The Benefits of Antenatal Classes and How They Help You Prepare for Birth

We all know how it goes: you get pregnant, and suddenly, everyone is a pregnancy and childbirth expert. Susan says, “Pigeon bottles are the best.” Sannie says that when her kids were babies (like fifty years ago), “They never had car seats”, and Jannie has a horror story about how his wife almost died during childbirth.

So what do you do, and how do you know what's going to be the absolute best for the little miracle growing inside you?

As a mom of two toddlers, I can sympathise. As a midwife, I thought I knew everything there was to know about childbirth and parenting, but let me tell you, the further along I got, the more apparent it became that I didn’t know the first thing about children. I didn’t know anything about prams, bottles, or sterilising. I didn’t know how to breastfeed (despite having a really good idea of how to teach others how to breastfeed), and I had no clue how I was going to feel giving birth. Believe it or not, I, too, attended an antenatal class.

Do Antenatal Classes Make a Difference? What the Research Says

Many studies have shown that antenatal classes offer real benefits for all types of births. A 2016 study found that women who attended childbirth education classes or created a birth plan were more likely to feel informed and involved in decision-making, which can lead to better overall birth experiences, regardless of delivery method.

Another study found that women who attended antenatal classes had significantly lower levels of fear and anxiety about childbirth, and felt more emotionally prepared for labour, birth, and the early days of parenting, even when unexpected changes like emergency C-sections occurred.

In short, these classes aren’t about predicting or controlling how your baby will be born. They’re about helping you feel more prepared and at peace with whatever path your birth takes.

What Is an Antenatal Class and Why Should You Attend One?

An antenatal class (also known as a pregnancy or prenatal class) is a supportive, information-packed session led by an expert, often a midwife, nurse, or childbirth educator. These classes help expectant parents understand what to expect during pregnancy, labour, birth, and those intense early newborn days.

Antenatal classes create space for you to ask your questions, explore your birth preferences, and feel more confident about the choices you're making, whether you're planning a vaginal delivery, a C-section, or you're still figuring it all out.

It’s also a chance to connect with other parents, learn hands-on techniques (like breathing, positioning, or newborn care), and get answers from someone who’s seen it all.

What Do You Learn in an Antenatal Class?

Many people think that an antenatal class is just about labour or learning how to change a nappy, and that’s where the hesitation comes in. If your C-section is already booked, or you’ve changed your niece’s nappy before, it’s easy to think, "What else is there to learn?"

But a good prenatal class covers far more than the basics, and it’s not about telling you what birth plan to choose. It’s about equipping you with the knowledge and skills to get through your pregnancy, delivery, and the fourth trimester.

In our antenatal classes, we explore everything from early pregnancy to postpartum recovery. Our topics include:

• What to eat during pregnancy (and what to avoid)

• How your body changes through each trimester

• Common pregnancy symptoms and how to manage them

• Understanding labour and birth

• What really happens during a C-section

• Pain relief options: pros, cons, and what’s available in South Africa

• Postnatal recovery and mental health, including baby blues and postpartum depression

• Breastfeeding basics and what to do when it’s not so basic

• Newborn care 101: bathing, feeding, sleeping, soothing

• Common newborn illnesses and what’s normal vs what’s not

• Baby vaccinations and your first clinic visits

  
  

And honestly… so much more. Every class is a space for questions and advice, whether you’re a first-time parent or want a better experience this time around.

Do Antenatal Classes Teach a Specific Birthing Technique?

Some antenatal classes focus on a specific birthing method, like Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, or the Bradley Method, each with its own unique philosophy and techniques. But at Mums & Bums, we take a broader, more inclusive approach.

We don’t teach one set method or push a particular style of birth. Instead, our classes are designed to prepare you for all types of births, including vaginal births, planned C-sections, and even emergency C-sections. Our goal is to equip you with practical knowledge so you can feel informed and confident no matter how your labour unfolds.

Whether you're aiming for a natural birth or already have a C-section date booked, you’ll leave with tools you can use, because every birth is different, and your class should reflect that.

Do You Need an Antenatal Class If You're Having a C-Section?

