About Your Parent Club
What is Your Parent Club?
Your Parent Club offers fresh, modern midwife-led antenatal classes for people who want to feel confident and empowered as they prepare for the birth of their baby. Classes are welcoming and inclusive – somewhere you can learn and grow into the parent you hope to be.
Alongside the fundamentals of pregnancy, birth and caring for a newborn, attention is given to the 12 weeks immediately after baby is born, otherwise known as the ‘fourth trimester’ – an important topic that’s typically absent in most mainstream antenatal education. The classes also include a social element, connecting you with like-minded parents and local businesses. As well as forming new friendships, you’ll be building a support-network you can rely on for years to come.
The group course includes eight hours of content delivered over four weeks. Classes are held at cosy, inviting venues. No drafty school halls! To nurture the bonds formed during the group course, Your Parent Club also hosts regular seasonal events.
What's the difference between Your Parent Club classes and NHS antenatal class?
Although there is some overlap, there are several core differences between Your Parent Club classes and those offered by the NHS.
Group classes and 1:1 sessions are all led by me, Sarah, an NMC registered Midwife. Founded on years of clinical and personal experience, Your Parent Club provides comprehensive, evidence-led, up-to-date information on topics like birth choices, pain relief options and infant feeding. The classes also cover topics not typically included within most mainstream antenatal education such as the fourth trimester.
I’ve never heard of the fourth trimester – what is it?
‘The fourth trimester’ is a name given to the 12 weeks immediately after your baby is born. It is a crucial time for all new parents and of equal importance as the three trimesters during pregnancy. In the fourth trimester, there is typically a reduction in contact with Midwives and health visitors which can leave new parents feeling incredibility isolated and vulnerable. Your Parent Club aims to counteract this by providing knowledge, friendship and support.
Is Your Parent Club inclusive of LGBTQ+ parents?
YES! Your Parent Club believes everyone should have equal access to information and teaching. The course is designed to provide relevant information to all expectant parents and I’m more than happy to address any specific questions you may have, either in private or during the class.
Can I attend if I’m not a first-time parent?
Yes, please do! Things change quickly in antenatal healthcare, so it’s a good idea to refresh your knowledge and ensure you’re up to date on the latest advice. It’s also an opportunity to address anything you’d like to do differently this time, especially if you’ve previously experienced high-risk pregnancy and/or a traumatic birth.
About the Course Content
What topics are covered in the course?
Your Parent Club classes are designed to empower new parents by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge while also helping them build a support network they can lean on during pregnancy and beyond.
Course content is tailored to your individual needs, but as a rough guide, the classes are structured as follows:
- Week 1 – Health, Wellbeing and Preparing for Birth
- Week 2 – The Journey of Birth Part 1
- Week 3 – The Journey of Birth Part 2
- Week 4 – Life with a Newborn and the Fourth Trimester
You’ll find more information about the specific topics covered in each class here
Do you cover all types of infant feeding, including breast and bottle feeding?
Yes, Your Parent Club believes fed is best.
Do you cover baby first aid for parents?
It’s not covered in any of the classes, but I’ve partnered with Sammy Davies at Happy Hearts First Aid to give you access to her online baby first aid course as an optional add-on. After purchasing, the course materials will be available to you for 12 months, allowing you to work through everything at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
The online course covers first aid for babies from birth until the age of one year old. As well as basics like building a first aid kit and taking baby’s temperature, the course will teach you:
- What to do if your baby is unresponsive and/or stops breathing (including CPR and recovery positions)
- What to do if your baby is choking
- How to prevent and manage burns and scolds
- What to do if your baby has a febrile seizure
- How to manage head injuries
- Allergy awareness
- Meningitis awareness
- How to spot RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and what to do
Simply select this option when you book and you’ll receive an online log-in, giving you immediate access to bite-sized videos packed full of evidence-based information plus additional downloads and worksheets designed to help you retain these important skills.
Can I attend if I am having a planned caesarean section? Will the course content be relevant?
