Pregnancy Support Classes
Childbirth Preparation Classes
Educational childbirth preparation advice classes for parents-to-be are available at times convenient for you. Whether you would like to attend a course of evening classes with your partner, a concentrated Saturday workshop or a personalised one-to-one session we are able to support and advise you at this exciting time. Classes are presented by our Parentcraft Midwives and specialist Obstetric Physiotherapists.
Classes are available for all pregnant ladies to attend, not just those booked to have their baby at The Portland Hospital however, early booking is advised to ensure dates of your choice. Singleton pregnancies advise to have completed the course by 36 weeks gestation. Twin pregnancies should start classes at 24 weeks gestation.
All classes are held in the antenatal classroom in the Physiotherapy department on the 5th Floor at 234 Great Portland Street. Contact the Physiotherapy Department on 020 7390 6553 or send us an email for further information.
Early Pregnancy Class
- One off class offered on an appointment basis for mothers/parents-to-be up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Advice and reassurance on topics including diet, body changes and minor disorders of pregnancy such as morning sickness.
Weekly Childbirth Preparation Classes
Our comprehensive, educational advice courses are available as a couples evening class or mothers only daytime class. Offering six once-a-week, two hour sessions, courses are designed for first time parents-to-be to commence between 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy. We advise you to book for these classes after your 20 week scan to ensure a place on your preferred course. Eight mothers/parents-to-be may attend each six week childbirth preparation course.
Topics covered include:
- Comfort, back care and exercise in late pregnancy
- Signs of labour and when to come to hospital
- Natural coping strategies
- Stages of labour including pain relief options
- Assisting your partner in labour
- Variations of a normal delivery including Caesarean section
- Introduction to breastfeeding
- Life after birth
Classes are held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
Mothers' Only Daytime Classes
- Classes follow the same syllabus as combined couple's sessions.
- Features one special partner's session where both parents-to-be attend together.
- Classes are held on Monday afternoons or Wednesday mornings.
Childbirth Preparation Saturday Workshop
- One-off class for mothers/parents to be who are unable to attend the full childbirth preparation course.
- Condensed information including signs of labour, childbirth techniques, pain relief and breastfeeding.
- Classes are held on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm.
One-to-one Session
- Private, tailor made two hour session for mothers/parents-to-be based on the regular childbirth preparation course.
- Available week days on an appointment basis.
Refresher Session
- One-off two hour session for mothers/parents expecting their second or subsequent baby.
- Update and refresh knowledge of pain relief, breathing, positions and relaxation for use in labour.
- Available week days on an appointment basis.
