What are antenatal classes?

Antenatal classes are also called prenatal or labour and birthing classes. They help you get ready for labour, birth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn baby.

Antenatal classes usually cover topics such as:

• pregnancy health and wellbeing
• the signs of labour and when to call the hospital
• the role of the support person
• interventions that may be considered during labour
• pain relief during labour
• breastfeeding
• newborn care and safe sleeping and settling

Most prenatal courses are designed to suit the schedules of busy parents. It's a good idea to book a class for when you will be around 28 weeks into your pregnancy. Classes often fill up quickly.

Should I do antenatal classes?

During your pregnancy, you may find it helpful to attend antenatal classes to learn what's involved during the labour and birth. Attending a class can help you feel more confident as the birth gets closer.

If you have a birth support partner, you can bring them along to the classes.

What are some other benefits of antenatal classes?

Doing an antenatal class can help build your knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn.

During these classes you will meet other people who are expecting babies. You'll be able to talk to other people in a similar situation and share your experiences.

You can ask questions about what will happen when you are in labour. The classes may include a visit to the birthing centre or hospital so you know what to expect.

Who teaches antenatal classes?

Antenatal classes are often run by maternity health providers. These might be hospitals, charities, and some private practices. Some private classes may be run by a doula (a person who offers non-medical support before, during and after birth).

How can I find an antenatal class?

You can search online for antenatal or prenatal classes that are offered in your area. You can also try searching for labour or birth classes.

Your local maternity hospital and your healthcare provider may provide classes you can attend. Some local councils also offer courses.

Ask your midwife or doctor about available classes. Find out the costs and how to book.

If you can't find a suitable course, one of our maternal child health nurses may be able to help. Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.

What types of antenatal class are available?

As well as traditional antenatal classes, there are several different styles of antenatal classes available.

Some examples are:

• Lamaze classes — involving breathing techniques, relaxation, and support
• Active Birth — learning birthing techniques and positions
• Calmbirth — childbirth education program based on understanding of the birth process
• Hypnobirthing — a form of deep meditation and relaxation
• aqua antenatal classes
• antenatal yoga or Pilates

Which birthing class is right for me?

If you decide to do antenatal classes, you may want to read about the different types of classes available.

Before choosing a class:

• think about the type of labour and birth you'd like to have
• make a birth plan — a list of what you would like to happen during your baby's birth
• look at the published research that supports these antenatal classes

There are also classes tailored for:

• partners
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents
• parents who don't speak English as their first language
• parents who are expecting more than one baby

Can I do antenatal classes online?

Online classes can be a good option for parents who can't go to face-to-face classes. But you may not have the benefit of meeting other parents.

How much do antenatal classes cost?

The cost of prenatal classes varies. It will depend on where you live in Australia and who is running the classes. Medicare does not cover childbirth preparation classes. Some hospitals do provide free classes.

If you have private medical insurance, you might be eligible for a payment towards the cost of prenatal classes. Check with your private health care insurer.

Resources and support

To find out about labour and birth classes speak with:

• your maternity care provider
• the hospital or birthing centre where you plan to have your baby

The course coordinator can provide details of an individual course.