Why Antenatal Education is so important
The importance of preparing for birth with education
Birth and parenthood are life-changing experiences. Think about it — you wouldn't buy a house, sit an exam, or plan a wedding without some preparation. Birth is no different. Yet, so many people enter the process underprepared."
Jilly Clarke
"Do I attend an antenatal class or just go with the flow?" This is a question many expectant parents ask themselves.
It's a sentiment that often comes with the phrase:
"Everyone knows birth never goes to plan, so I’m just going to go with the flow." Sound familiar?
While it's true that birth doesn't always go as imagined, that doesn't mean we shouldn’t work towards achieving the birth experience that’s right for us.
Antenatal education isn’t about creating the perfect birth experience, but about giving you the tools to maximise your chances of having the birth you envision. It’s also about preparing for the unexpected and equipping yourself with the knowledge to handle any challenges or medical emergencies that might arise.
What does your perfect birth look like?
When we talk about your perfect birth, we mean your ideal birth — one that aligns with your values and preferences.
For some, this may include:
An epidural at the first opportunity, or exploring different pain relief options
A planned caesarean section
A water birth, a home birth, or a combination of approaches.
What your perfect birth looks like matters, and good antenatal education will give you the tools to make that birth as achievable as possible.
It's not about the type of birth – it's about the best birth for you
Nobody minds what type of birth you choose — what matters most is that you feel in control and supported throughout.
Our role is to help you understand the biological process of labour, regardless of the pain relief options you choose. For example, even with an epidural, you’ll still need to work with your body. Understanding the process — like the time it takes for an epidural to take effect, how being less mobile can impact labour's progression or that you still need to focus on your environment to help labour hormones — helps you feel more in control, even if things don’t go exactly as planned.
A quality antenatal class will empower you to make fully informed decisions, such as understanding whether you need an induction of labour (a process many people don’t realise is optional). Knowing the potential impact of unnecessary inductions or interventions can help you advocate for yourself.
Even with a planned caesarean, there are choices and techniques to help you feel calm, relaxed, and empowered.
Antenatal education ensures you're prepared, no matter the circumstances.
Why you need Antenatal Education
Birth and parenthood are life-changing experiences. Think about it — you wouldn't buy a house, sit an exam, or plan a wedding without some preparation. Birth is no different. Yet, so many people enter the process underprepared.
While doctors and midwives are highly skilled and experienced, you are the expert when it comes to your body and your baby. They are there to offer advice, but ultimately, the decisions are yours to make. You should be presented with the facts, all available options, and what could happen if you choose not to act — only then can you make an informed decision.
The role of Doctors and Midwives
Midwives and doctors are invaluable for medical care during pregnancy and birth. Their medical knowledge can help keep you medically safe, and provide help if things go awry.
But, like wedding planners or decorators, their role is to support your choices — not to make decisions for you. You can (and should) ask questions, ask for the evidence to explain their recommendations, explore any alternative options as a team, and ultimately, you make decisions that feel right for you.
Support, knowledge, and education are crucial
Antenatal education provides you with the knowledge you need to make decisions during labour, whether it's choosing pain relief, understanding the signs of complications, or simply knowing what to expect. Feeling informed, supported, and in control is key to a positive birth experience. It can turn a potentially overwhelming situation into something much more manageable.
In our Birth and Baby Company antenatal courses, we cover various scenarios, giving you the skills and confidence to ask the right questions. Only when you're fully informed can you make decisions with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
You will never forget your birth experience
The day you give birth is a moment you will never forget. The feelings you experience during labour and delivery will stay with you for a lifetime. That's why it’s so important to prepare and understand the process. With proper education, you’ll feel more confident and empowered to face whatever comes your way.
Avoiding birth trauma
Birth trauma is a real issue, affecting many people — in fact, research shows that at least 33% of individuals report experiencing it, but in practice it would be likely very under-reported. Often, trauma occurs not because of complications, but because of feeling out of control, unsupported, or uninformed. Even when everything seems straightforward, a lack of understanding can contribute to negative experiences.
While no one can guarantee a trauma-free birth, agenda-free, unbiased, and evidence-based antenatal education can help you feel prepared and supported, reducing the risk of birth trauma.
Plan for the best birth you can have
Now’s the time to research your options. Ask questions, understand your choices, and make sure you feel comfortable with your care team.
At The Birth and Baby Company, we offer clear, accessible antenatal education. Our services are on-demand, allowing you to choose to engage at a time that suits you. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, helping you feel prepared for the best birth possible. We believe in empowering you to make informed, confident decisions about your birth experience. Let us help you prepare for this transformative moment with education, support, and a clear understanding of your options.
The Birth and Baby Company can help
Our on-demand antenatal courses, exercise videos and support programs provide expecting parents with the knowledge and confidence they need for a smooth pregnancy, birth, and transition to parenthood. Our range of packages can provide 1:1 support, regular Q&As. Crucially, all packages provide education on communication with healthcare professionals, understanding risks and options, knowledge on physically supporting themselves through pregnancy, birth and recovery, and advocating for their preferences.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your company support its most valuable asset – its people.
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