Some parents skip antenatal classes if they already know they’re having a planned C-section. It’s a fair assumption that if you’re not going into labour, what’s there to learn?

A lot, actually. Our antenatal classes include:

• What to expect on the day of surgery

• How to prepare emotionally and physically

• What recovery looks like

• Tips for early bonding and breastfeeding

• How to care for your new baby

Even if you’ve had a C-section before, things might be different this time. And if this is your first, feeling informed can make a big difference in how you experience birth, even if it’s in theatre.

Emotional and Mental Benefits of Attending an Antenatal Class

Besides all the knowledge you gain, there are also a whole host of emotional benefits linked to attending an antenatal class.

• Reducing anxiety and stress linked to childbirth: If this is your first baby, there is usually anxiety linked to the unknown. Having someone explain what to expect and how things commonly unfold can help you reduce the fear of the unknown.

• Building confidence in yourself and your partner: As the saying goes, knowledge is power. If you know what to expect, you know when something is wrong, and you also have the power to advocate for what you want from your birthing experience (this is also true for a c-section). If you’ve attended a class with your partner, you will also be confident in their decision-making, and you may even feel confident to allow them to make the decisions while you focus on yourself and the coming baby.

• Support System: Prenatal classes are often the place where people make lifelong friends. Imagine making a new bestie who has a child around the same age as yours. Few things are more important in life than having good mom friends.

Who Should Attend a Pregnancy Class?

EVERYONE!

There are no hard or fast rules for this one. Usually, my classes are attended by first-time mothers, but I have also had second-time mothers who last had a baby years ago and want a refresher, or mothers who have had a baby via a surrogate and just want to find out how to care for their new baby. It’s important to know that no one doesn’t need to attend a prenatal class.

When Is The Best Time to Attend an Antenatal Class?

I always feel that the sooner, the better to get the best benefit. When you attend your class, it also depends on how your chosen provider structures its classes.

At Mums & Bums, I always prefer that the first class is attended as soon as possible because we go over super important tips for coping with pregnancy and birth, the kind of things you would benefit from knowing as soon as possible. The second class I like to do is closer to your due date because we cover caring for a baby in this class, and it's best to do it closer to the end so that all the information is still fresh in your memory.

Remember to book your class as soon as possible because classes often fill up quickly, and you don’t want to risk missing a class that was booked too close to your due date because your baby decided they wanted to come a bit earlier.

How to Choose the Right Antenatal Class for Your Birth Plan

Choosing the right antenatal class depends on your birth preferences, schedule, and what kind of support you’re looking for. For example, if you're planning a C-section, attending a class focused solely on natural birth techniques like Hypnobirthing may not feel relevant or helpful.

Some Tips for Choosing the Right Antenatal Class

• Know your goals: Are you hoping to feel more emotionally prepared? Want help understanding pain relief options? Need support for a planned C-section? Look for a class that matches your needs.

  
  

• Do your research: Search for antenatal classes in your area (or online if that's more convenient). Read reviews, check websites, and don’t be afraid to ask the instructor what topics are covered, especially if you have specific questions.

  
  

• Look at class size and vibe: Smaller groups can offer a more personal experience. Also, consider the teaching style and background of the instructor. Are they a midwife, a nurse, or a doula? Do they speak in a way that makes you feel heard and supported?

  
  

• Pick a schedule that works for you: Some classes run over weekends, others during the week in the evenings. Choose a format that will suit you and your partner's schedule.

  
  

• Online vs in-person: Some people love the connection of an in-person group. Others prefer the convenience of learning at home. There’s no wrong choice.

Why Antenatal Classes Are Worth It

Antenatal classes are for everyone. Whether you're booked for a C-section, hoping for a vaginal delivery, or want to feel a little less overwhelmed, a good class can make all the difference.

These sessions help you understand your options, ask the questions you didn’t know you had, and approach birth and parenting with more confidence and less fear. It’s also nice to know you're learning from someone who knows what they’re talking about.

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Ready to Feel More Prepared for Your Birth?

Our antenatal classes at Mums & Bums are warm, practical, and completely judgement-free. Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, we’d love to walk this journey with you.

➡️ Check class dates and book online now

(Limited spaces available, our groups are small on purpose!)

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