Antenatal classes

Antenatal classes prepare you for labour, birth and caring for your new baby.

You can learn about:

• what to expect during pregnancy
• your supports and choices during labour and birth
• preparing for your new baby

Antenatal classes are usually free.

Booking antenatal classes

Book classes as early as possible after your booking visit (between 8 to 12 weeks).

Your maternity unit or hospital can let you know how to book classes with them. Ask them about their availability.

When to start antenatal classes

Most antenatal classes start when you are between 26 and 32 weeks pregnant.

But you can book early pregnancy antenatal classes after your booking visit. Start these classes before you are 20 weeks pregnant.

You can also start antenatal classes early if you are expecting twins or multiple babies. This is because your babies are more likely to arrive early.

What happens in antenatal classes

Antenatal classes are normally held once a week, either during the day or in the evening, and last about 2 hours.

Classes may be offered in-person or online. Your midwife can tell you about the options available.

At in-person classes you can:

• meet your care team
• get a tour of your maternity unit or hospital before you give birth
• interact with other parents
• practise active birth positions and techniques

Your partner can join you at all classes.

Classes may be led by midwives, physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers and other members of your care team.

Choosing a topic

You can request topics you'd like to learn about.

Topics include:

• bonding with your unborn baby
• preparing for becoming a parent
• protecting your mental health during pregnancy
• different types of births - such as vaginal birth or caesarean birth
• preparing for labour and birth
• safe skin-to-skin contact
• developing a relationship with your baby
• looking after your relationship with your partner
• your health and mental health after the birth of your baby

Pregnancy and birth

Taking time off work for antenatal classes

You can take paid time off work to attend antenatal classes.

Partners can also take paid time off to attend the last 2 antenatal classes. You can only do this for 1 pregnancy.

Time off work and antenatal classes - citizensinformation.ie

Types of antenatal classes

There are different types of antenatal classes.

They include classes for:

• early pregnancy (between 6 and 20 weeks of pregnancy)
• first-time parents
• parents who already have children
• breastfeeding preparation
• hypnobirthing
• teenagers and young adults (under 21 years)
• the Traveller community

Talk to your midwife, GP or public health nurse if you are unsure about which classes to attend.

Private classes

Private antenatal classes are available, but you will need to pay for them.

Make sure the person delivering your classes is a qualified parent educator before you book.

Going private for maternity care

More information

Your midwife, GP or public health nurse can give you more information about preparing for birth.

They might suggest:

• your maternity hospital’s website or leaflets
• My Child
• the My Pregnancy book - you will get this at your booking visit

Online classes and resources

Some maternity units and hospitals have free online antenatal classes, videos and courses.

These include:

• National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) eLearning Hub - nmh.ie
• Your Pregnancy Journey - rotunda.ie
• Parent Education - coombe.ie

Ask your maternity unit or hospital if they have online resources.