending each session.

All antenatal courses cover preparation for birth and parenthood. Some refresher courses include a breastfeeding session with a qualified breastfeeding counsellor and some include a reunion which takes place after all the babies are born. Ask your bookings administrator for details of what is offered in your area.

Refresher courses are a good way of concentrating on this baby and this pregnancy - often overlooked when there are toddlers and other children to look after. They are also a good way of meeting others and making a friendship group for the new addition.  Parents often find that the people they meet on these courses become an important support in the months and sometimes years after their babies are born.  The course will be appropriate whether you have a small or large gap and whether it is your 2nd or your 9th baby.

In some areas short courses are also available for first time parents.