Journey to Parenthood ante-natal classes

Journey to Parenthood ante-natal classes

Journey to Parenthood is a free, 6-week ante-natal education course, open to pregnant people and birthing partners in Southend. Expectant parents are invited to attend after they have attended their 20-week scan/check. The courses are based in community settings, with classes co-delivered with midwives at certain points in each course.

Journey to Parenthood offers a friendly relaxed group where parents can learn about their pregnancy, prepare for labour, birth and the postpartum period whilst meeting others also expecting a baby at the same time.

Sessions include:

• Adapting to pregnancy and exploring emotions.
• Learning about babies’ emotional brain development and how they communicate before and after birth.
• Activities to aid parents in preparing for the support they will require during pregnancy, labour and birth.
• Learning more about labour and birth including pain relief; birthing positions and modes of delivery.
• Understanding responsive parenting and feeding including building a relationship with baby.
• Caring for baby after birth, including practical skills like changing nappies and information about safe sleep.
• Advice on where to access support post birth, including mental health support.

For more information on classes, please contact mse.journeytoparenthoodsouthend@nhs.net

Maternity services offer a 1-day ante-natal class on a Saturday. This is free and available for anyone in Southend, Rochford and Castle Point areas. Maternity services also offer a free hypnobirthing course.

Beyond these free options, there are classes which require payment. These are:

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) classes,
Happy Mum, Happy Baby classes
Support offered through local groups such as Do It Like A Mother

If you have any questions or concerns around family services in Southend, please contact City Family’s Information and Guidance Service where their friendly Navigators will be able to assist you:

Call: 01702 844188
WhatsApp/Live Chat: 07507 242398
Email: yfsouthend@cityfamily.org.uk
or visit www.cityfamily.org.uk

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:30am – 7:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:30am – 3:00pm