We know it can be tricky to choose an antenatal course, and often making friends is at the top of the priority list. However, at a time when the NHS maternity and postnatal care system is so stretched and overwhelmed, it is imperative that your priority is unbiased, personalised and ongoing support/education.
Keen to make friends? Then choose a group course option (with the priority of the points above), or aim to make connections in other ways. Pregnancy/postnatal exercise classes, baby massage, local baby groups are all great ways to meet other local parents at a similar stage to you.
To make comparing courses a little easier for you, we’ve put together these comparison tables which show details of what you should take into consideration including the:
This comparison table shows details of the birth preparation course, pregnancy support, postnatal support and baby care education that each course provider offers in order to help you to understand what’s available from each, and to find the best course for your needs:
The Course |
Mindful Natal® |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Birth preparation course | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Planned caesarean birth course option | Yes | No | No |
| Dedicated postnatal recovery course | Yes | No | No |
| Hypnobirthing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hard copy workbook | Yes | Yes | No |
| Affirmation card pack | Yes | No | No |
| 1:1 WhatsApp Support | Yes | No | No |
| Group size | <8 | >8 | >8 |
| In-person option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom option | Yes | No | No |
| Private option | Yes | No | No |
| Payment plans available | Yes | Yes | No |
Teacher Training |
TMBG |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Cultural Awareness | Yes | No | No |
| Pregnancy after baby loss | Yes | No | No |
| Birth Rights | Yes | No | No |
| LGBTQ+ | Yes | No | No |
| Trans parents | Yes | No | No |
Pregnancy Support |
TMBG |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Live pregnancy yoga/pilates/aerobics | Yes | No | No |
| Live relaxation sessions | Yes | No | No |
| Ask the midwife chat group | Yes | No | No |
| Online moderated community | Yes | No | No |
Postnatal Support |
TMBG |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Live postnatal doula support | Yes | No | No |
| Parent & baby yoga | Yes | No | No |
| Online moderated community | Yes | No | No |
| Postnatal planner | Yes | No | No |
Baby Care Education |
TMBG |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Baby feeding by IBCLC | Yes | No | No |
| Baby sleep by IACSC | Yes | No | No |
| Slings & carriers | Yes | No | No |
| Baby first aid | Yes | No | Yes |
| Parent mental health | Yes | No | No |
| Introducing to siblings | Yes | No | No |
| Weaning | Yes | No | No |
| Choosing childcare | Yes | No | No |
Pricing |
TMBG |
NCT |
Bump & Baby |
| Based on group courses in city areas: | £275 Zoom option. £320 in-person option. Includes the full course support package | c.£300 | c.£260 |
| Payment plans available | Yes | Yes | No |
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