When is the best time to start a course?

Any time before you give birth. It is really never too late to get educated. The courses generally run over a 4 week period so you might not be able to fit in a full course if your approaching the end of your pregnancy, but a private course can be scheduled in a shorter space of time, or even a quick phone call could help.

Ideally you’d be looking to start the course from any time after 20 weeks and finish is before 35 weeks. This way we will have hopefully covered most topics that commonly occur in appointments and gives you (and your partner) enough time to prepare your mind and body for the birth.

Why this course and not NCT or other providers?

Honestly (as always with TBC) you have to choose the course that’s right for you. I am a qualified teacher so I am use to teaching people, that is how a approach my classes. I’m here to educate you, I might even give you homework. I offer evidence based information. I don’t just follow NHS policies and advice, as most of them aren’t based on evidence ( 82% of guidelines are NOT based on grade A evidence). I like fact and figures and want you to know as much as you can before your birth, so I won’t spend the whole session doing relaxation. I try and show birth as a real event which is different for everyone. I’m also inclusive and want everyone who wants to access my course to be able to. I’m also likely to swear and go of on tangents occasionally. It’s my course so I’m not stuck with teaching from a script of a prescribed order so I have greater flexibility. If you want a sample of my style before hand I offer free taster sessions. If I’m not for you, that’s fine, I can probably sign post you to other birth workers in the area you might like more.

I’m having trouble making a decision Can’t you just tell me what to do?

No. This seems harsh, but I’m not you or your partner. The decision I might make might be right for me, but wrong for you. No one can tell you what to do. That includes me, Drs, midwives and your mum. What I can do is give you decision making tools to help you, and also provide you with honest and truthful information to help make that decision. A hour phone call with me can help with this, especially if something new appears later on in pregnancy and you need support in making your own decision.

Can you tell me what this symptom means?

I am not a midwife or a Dr. Even if I was a medical professional I would have to be YOUR midwife or Dr to give you medical advice. I have knowledge of different medical issues in pregnancy as I read lots of evidence and medical based report about them. But I cannot give you medical advice or diagnose problems. What I can do is help you find evidence and information about any medical conditions, so you can use this information to make informed decisions about your birth.

I can’t afford the course but really want to join?

I understand that finances are a massive barrier to good antenatal education. If breaking down the breaking down the payments into instalments or asking for a discount would help you. Please email me and ask. I base this on a honesty system so don’t use this service if you really don’t need it.

You can also think about asking for donations as a baby shower gift. Often people buy the top range pushchair, but don’t get any antenatal education. A bad birth experience will stay with you for life, a slightly cheaper pushchair won’t.