Antenatal Classes in Devon
Evidence-Based Birth Preparation & Support for New Parents
Preparing for the arrival of your baby is an exciting time, but it can also bring uncertainty, questions, and sometimes anxiety. At Nurturing Maternity Support, our antenatal classes in Devon are designed to help you feel calm, confident, informed, and fully supported as you approach birth and early parenthood.
Our small group antenatal courses combine evidence-based education with practical preparation and emotional reassurance. We support expectant parents across Exeter, Cranbrook, Honiton, Sidmouth and surrounding East Devon communities, providing a warm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Whether you are preparing for your first baby or welcoming another addition to your family, our classes help you feel ready for the realities of labour, birth, feeding, and caring for your newborn.
View upcoming antenatal classes and book your place below
Upcoming Antenatal Classes in Devon
Our antenatal courses are usually delivered as:
• Five-week small group courses
• Practical and theory-based learning to help you understand both the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for birth and early parenting
• Sessions focused on relaxation techniques and partner support to help you work together confidently during labour and early parenthood
Each course is carefully structured to provide both practical knowledge and emotional preparation for becoming parents.
What You Will Learn During Our Antenatal Classes
Our antenatal education covers far more than just labour preparation. We help families prepare for the full journey into parenthood.
Week 1
Understanding Labour, Birth & Your Choices
Helping you feel informed and confident as labour approaches.
You will learn:
• How labour works and progresses
• Understanding the stages of labour
• Recognising signs labour is starting
• Pain relief options and comfort techniques
• Understanding birth choices and preferences
• Induction, assisted birth and caesarean birth
• When and how to contact maternity services
Week 3
Understanding Your Newborn & Early Behaviour
Helping you understand what is normal for your baby in the first days and weeks.
You will learn:
• Normal newborn behaviour and development
• Physiological changes babies experience immediately after birth, including breathing, circulation, temperature regulation, and feeding adaptation
• The importance of skin-to-skin contact and the benefits of the “Golden Hour” following birth
• Understanding feeding cues and early feeding behaviours
• Building early bonding and attachment
• Realistic infant sleep expectations
• Recognising when your baby may need additional support or medical attention
Week 5
Postpartum Recovery, The Fourth Trimester & Adjusting to Life With Your Baby
Preparing you for physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, and the realities of early parenthood.
We cover:
• Physical recovery following vaginal birth and caesarean birth
• Understanding normal postnatal changes including bleeding, healing, and hormonal adjustments
• Emotional wellbeing, baby blues, and recognising signs of postnatal mental health concerns
• Supporting partners through the transition into parenthood
• Feeding support and realistic expectations during the early weeks
• Adjusting to life at home with your newborn
• Managing visitors and setting healthy boundaries while you recover and bond with your baby
• Accessing local postnatal and parenting support services across Devon
Week 2
Comfort Techniques, Relaxation & Partner Support
Helping both parents feel confident working together during labour.
This session covers:
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Positioning and movement during labour
• Massage and comfort measures
• How birth partners can provide emotional and practical support
• Communication and advocacy during labour
• Supporting feeding and recovery after birth
Week 4
Practical Baby Care & Safe Sleep
Providing hands-on guidance to help you feel confident caring for your baby.
Topics include:
• Nappy changing, bathing, and everyday newborn care
• Umbilical cord care
• Dressing your baby and temperature regulation
• Safe sleep guidance and reducing the risk of SIDS
• Understanding breastfeeding and bottle feeding options, supporting parents to make informed and confident feeding choices
• Opportunity to explore and try different feeding and baby care equipment
• Establishing practical newborn care routines
• Recognising when your baby may need medical advice or support
Why Parents Choose Nurturing Maternity Support
Choosing antenatal classes is about finding support that feels right for your family. Parents choose Nurturing Maternity Support because we provide:
✔ Small, friendly class sizes allowing personalised support
✔ Evidence-based, non-judgemental teaching
✔ Inclusive education supporting all birth choices
✔ Strong focus on partner involvement
✔ Practical preparation for real-life parenting
✔ Ongoing support beyond your course
✔ Local knowledge of Devon maternity services
Our goal is to help you feel empowered, prepared, and confident as you approach birth and early parenthood.
