just wondering what you think?? private antenatal classes

[kadownie]

I was having a think today, as I was browsing bub hub- and was wondering what people thought of having private antenatal lessons- I am a training doula- and want to also do my childbirth educators qualifications-

I have read a few threads today about antenatal classes- and what people have experienced, and wonder if maybe you were in a small group away from a hospital setting and allowed to have more control over birth subjects and information- would people be interested?

If so, what kind of things would people like covered, other than the obvious childbirth scenario. How many people in a group? I was kind of thinking that I could make up a booklet thing- have a loose structure- but really allow the group members to guide the classes and room for lots of socialisation.

Would people be comfy with a doula providing them with antenatal info- or do people feel that they need someone with more qualifications.

Anyway- just an idea in process- wondering what people's thoughts were on the subject- if people were interested, it could really work as a home based business for me!

[BJelly]

Hi,

I went to private antenatal classes through the Childbirth Education Association, and they were great - they are very supportive of active childbirth methods. Also the place where I did antenatal yoga lessons also did private antenatal classes.

I think if you teamed up with a doula with maybe 10 years experience or preferably an experienced midwife it might make people feel a bit more comforable with the private classes.

Best of luck with everything!

[kadownie]

thanks for your reply- I was thinking of maybe getting my mum involved- if she was interested- she's a midwife, I also have other midwife friends who would potentially be interested. I'm not suggesting that I do it on my own- as I know there are a lot of things that I do not know- but I think being away from the hospital and their policies (though they are of value) can be a helpful and informative thing!

Also, having a more interactive and open style class, with room for lots of discussion and questions- is a more inviting, hopefully more educational style of learning- also having small groups would really enable people to feel connected and hopefully gain some friendship and support!

[annsam]

I am a doula and CBE. I dont know where you are but in Sydney there are a lot of midwives with years of experience running private prenatal classes so I find that part to be less successful than the doula side of it where people hire me first for support, second for education. I would highly recommend getting the doula bit up and running and checking out the competition and need in your area. Its a great idea but you need to make sure there is the requirement to make it worth your while otherwise its a lot of stress and $$ in advertising and then you dont make the numbers to make it cost effective for yourself.

Edited to add, you put your next post on as I was replying :rolleyes: - if you do have that resource of your mother being a midwife then thats fantastic!

[jessgray]

my midwife is the midwife for the specialised unit called young approach to pregnancy/parenting program. its for under 21's. she offers private antenatal classes and thats what i did with DP when i was pregnant with DS1.