Antenatal Classes - What Will I Learn?

This Lushtums comprehensive antenatal class / course is fully accredited through FEDANT, the UK’s antenatal education body.  It is delivered by accredited teacher Kelly McDonald.  

Classes take place at Belfast Back Care, 771-775 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 4EP.  

Little Socks NI classes are small groups (never more than 6 couples) and tailored to your individual needs to ensure that you're questions are answered.

We cover EVERYTHING that you need to know to prepare for birth, including preparing for the 4th trimester.  

• The signs that labour is starting  
• The stages of labour, how things typically progress  
• What is a contraction? 
• The science behind what your body is doing and techniques to help you cope  
• The role of hormones and the importance of the positive feedback loop  
• The effects of fear on the process  
• Using the breath, yoga positions and mindfulness as a toolkit for labour (complements the Hypno-Birthing approach)  
• Clear explanations of all possible medical interventions and pain relief options - and why these sometimes have a much needed place  
• How to make decisions and give meaningful informed consent in the moment - and why it is this that goes towards creating a more positive experience  
• How long things might take, when to call, what to pack in your bag  
• Where to birth choices - home, midwife led unit or hospital  
• Essential birth partner tips - what to do, when  
• The 4th trimester - early days with your newborn, what to expect - feeding, sleeping, baby care, mum’s self care and returning safely to exercise.
• Refreshments are included with every class.

Once you reach 12 weeks, it is recommended that you sign up for an antenatal Education Course to learn all about labour, birth and preparing for life with a newborn. Education is key and knowledge is power.   

Plan to attend a course ideally between 24-34 weeks as this gives you plenty of time to learn everything, prepare fully and practice the techniques that you can use throughout labour.   

Don't worry if you have left it later than this - I will do my best to squeeze you in!

 ' The course was brilliant, very informative for first time Mums. Kelly is so warm and welcoming, anything we asked she knew the answer to or was able to find out. It was lovely getting to know other other Mums and realising everyone has the same worries! I would highly recommend this four week course.'

' This is a great course for first time parents who want guidance and knowledge before baby arrives.  Kelly has been great and you just know that she'll be there to support you once the classes have finished and beyond.'

' It is a great antenatal class for first time parents to get the knowledge and information before your little one arrives. It’s nice to meet other first time parents and to chat with people who are experiencing similar pregnancy symptoms, worries and excitement as you. Kelly was a fab teacher and so easy to get along with. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.'  

4 week courses

£150 (£125 if booked with early bird discount)

• Wednesday 8 June - Wednesday 29 June 2022  - book this class if you are due July, August or September 2022. Early bird discount if booked before 27 April 

• Wednesday 24 August 2022 - 14 September 2022 incl if you are due September, October or November. Early bird discount if booked before 13 July 2022.

 1 day Saturday courses

£89 (£80 if booked with early bird discount)

• Saturday 21 May (1 day class) if you are due in June, July or August 2022. Book now - places almost gone..

• Saturday 2 July (1day class) if you are due in late July, August, September or early October 2022. Early bird discount if booked before 21 May 2022.

• Saturday 20 August 2022 (1 day class) if you are due September, October or November 2022.  Early bird discount if booked before 9 July 2022.

I can also offer you a one 2 one zoom class. This is 6 hours of one 2 one antenatal birth prep over 3 sessions. Please contact me for further details for pricing and available date.