We found the ante natal classes really useful and found out lots of information about how to recognise when labour is starting, how to cope with labour and post natal care as well which included feeding, changing and bathing the baby. It was a great way of meeting other expectant parents who are due around the same time and we have kept in touch since the classes finished.
-----Jo was able to answer all of our questions and we came away from the classes feeling alot more confident about the birth and looking after a newborn baby.
From the point of view of being a dad for the first time and being blinded by all the pregnancy books my partner had brought, Jo‘s classes were invaluable, entertaining and cut all the mystery of birth down to the bone. I cannot recommend her classes highly enough, the information she provided gave me the confidence and knowledge to support my partner throughout the birth of our son.
-----The group size (four couples) meant the three sessions we had were really friendly and good-humoured. Jo engages all of the group members in discussion and facilitates a relaxed but informative session.
The biggest thing we gained from the sessions was to clearly understand the options parents have throughout the birth and first few months. It became clear in many areas there is no right or wrong but the time with Jo and the group enabled us to make decisions we felt comfortable with.
We are still contact with the other three couples we met at the classes and would thoroughly recommend Birthday Education.
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I would urge any first time parents to attend Jo Arundel's 'Birthday Education' classes. I'd avoided NCT classes, convinced they were for the kind of people who knitted their own sandals, but my husband pointed out (quite rightly) that since we knew less than nothing about the breeding process, some kind of expert help was advisable.
How lucky we were to have found Jo. Her classes are small, informal and lighthearted, and explain all the options in childbirth and beyond, allowing parents to make informed decisions on what's right for them. After three sessions, we've come away armed with the information we craved and absolutely no knitted sandals!
last updated 21st September 2008