Absolutely – planned caesarean sections are covered in week three, The Journey of Birth Part 2. The course is designed to be inclusive of all births with a focus on informed decision making so you feel prepared and at ease. You may also be interested in my 1:1 Positive Caesarean Workshop
Attending Your Parent Club Classes
When is the best time to join a class?
You can join anytime, but classes are planned around your due date. You will be recommended the most suitable set of classes, grouping you with people at roughly the same stage to help you build friendships and form long-lasting bonds.
How many people will be in the class?
There will be a maximum of 10 expectant parents and their plus ones.
Should I be taking notes?
You are welcome to take notes if you feel it will aid your learning. However, I will provide written course materials and additional resources at the end of each session.
What should I wear?
Please wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nothing specific, but you are welcome to bring anything that will make you feel more comfortable during the class, for example a pregnancy pillow or your favourite water bottle. If you wish to take notes, feel free to bring a notepad and pen, although written course materials will be provided.
Can I ask questions during the class?
Yes, I welcome and encourage questions at any point. I will also be available at the end of each session and reachable via email between classes. Remember, there are no silly questions, and no query is too small!
Is there any on-going support available?
Yes. Late pregnancy and the first few months after baby’s arrival can be an overwhelming time, so you’re welcome to email me at any point after the course has finished, up until the end of your fourth trimester.
Why does the cost of classes vary?
The price of each class depends on the venue selected. This reflects the differing costs and overheads associated with each venue and ensures I’m able to maintain a universal standard across a range of locations.
Is the price listed for one or two people?
The price includes two people so expectant parents can bring a partner, friend, or family member if they wish. You are also welcome to attend alone – whatever suits you best.
If my intended plus one cannot attend, can I bring someone else?
Of course! I look forward to meeting you both.
What happens if I am unable to make a session?
If you’re unable to attend a session, please let me know as soon as possible, and at least 24-hours in advance. If there is availability, you may be able to attend the class you’ve missed at a later date as part of another cohort. Alternatively, you can email questions or speak with me in person about the topics you’ve missed. I can also provide relevant resources and handouts. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs
What happens if a class is cancelled?
If a class needs to be cancelled and rescheduled, you’ll be given as much notice as possible. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee the rescheduled class will take place on the same day of the week or at the same time, but I will do my best to minimise any negative impact.
If Your Parent Club is unable to reschedule the session, a refund will be issued. This will be a percentage of the overall cost of the course, i.e. if one of your four classes is cancelled, you will receive 25% of the total cost. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs
What happens if the whole course is cancelled?
In exceptional circumstances, an entire course may need to be cancelled. Where possible, you will be offered an alternative start date. However, you are free to decline. In this instance, you will receive a full refund. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs
Will I be singled out or asked to take part in group work?
The classes are designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible. There may be group work, but this is never compulsory. If there is anything I can do to put you at ease or make the classes more accessible, please let me know. I will always take note of any individual needs and do my best to tailor things to your comfort level.
Will the classes be tailored to my individual concerns?
Yes. The booking form includes a section for you to note down any specific areas you would like me to cover. You also have the option to ask questions and talk to me directly, either during class or by booking a private 1:1 session.
Please note, Your Parent Club is unable to provide individualised medical care. Your antenatal education is incredibly important to me, but I am not a private Midwife. These sessions should not replace regular appointments with your Consultant, Midwife or GP.
Do you offer any 1:1 sessions?
Yes, in addition to the group classes, I offer a range of 1:1 sessions with both online and in-person options available. As well as bespoke antenatal classes, there are sessions dedicated to writing your birth plan and preparing for a positive caesarean birth.
Please note, as with the group classes, Your Parent Club cannot provide individualised medical care. Your antenatal education is incredibly important to me, but I am not a private Midwife. These sessions should not replace regular appointments with your Consultant, Midwife or GP.
Working With Your Parent Club
I’m a Midwife and I’d love to join your team. What should I do?
If you’re a Midwife with a passion for antenatal teaching, and who understands the difference it can make to parents and babies, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me via [email protected] and I’ll be in touch ASAP