Read more parent experiences ¦ Testimonials
Where Our Antenatal Classes Take Place
We run antenatal classes across a range of welcoming, community-focused venues throughout East Devon, making it easier for families to access support close to home. Our current class locations include:
• Exeter
• Cranbrook
• Honiton
• Sidmouth
• Lympstone
• Surrounding East Devon areas
Each venue is carefully chosen to provide a comfortable, relaxed learning environment with accessible facilities and convenient parking at most venues where possible.
Parents attending our classes often travel from across East Devon and nearby areas, and we aim to offer locations that feel supportive, welcoming, and easy to reach and comfortable to attend during pregnancy.
Who Our Antenatal Classes Are Suitable For
Our antenatal classes are designed to support a wide range of expectant parents, providing practical preparation, evidence-based information, and emotional reassurance as you approach birth and early parenthood.
Our courses are particularly suitable for:
• First-time parents wanting thorough, supportive birth and baby preparation
• Parents who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure about labour, birth, or caring for a newborn
• Families welcoming another baby who would benefit from a refresher or additional support
• Parents who want their birth partner to feel confident, involved, and prepared
• Families planning hospital, home, or birth centre births
• Parents who would like more personalised support and discussion time than is usually possible in larger antenatal classes
• Families looking for balanced, non-judgemental information to support their own informed choices
Our goal is to provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where parents feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and preparing for the realities of birth and early parenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book antenatal classes?
Most parents attend antenatal classes between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Booking earlier is recommended as our classes are intentionally kept small to allow personalised support and often fill quickly. Each of our individual class booking pages includes a recommended due date range as a helpful guide for parents choosing which course to attend. If you are unsure which class would be most suitable, you are always welcome to contact us for guidance.
Can my birth partner attend?
Birth partner involvement is a key part of our antenatal classes. Partners are actively included throughout the course and learn practical ways to provide emotional and physical support during labour, birth, and early parenting.
How are your classes different from NHS antenatal classes?
Our classes provide smaller group sizes, longer sessions, and more personalised support. We focus on both practical preparation and emotional reassurance, alongside evidence-based information, helping parents feel confident preparing for birth and early parenthood.
Do you support different birth choices?
Our antenatal classes provide balanced, non-judgemental information to support families planning hospital, home, or birth centre births. Our goal is to help parents understand their options and feel confident making informed decisions that feel right for them.
What if I feel anxious or nervous about birth?
Many parents attending our classes feel unsure or anxious about labour, birth, or caring for a newborn. Our courses are designed to provide reassurance, practical preparation, and a supportive learning environment where you can ask questions and build confidence at your own pace.
What happens if I miss a session?
We understand that pregnancy and family life can sometimes be unpredictable. If you miss a session, we will do our best to support you with resources or guidance to help you stay up to date with the course content.
Are your antenatal classes suitable if this is not my first baby?
Many parents expecting another baby attend for refresher support, updated information, or to involve a birth partner more fully in preparation. Many families also find it helpful to revisit preparation as every pregnancy, birth, and baby experience can feel different.
How many couples attend each course?
Our antenatal classes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 couples attending each course. This helps create a friendly, supportive atmosphere and allows plenty of time for questions, discussion, and personalised support throughout the sessions.
Where are your antenatal classes held?
Our antenatal classes in Devon are held across Exeter, Cranbrook, Honiton, Sidmouth, Lympstone, and surrounding East Devon areas. We choose welcoming, accessible venues designed to provide a relaxed and supportive learning environment.
What should I bring to antenatal classes?
You do not need to bring anything specific. We provide all course materials and practical learning equipment. Many parents choose to bring a notebook and wear comfortable clothing. Any additional guidance or preparation suggestions will be shared in your pre-course information before your course begins.
If you have any additional questions or would like guidance choosing the right course, please feel free to get in touch — we are always happy to help support you during your pregnancy journey.