South African Antenatal Classes: How to Pick the Right One (and What to Ask First)

Samantha Pieterse
1 day ago
7 min read

Pregnancy is one of those times in life where joy and worry tend to hold hands. One moment you’re daydreaming about baby names, the next you’re lying awake at 2 am, wondering if you’ll know the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Add in the endless stream of advice from friends, and stories from your mom’s cousin, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why you need an antenatal class. Instead of piecing together random bits of information, you get clear, structured guidance that’s designed for South African parents, delivered by someone who’s been there both professionally and personally. It’s not about telling you how your birth “should” go, but about giving you the tools and calm to handle whatever does happen.

Pregnant moms in antenatal class, Centurion, SA, learning about birth prep at Mums & Bums Clinic.

Why Antenatal Classes Are Worth It

If you’re expecting a baby, antenatal classes aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re one of the smartest investments you can make for yourself, your partner, and your baby. Pregnancy comes with a flood of emotions, from excitement to worry, and while Google searches and family advice can help, they rarely leave you feeling fully prepared. An antenatal class takes that noise and turns it into clear, practical guidance that makes sense.

Think of it as the pregnancy manual you wish existed. You’ll learn what happens in labour, how to handle pain, what to expect if you need a C-section, and how to care for yourself afterwards. You’ll also get hands-on guidance for the “real life” stuff nobody tells you about, like breastfeeding struggles, bottle prep, safe sleep, nappy changes, and even how to soothe a baby who won’t stop crying at 3 am.

Antenatal classes aren’t just about birth, they’re about helping you feel confident walking into parenthood. The skills, knowledge, and reassurance you pick up can reduce fear, strengthen your bond as a couple, and even lower your chances of feeling overwhelmed or anxious after your baby arrives.

Not all classes are the same, though. Some are very clinical, others are more relaxed. Some focus only on natural birth, while others cover the whole journey, including interventions, recovery, and the messy, beautiful reality of those early weeks. Choosing the right class can make all the difference.

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Booking a Prenatal/Antenatal Class

Choosing an antenatal class isn’t something to tick off your to-do list. The right class will prepare you for birth, give your partner confidence, and help you both adjust to life with a newborn. To make sure you choose wisely, here are five must-ask questions before booking.

1. Who is teaching the class?

Not all antenatal classes are created equal. In South Africa, they may be led by midwives, nurses, doulas, or childbirth educators. While each has value, you want someone with the perfect mix of professional expertise and real-world parenting experience. A good facilitator doesn’t just know the medical facts. They understand how birth feels, what recovery is like, and how overwhelming those first weeks at home can be.

If you’re going to invest your time and money, make sure the person leading your class is qualified, approachable, and committed to evidence-based guidance. Having a trusted professional by your side can make the difference between leaving a class feeling calm and empowered or still confused and anxious.

💡 At Mums & Bums, our antenatal classes are taught by a registered nurse and midwife (and mom!), so you get both medical expertise and lived experience you can relate to.

2. What topics are covered?

This is where many parents get caught off guard. Some classes only skim the surface of labour, leaving you unprepared for everything else that comes with parenthood. The best antenatal classes cover the entire journey:

Pregnancy changes and what’s normal (and what’s not).
Vaginal birth and C-sections, so you’re prepared either way.
Pain management options like epidurals and breathing techniques.
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support (because sometimes plans change).
Newborn care basics like nappies, bathing, safe sleep, and soothing.
Postnatal recovery, including emotional health and body changes.
Partner involvement, because they need confidence, too.

A well-rounded class gives you a complete toolkit, so you don’t walk into the delivery room (or back home with your newborn) feeling lost.

Antenatal class at Mums & Bums Clinic SA showing newborn bathing and baby care practice.

3. What class format works best for you?

Every pregnancy is different, and so is every parent’s learning style. That’s why antenatal classes in South Africa come in a few formats:

Private antenatal classes: one-on-one, tailored to your personal questions and situation. Perfect if you prefer privacy or have unique needs.
Group classes: interactive and supportive, where you can meet other parents-to-be and feel less alone in your journey.
Weekend or evening sessions: flexible for busy schedules or partners who work long hours.
Online/video-based antenatal classes: ideal if you live far from Centurion, prefer to learn at home, or want the ability to rewatch lessons.

The right format makes a big difference in how much you absorb and how confident you feel afterwards. Choosing the wrong fit often leaves parents overwhelmed or disengaged.

📅 At Mums & Bums, we offer private, group classes, and video-based classes. We’ll happily help you decide which format suits you best. You can check upcoming dates here or WhatsApp us directly to ask about availability.

