Led by an experienced practising Midwife

Antenatal classes in St Albans

Calm, supportive antenatal classes designed to help you feel informed, prepared and confident for birth, feeding and early parenthood.

  • Small groups, maximum 8 couples
  • Two focused, relaxed Saturday sessions
  • In-person classes in St Albans, Hertfordshire
  • Led by experienced practising Midwife Holly Eastlake

Feel calm, informed and confident

Prepare for birth and early parenthood, whatever path your birth takes.

These antenatal classes are designed to help you feel prepared for birth and early parenthood, whatever path your birth takes.

You'll learn about:

  • Labour, birth and your choices
  • Practical coping and breathing techniques
  • Feeding support, including breast, bottle and mixed feeding
  • Newborn care, recovery and what to expect after birth
  • How your birth partner can support you with confidence

Why these classes are different

A more relaxed, in-depth approach.

If you're looking for antenatal classes that fit around your busy schedule, these small group Saturday sessions may be ideal.

You'll attend two focused Saturday morning sessions, giving you the time and space to properly understand your options, ask questions and feel genuinely prepared.

There's no rushing, no trying to absorb everything in short bursts, and no feeling like you are running out of time. Instead, you can settle in, learn at a comfortable pace and leave feeling more confident about what's ahead.

  • A calm, supportive environment
  • Space to ask questions
  • Practical, evidence-based guidance
  • Time with a friendly, local, practising Midwife
  • Support for both you and your birth partner

Considering NCT classes?

A smaller, Midwife-led alternative.

Many parents look at NCT when choosing antenatal classes. These classes offer a smaller, Midwife-led alternative for parents who would like a more personal setting.

Feature These classes Typical larger antenatal courses
Group size Maximum 8 couples Often larger groups
Format Two relaxed 4-hour Saturday sessions Often several shorter sessions
Teaching Led by an experienced practising Midwife Teaching background may vary
Pace In-depth, with time for questions and discussion Can feel more spread out or structured
Approach Calm, practical and supportive Varies by course and provider

If you're looking for a smaller, more personal class with time to properly understand everything and ask questions, these sessions are designed to give you that space and confidence.

Led by a practising Midwife

Meet Holly Eastlake

With over 15 years of experience as a practising Midwife, Holly brings real, up-to-date knowledge from working directly in NHS maternity care.

Read more about Holly
  • Evidence-based, up-to-date information you can trust
  • Real, honest insight into birth and maternity care
  • Local knowledge of services, pathways and what to expect
  • Balanced guidance that is not fear-based or overwhelming
  • Non-judgemental support for your choices

This is not just theory. It is real experience you can trust.

What the course covers

Two focused sessions, from birth to baby.

Day 1

Pregnancy and birth

On day one, we focus on labour, birth, your options and how to make informed decisions.

  • Signs of labour
  • The stages of labour and what to expect
  • Hormones and how your body works during birth
  • Positions and comfort techniques
  • Breathing and coping techniques
  • Pain relief options, with all options explained
  • Induction of labour
  • Interventions and decision making
  • Instrumental birth, including forceps and ventouse
  • Caesarean birth, planned and emergency
  • Birth preferences and informed choices
  • How birth partners can support during labour and birth

Day 2

Baby and early parenthood

On day two, we focus on feeding, newborn care, recovery and the reality of the first few days with your baby.

  • Breastfeeding basics
  • Bottle feeding and responsive feeding
  • Expressing and mixed feeding
  • Newborn behaviour and what's normal
  • Nappies and practical baby care
  • Safe sleeping
  • Recovery after birth
  • What to expect in the first few days
  • Emotional wellbeing and adjusting to early parenthood

Feeding your baby, your way

Balanced, supportive and non-judgemental feeding preparation.

Feeding is covered in a balanced, supportive and non-judgemental way. The aim is not to tell you there is one "right" way. It is to help you understand your options, feel prepared and make the choices that are right for you and your baby.

BreastfeedingBottle feedingExpressingMixed feedingResponsive feedingWhere to get support if you need it

How the classes work

Two Saturday morning sessions.

The group antenatal course is taught over two Saturday sessions. This format allows time for deeper understanding, practical learning and calm, useful conversation, so you leave feeling confident rather than overwhelmed.

  • Two Saturday morning sessions
  • 9:00am to 1:00pm
  • 8 hours of teaching in total
  • Small groups, maximum 8 couples
  • Plenty of time for questions and discussion

Antenatal classes in St Albans

St Paul's Church

Blandford Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 4JP

Convenient for St Albans, London Colney, Harpenden, Radlett, and surrounding Hertfordshire areas.

Nearby parking

  • St Paul's Church Car Park Blandford Road, St Albans, AL1 4JP
  • Additional Parking Additional parking can usually be found on nearby residential roads. As parking restrictions vary check local signage when you arrive.
  • Public Transport The venue is easily accessible by public transport and is around a 10-minute walk from St Albans City Station.

Choose the support that suits you

Group classes and more personalised support.

Alongside group antenatal classes, Holly also offers more personalised support.

  • Group antenatal classes, maximum 8 couples
  • One-to-one antenatal classes in your home
  • One-to-one birth plan discussions
  • One-to-one birth reflection sessions

Not sure if it's right for you?

Book a free 30-minute call with a Midwife.

This is a chance to ask questions, talk through your situation and find the right support for you.

Book your free call

Book your antenatal class

Places are limited to just 8 couples per course.

Keeping groups small helps the classes feel calm, personal and supportive. View available dates and choose the course that suits your due date.

View available dates and book

Frequently asked questions

Before you book.

When should I book antenatal classes?

Most people book antenatal classes between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

Are partners included?

Yes, these classes are designed for both you and your birth partner.

What should I bring?

Just yourself. Everything else is provided.

Where are the classes held?

My antenatal classes are held in the Garden Room at St Paul's Church in Fleetville, St Albans. Conveniently located just a short distance from the city centre, the venue offers a calm, welcoming and comfortable space for expectant parents to learn, ask questions and connect with others preparing for birth and parenthood. The Garden Room provides a relaxed setting away from the business of everyday life, creating the perfect environment for open conversations, practical learning and supportive discussion. There is easy access, parking nearby and excellent local transport links, making it straightforward for families across St Albans and the surrounding areas to attend. Whether you're joining a group class or a one-to-one session, you'll be welcomed into a friendly space designed to help you feel informed, confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

Can I park?

Yes. There are a small number of parking spaces available at St Paul's Church, and additional parking can usually be found on nearby residential roads. As parking restrictions vary, I recommend allowing a little extra time before your class and checking local signage when you arrive. The venue is also easily accessible by public transport and is around a 10-minute walk from St Albans City Station.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel your antenatal course booking at any time by letting us know by email. We will acknowledge your cancellation by email or phone within 5 days of receiving it. If you cancel three weeks or more before the start of the course, you will receive a full refund, less GBP 25 to cover administration costs. If you cancel less than three weeks before the start of the course, no refund will usually be given. Under exceptional circumstances, please contact us to discuss possible options, such as alternative dates.

Could the course be cancelled?

A minimum number of bookings is required for each course to run. If this number is not reached, Midwife Holly reserves the right to cancel the course. If this happens, you will receive a full refund.

What happens if a session needs to be rescheduled?

If Midwife Holly needs to reschedule a session, you will be given as much notice as possible. In exceptional circumstances, we may need to cancel your booking. If this happens, you will be offered a full refund.

What if I miss a session?

Please get in touch to discuss your options.