We have compiled a list of questions we often get asked. Scroll down
to find out the answers!
No more wondering when is the best time to attend antenatal classes,
whether you need to bring your own birthing ball to the hospital, or your own
pillow or baby formula, how do you sterilise baby bottles during your hospital
stay or what the difference is between free pre-recorded antenatal classes
available online and the private ones led by your local midwives.
We will be regularly adding more questions and answers here, so watch this space!
We recommend starting the antenatal course when you are between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant. Although we would suggest that you book onto the course in advance in order to guarantee your place.
If this is the case, we suggest booking onto the earlier course to ensure that you manage to finish the course before your baby arrives.
Yes! We create a WhatsApp group and encourage the participants to talk to each other and stay in touch when the course ends. It can be invaluable to have a support network of other mums and dads who are going through similar experiences (joining the group is of course voluntary, we will ask whether you wish to be added before the course begins and you can change your mind at any time).
You might have found some free (or cheap) antenatal courses online. While it doesn't hurt to watch them, more often than not you will find that they are very basic. And while some people might be happy with basic information, if you want to truly prepare for labour, birth and what to expect after your baby has been born, you will find that live classes are much more superior to the pre-recorded ones. They will offer more in-depth information, you will be able to ask questions as and when you think of them, and if you sign up to classes led by local midwives, you will get the most up to date information relevant to the area where you live and where you will be having your baby.
No, there are plenty of birthing balls you can use at the MLBU, Delivery suite and Cley ward. If there isn't one in your room, just ask!
No, you don't need to bring any formula milk with you if you are planning to breastfeed. If for any reason your baby requires some formula during your stay, this will be provided to you.
Yes, if you are planning to bottle feed your baby you will need to bring formula milk with you. Pre-made formula is easier whilst you are at hospital. It is also a good idea to bring a couple of your own bottles and a bottle brush. Newborns usually only take small volumes in the first few days and you can avoid a lot of wastage by decanting some pre-made formula milk into your own bottle.
At NNUH you will be provided with a Milton tank for the duration of your stay. This will be changed daily by the lovely maternity care assistants (MCA's).
Whilst it is not essential to bring your own pillow when you go to the hospital, you might find that it is a good idea to bring one if you can carry it. Pillows in hospitals are like gold dust! Just make sure you remember to take it with you when you get discharged home.
No, you will be provided with towels, whether you are on Cley or Blakeney ward, MLBU or Delivery suite. If you need more, just ask!
What Our Clients Say
Jo & Andrea are absolutely incredible! There's no sugar coating how scary the thought of labour and a newborn can be but they're brilliant at helping you feel at ease and confident! They also make such an effort at making dads feel included, as especially during Covid there has been a lack of support for dads-to-be.
Myself and my husband attended the antenatal classes with Jo and Andrea. They were completely invaluable to us. We learnt about everything from early labour, active labour, pain relief options, induction, what to expect if things don’t go quite to plan as well as feeding options and what to do in the early days when you bring baby home. The sessions were packed full of useful and practical information and I can honestly say that I have learnt so much. The sessions were really relaxed and enjoyable and I was able to ask any questions that sprung to mind. Jo and Andrea were so helpful, friendly, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this course to anyone expecting a baby!
Andrea and Jo have been amazing. Myself and my partner are first time parents and the advice we received in the classes was so valuable to us. We have learnt so much from them and it has certainly put my partner and I more at ease. They are such informative and fun classes even though we had to do them through Zoom. We would highly recommend the classes. Thanks for your support. x
I cannot recommend this company enough. I am a first time mum during the pandemic and didn't have a clue what to expect during my pregnancy, birth and beyond. Although we had to have our antenatal classes on Zoom due to covid, Andrea and Jo were fantastic. They covered everything from labour, delivery, pain relief, feeding, what to expect in the hospital and at home after the baby is born, just to name a few of the topics.
I honestly finished the 4 weeks feeling confident and ready for my baby's arrival. Jo and Andrea are brilliant teachers and having lessons from both a community midwife and a midwife who works in the hospital was invaluable.
Thank you both for a great 4 weeks.
Andrea and Jo provide an amazingly thorough course covering everything you need to know. Because of lockdown this unfortunately had to be over Zoom, but I don't think this compromised the quality of the course or the ability to connect with the other participants one bit. The small group meant we were able to chat with each other very easily. They provided us with a pack that included a weighted doll, sling, nappy, wooly boob etc. so that you can still learn in a hands on way. I also think that as midwives at the NNUH they provide extra insight into the actual process of what will happen specific to Norwich. I had done a lot of reading and research, but it's only after this course that I actually feel confident and excited for it to happen!
My wife signed us up for four sessions with Jo and Andrea in Strumpshaw. I've been informed and entertained from start to finish, with well pitched information from a couple of clearly knowledgeable professionals. I thought I was pretty clued up after reading some books and listening to friends' anecdotes and experiences, but I now realise nothing beats getting it straight from the experts. I certainly recommend this course.
Andrea was the most amazing in bringing our little girl into the world in December, she was truly incredible, as were all the staff at MLBU. We can't thank you enough. We had a real laugh with Andrea, not that you would expect to be laughing in the situation but she was so lovely and funny we had a real giggle feeling so relaxed, we'll never forget her and what she did for us that night. I've had a real fear of birth for as long as I can remember and put it off for years, but Andrea completely changed that, and has now changed our lives by bringing our little girl into the world. We'll never be able to thank her enough, so cannot recommend these ladies and what they do highly enough! ❤ xx