FAQs
Why and when should I do an antenatal course?
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WHY? Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but perhaps a little frightening too as we wonder: Is childbirth really as bad as everyone says? Is a caesarean ‘the easy way out’? Will I be able to breastfeed? Will I be a good mum?
If these questions are running through your mind, you’ve come to the right place. All these questions will be answered, and more, as I’ll give you realistic, honest, and practical advice for you and your partner or whoever you want to come with you, including signposting where to get more specialised support and hands-on demos. There will also be a chance to meet other local parents - perhaps even start some budding friendships and have WhatsApp groups that will feel like a lifeline in your early weeks of parenthood.
WHEN? We advise attending antenatal classes around the start of your third trimester, but you may want to start earlier. Drop me a line and we can discuss what’s best for you.
What makes Bud to Baby different?
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So why do a course with me instead of one of the big franchises?
Firstly, my classes and workshops are bespoke and tailored to you - your baby, your birth, your way. Aiming to avoid a medical birth but want to know what to expect in hospital? I’ll share the best ways you can advocate for yourself and your baby. Planning a caesarean? Great, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Want to breastfeed but also keen to know more about formula feeding? No problem, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know.
Secondly, I’m truly local to Sidcup and Bexley, so I can tell you exactly where to go to get your baby weighed or get breastfeeding support - or just the best places to go for a nap walk (the walled garden at Sidcup Place by the way… see my blog post)
Thirdly, this is no side hustle for me. I am truly passionate about supporting women, birthing people, and their birthing partners as they navigate their journey into parenthood. As such, my support includes being available on WhatsApp for any questions or wobbles long after the course has finished. I want to help YOU thrive as you embark on this wonderful new chapter.
A five-week course of sessions, each class is held from 7-9:15pm with a break in the middle to allow time to socialise with other parents-to-be. Courses are limited to six couples to allow plenty of time for course content tailored to you, a chance to ask questions, and make those all important new connections.
SESSION ONE - THE BEAUTY OF BIRTH
Introduction to me and each other
Physiological birth and the birth environment
SESSION TWO - WHERE AND HOW TO GIVE BIRTH
Discuss different options and what to know about your rights in childbirth
How to think about and write your birth preferences
SESSION THREE - BABY’S HERE: NOW WHAT?
How to manage the womb to world transition for your baby and you
How to care for your newborn and what to expect from the first few weeks
SESSION FOUR - HOW TO FEED YOUR BABY
The science of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed
Other options for feeding and practical tips, plus where to get support
SESSION FIVE - YOUR POSTNATAL SUPPORT PLAN FOR THE FOURTH TRIMESTER
How to prepare for life postpartum
Mental support and recovery for both partners and your growing family
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Group classes are held at Foots Cray Baptist Church hall on Sidcup Hill, a 10-minute walk from Sidcup High Street.
There is ample free parking on site. It is also on the bus route for the 51, 321, 233, 492 or R11, with the closest stop being Middleton Avenue/Sidcup Hill.
Accessible toilets are available on site.
Hot and cold drinks and snacks will be provided. Please notify me of any dietary requirements.
Although the course is held in a church hall, there is no religious element to the classes and people of all or no faith are welcome.
What can I expect from the group antenatal course?
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The terms and conditions may be subject to revision. The terms and conditions published here at the time of booking apply unless I inform you otherwise.
Bookings are for two people - the birthing person and their partner/friend/relative. If you would like to attend on your own, please get in touch and we can arrange a discount.
Payments are taken via bank transfer. Refunds are available within 14 days of booking. After this time, all bookings are non-refundable apart from exceptional circumstances at Bud To Baby’s discretion.
If Bud To Baby needs to cancel a course or session, you will be offered a full refund or option to transfer to another one.
If you are unable to attend a session, please let me know and we can send you the content covered and arrange a catch-up call. Missed sessions are non-refundable.
If a course or session needs to be postponed due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, every effort will be made to reschedule in person. If this is not possible, you will receive a recording of the session along with the opportunity for a live online catch-up session.
Bud To Baby reserves the right to make changes to course dates, times, and locations where necessary.
Bookings are non-transferable unless agreed in advance.
The course is designed to provide education and support only - not medical advice. You are responsible for contacting your GP, midwife, health visitor or other healthcare professional for further information.
Bud To Baby aims to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for everyone and asks you to respect this or you will be asked to leave.
Bud To Baby accepts no liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred during or as a result of attending the course.
Bud To Baby may take photographs or videos during sessions for use on social media and marketing purposes. I will always get your consent for this but please let me know if you would prefer not to be included.
No recording by participants is allowed without prior permission in order to protect privacy.
Follow-up contact on WhatsApp and/or email is offered at Bud To Baby’s discretion and is meant to be informal and reasonable. It is not a substitute for urgent or clinical care. Please respect boundaries and response times. This service may be withdrawn at any time.
Completing a booking means you have read these terms and accept them. If you are booking on behalf of someone else, you confirm you have the authority to do so.