Why Antenatal Classes Should Not Be Cut

April 27, 2007 – 2:47 pm | posted in Nursing, Pregnancy, Women's Health / OBGYN

Antenatal classes set out what happens in labour and what options women have about how to give birth, as well as offering breastfeeding advice and information on what to expect in the first few weeks as a parent.

The National Service Framework on maternity services, published in 2004, said good antenatal care should include providing access to parenting education and preparation for birth.

Whether or not services are provided depends on local primary care trusts, who pay the local hospital to provide them.

Melanie Every, Regional Manager South, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "We understand that many antenatal classes are being withdrawn."

"Classes are beneficial in preparing mothers and their partners for the forthcoming birth. Preparation is important both mentally and physically. It helps to give parents confidence. They also enable mothers to get to know the midwives they will be seeing when they have their babies, and give them the opportunity to meet and talk to other expectant mums."

"While private and paid-for classes may be available in some areas from other sources, it is in danger of denying an important service to a vast section of the community."

The birth of a child is one of the most important moments in the life of a couple. "There should not be any shortcuts to make this event as happy and stress-free as possible," added Melanie.

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