FAQ

What is included in your antenatal course?My in-person antenatal course covers labour, birth and the early weeks with your baby, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore your options.We cover:Labour and birth, from the early signs of labour through to your baby's arrivalInduction of labour and caesarean birthPain relief, including self-help techniques, non-medical options and medical pain reliefFeeding your baby, including breastfeeding, formula feeding or a combination of bothNewborn care, including nappies, bathing, safer sleep and understanding normal baby behaviourPostnatal recovery, relationships and preparing for the realities of early parenthoodYou will also receive:A set of practical course handouts to keep and refer back toComplete Hypnobirthing course availablet to downloadRelaxation tracks for feedingAccess to the online course resource hub1:1 support from me when neededA course goodie bag It is also a space to talk things through, ask the questions that matter to you and understand your options without pressure or judgement.

Can my partner come too?Absolutely. Birth partners, co-parents and support people are fully included in the course.There is plenty of focus on how they can support you during labour, birth and the early weeks, so you both leave feeling more informed, prepared and confident.

All courses take place at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow, West Lothian.The venue is fully accessible, has free parking and is around a five-minute walk from Linlithgow train station.Courses primarily run on Wednesday evenings and there is a maximum of 8 couples on each course, giving plenty of time for questions, discussion and more individual support.

When should I book?I recommend booking a course that you can complete by around 37 weeks of pregnancy.Most people attend during the second or third trimester, but there is no perfect time. The course dates on my website include the due dates they are best suited to, which should make choosing the right one a little easier.If you are unsure which course to book, you are always welcome to get in touch.

Is this like an NHS antenatal course?NHS antenatal education can vary depending on where you live. My course gives us more time to explore labour, birth, feeding, newborn care and the early weeks in more depth, with plenty of space for questions and discussion.The aim is not to tell you the 'right' way to do things. It is to help you understand your options, know what questions to ask and feel more prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

Can I attend on my own, or what if I miss part of the course?Absolutely. You are very welcome to attend on your own, whether you are a solo parent or simply attending without a partner.If you miss part of the course, please let me know. I can help you catch up on what you have missed with the course materials and, where needed, a short 1:1 Zoom session.Life happens, particularly during pregnancy, and I will always do my best to make sure you do not miss out on important information.

Is the course suitable if I have had a baby before?Yes. You may want to refresh your knowledge, prepare for a different type of birth or explore options you did not know about last time.A previous birth experience can also change the questions you have and the support you need. There is plenty of space to talk things through and focus on what feels most useful for you this time around.

Yes. Much of the course content around labour, birth, feeding and newborn care is still relevant if you are expecting twins or multiples.Multiple pregnancies can involve some additional considerations and different care pathways, so you may have questions that are specific to your pregnancy.If you are unsure whether the group course or a private antenatal course would suit you best, please get in touch and we can talk it through.

What is hypnobirthing and is it included in the course?Hypnobirthing uses breathing, relaxation and mindset techniques to help you feel calmer and more focused during labour and birth.As part of the antenatal course, you will receive access to my downloadable hypnobirthing course, including audio tracks and practical techniques that you can practise at home in your own time.I see hypnobirthing as one useful part of birth preparation rather than a guarantee of a particular type of birth. The techniques can be used alongside other coping strategies and pain relief options.Please do not listen to hypnobirthing or relaxation audio tracks while driving or operating machinery.

Can you give me medical advice?I am an antenatal educator, not a midwife or doctor, so I cannot diagnose medical conditions or tell you what medical decision to make.What I can do is help you understand information, explore your options and think about the questions you may want to ask your maternity team.If you have concerns about your health or your baby's health, I will always encourage you to speak to your midwife or healthcare provider.

If you have any questions before booking, you are always welcome to get in touch.You can WhatsApp me on 07418 610135 or email info@birthprepwithjoy.com.Once you book, I will get in touch with your course information and ask whether there is anything you would like me to know before the course starts.Anything you share with me is treated confidentially and will not be shared with other course members. If you have any additional learning or support needs, please let me know and I will do my best to make the course as accessible and comfortable as possible.

Can I pay in instalments?Yes. You can pay for the course in full or spread the cost over three interest-free monthly payments when you book.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of booking or at least 21 days before the course begins.If your baby is born before 37 weeks and you have not yet started the course, you will also receive a full refund.Refunds are not normally available once the course has started.If something unexpected happens and you need to discuss your booking, please email me at info@birthprepwithjoy.com.Full cancellation terms are available in my Terms of Service.

What if I need to cancel or rearrange my sessions?If you book private support online, you have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of booking. Full details are available in my Terms of Service.If you need to rearrange a session, please give me at least 48 hours' notice where possible and I will do my best to find another suitable time.Sessions cancelled or missed with less than 48 hours' notice may be treated as used, although I understand that illness, pregnancy and family emergencies do not always give much warning. Please email info@birthprepwithjoy.com or WhatsApp on 07418 610135If your support is funded through The Birth Republic, you will not be charged privately for funded sessions.