4. Where is it located?

By the time you’re 36 weeks pregnant, the last thing you want is a long drive across town. Location is more important than most parents realise. Search terms like antenatal classes near me or antenatal classes Centurion aren’t just convenience-based. They’re about reducing stress and keeping you comfortable.

When considering a venue, ask yourself:

Is it easy to reach from home or work?
Is the space safe, clean, and welcoming?
Is it close to medical facilities? (Just in case).

📍 Mums & Bums is based in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, making it central for families across Pretoria, Midrand, and surrounding areas. You won’t have to worry about traffic or unsafe venues. You’ll be in a professional, supportive clinic environment.

5. What support is offered after the class?

Antenatal classes shouldn’t end the moment your baby is born. In fact, this is where ongoing support becomes even more valuable. Ask if the class provider offers:

Postnatal care and breastfeeding support.
WhatsApp groups or follow-up sessions for ongoing questions.
Childhood immunisations, growth monitoring, and baby checkups.
Guidance on newborn sleep, feeding schedules, and early parenting challenges.

Without this continued support, you may feel like you’re “dropped” after the birth, right when you need help the most.

👉 At Mums & Bums, our antenatal classes are just the beginning. We continue to walk with you through your baby’s first months with childhood vaccines, postnatal recovery, and everyday baby care.

Video antenatal class in South Africa with Mums & Bums nurse teaching parents about pregnancy care.

Bonus: When Should I Book an Antenatal Class in South Africa?

Most parents book their antenatal class between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you enough time to complete the course before your third trimester, when you may start feeling more tired or uncomfortable. It also means the information is still fresh in your mind when labour begins.

Booking earlier has big advantages:

You’ll secure your spot. Antenatal classes in Centurion and Pretoria often fill up quickly.
You and your partner get time to practise what you’ve learned (like breathing or newborn care).
You’ll feel calmer heading into your last trimester, knowing you’ve already prepared.

If you’re already later in pregnancy, don’t panic. It’s never too late to learn. Even a shortened or private class can give you the confidence and tools you need before birth.

👉 The best time to book is now.

Reserve your class or WhatsApp us directly to find the right date for you.

Bottom Line:

Antenatal classes aren’t optional. They’re a confidence-building, anxiety-reducing step every parent deserves before bringing a baby into the world. The right class will prepare you for birth and beyond, making those first weeks less overwhelming and far more joyful.

How Much Do Antenatal Classes Cost?

The cost of antenatal classes in South Africa can vary widely depending on the provider, location, and whether you choose group or private sessions. On average, you can expect to pay:

Group antenatal classes: around R2,000 – R3,500 for a full course (usually spread over a few weeks or condensed into a weekend).
Private antenatal classes: often R3,000 – R4,000, depending on how many hours are included and whether the sessions are customised.
Online antenatal classes: generally more affordable, but they don’t always include the same hands-on support you get in person.

While price matters, remember that antenatal classes are an investment in your birth experience and early parenthood. A good class can save you stress, help prevent common feeding or recovery struggles, and give both you and your partner the confidence you need.

👉 At Mums & Bums, we keep our antenatal classes affordable while still offering nurse-led, evidence-based guidance and ongoing postnatal support, something you won’t always find elsewhere.

You can see our class options here or WhatsApp us directly for details.

Why Partners Should Join Antenatal Classes

At Mums & Bums, we believe antenatal classes work best when partners attend. Birth and parenthood are a team effort, and classes give both of you the knowledge and confidence to step into this new chapter together. Partners play a crucial role in both birth and early parenthood, and attending classes together helps both of you feel confident, prepared, and connected.

When partners attend antenatal classes, they learn:

What labour looks and feels like, and how to provide support.
Comfort techniques and practical pain relief measures.
How to advocate for you in the hospital if you’re too focused on contractions.
Hands-on newborn care like nappies, swaddling, and safe sleep.
How to spot when you may need extra support after birth.

For many couples, this is the first time they practice working as a team in preparation for their baby’s arrival. Partners who attend classes don’t just “come along for the ride,” they leave feeling involved, knowledgeable, and ready.

Why Every Parent-to-Be Needs an Antenatal Class

Choosing the right antenatal class is about giving yourself the confidence and practical know-how to handle birth and parenthood with less fear and more assurance. A well-structured class prepares you for labour, teaches you how to care for your newborn, and reassures you that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

For many parents, antenatal classes are the difference between walking into the delivery room feeling anxious and uncertain, and stepping in with the knowledge and skills to face whatever comes your way. They also make the transition home smoother because you’ll already have an idea how to feed, soothe, and care for your baby while supporting your own recovery.

If you’re expecting in Centurion, Pretoria, or nearby, we’d love to welcome you to Mums & Bums. Our nurse-led antenatal classes are designed for South African parents, with a balance of medical expertise and real-life experience.