Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for a baby often brings many questions.

Below are answers to the questions families most commonly ask about Baby On Board, our antenatal education, workshops and personalised midwife support.

If your question isn’t covered here, you are always welcome to get in touch.

GETTING STARTED

When should we book antenatal classes?

Most families book their antenatal classes between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Booking earlier helps ensure you secure a place on your preferred course dates, as our groups are intentionally small.

If you are later in pregnancy and would still like preparation, please contact us — we will always try to help.

When should we attend antenatal classes?

Most parents attend antenatal classes between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

This timing allows you to prepare thoroughly for birth and early parenting while the information remains fresh as your due date approaches.

Are your classes suitable for first-time parents?

Yes.

The Baby On Board Antenatal Route is designed primarily for first-time parents who want thorough, expert-led preparation for birth and early parenting.

We also offer The Return Journey, a shorter antenatal refresher designed for parents preparing for another birth.

What if we’re unsure which course or workshop is right for us?

That’s completely normal.

Every pregnancy journey is different, and it can sometimes be difficult to know which type of preparation will feel most helpful.

You are always welcome to contact us and we will happily talk things through and help you choose the option that best suits your stage of pregnancy.

Do you offer antenatal classes in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells?

Yes.

Baby On Board offers midwife-led antenatal classes in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and across West Kent.

Venue details are shared when you book.

We also offer some consultations and specialist support online for families across the UK.

ANTENATAL CLASSES

What makes Baby On Board antenatal classes different?

All Baby On Board classes are taught by expert practising midwives.

This means the preparation you receive is grounded in real clinical experience as well as current maternity guidance.

Our groups are intentionally small so there is time for discussion, questions and deeper understanding.

Many families choose Baby On Board because they want preparation that reflects how maternity care works in real life, not just in theory.

How are Baby On Board classes different from NCT or other antenatal providers?

Baby On Board classes are led by practising midwives who support families within NHS maternity services.

This allows us to explain not only what maternity guidance says, but how maternity care operates in practice — including appointments, options and decision-making.

Our small groups also allow space for discussion and individual questions, which many families find invaluable.

What topics are covered in the antenatal course?

The Baby On Board Antenatal Route prepares families for both birth and early parenting.

Topics include:

labour and birth preparation

assisted vaginal birth and common variations in labour

caesarean birth and recovery

newborn care and practical baby care skills

infant feeding (breastfeeding, formula feeding and combination feeding)

baby and child first aid

Will we have opportunities to ask questions?

Yes — and this is one of the things families value most about Baby On Board.

Because our groups are intentionally small, there is plenty of time for discussion, questions and exploring different scenarios.

Can we attend if we are planning a caesarean birth?

Yes.

The antenatal course includes a dedicated session on caesarean birth and recovery, and many parents planning caesarean births attend the course.

We also offer a Positive Caesarean Birth workshop for families who would like additional preparation.

What happens if our baby arrives before the course finishes?

While this is uncommon, it can occasionally happen.

If your baby arrives early we will always do our best to ensure you still receive the information and support you need.

WORKSHOPS

What workshops do you offer?

Baby On Board offers a number of antenatal workshops for parents who want focused preparation in specific areas.

Workshops include:

Positive Labour and Birth

Positive Caesarean Birth and Recovery

New Baby Workshop

Feeding Your Baby With Confidence

Baby and Child First Aid

Grandparents: Modern Baby Care & First Aid

Newborn Sleep Foundations

Are workshops suitable if we’ve already attended antenatal classes elsewhere?

Yes.

Many parents attend Baby On Board workshops after completing courses with other providers because they want deeper, midwife-led preparation and practical guidance.

SPECIALIST MIDWIFE SUPPORT

What kind of one-to-one support do you offer?

We offer personalised midwife support both during pregnancy and after your baby arrives.

This includes:

birth preparation consultations

infant feeding support

newborn and infant sleep support

midwife consultations or home visits for reassurance and guidance

Do you offer support after the baby arrives?

Yes.

Many families return to Baby On Board in the early weeks after birth for additional reassurance and practical guidance.

Support may include:

feeding support

newborn and infant sleep guidance

midwife consultations or home visits

These sessions provide the time and continuity many families value during the transition into early parenthood.

THE FIRST CLASS JOURNEY

What is the First Class Journey™?

The First Class Journey™ is our most comprehensive offering.

It provides personalised continuity of midwife support across pregnancy and the early weeks with your baby.

This includes antenatal education, birth preparation and ongoing guidance before and after birth.

Is this a replacement for NHS maternity care?

No.

The First Class Journey™ is designed to complement NHS maternity care, offering additional time, explanation and continuity of support.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

How large are your groups?

We keep our groups intentionally small — usually 6–8 couples — so there is space for discussion and questions.

Can partners attend?

Yes.

Partners are encouraged to attend and play an active role in preparing for birth and early parenting.

How do we book?

Courses, workshops and consultations can be booked directly through our website.

If you’re unsure which option would be most helpful, you are always welcome to contact us and we will happily guide you.

Resources for Expectant and New Parents

Knowledge is power when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Alongside our classes and workshops, we provide resources including:

  • Guides on labour and birth preparation

  • Tips for breastfeeding and newborn care

  • Emotional wellbeing support for parents

  • Community connections and support networks

Our resources are designed to complement our classes and give you confidence, reassurance, and practical tools you can use immediately.

Still Have Questions?

Preparing for a baby brings many questions, and every family’s journey is different.

If there is something you would like to talk through, we are always happy to help.