Maternity services
Our hospitals provide maternity care for more than 8,000 women every year
Parent Education classes are the ideal opportunity for people who are pregnant to attend with their birth partner, to help them prepare for labour, birth and life with a new baby.
Please click on the blue tabs below for more information on our classes, or view our leaflet.
If you experience any problems accessing our information or have any questions, please email us on nuhnt.parenteducation@nhs.net or call us on 0115 9691169 ext.75178
Labour and Birth (Session 1)
In this session we talk about the signs of labour and managing early labour at home. We discuss going into hospital, the stages of labour and positions for birth. We also talk about different types of pain relief available and alternative coping methods.
Early Parenting (Session 2)
In this session we talk about what to expect in the first few hours and days after birth and parenting in the first few weeks. We discuss baby care, safe sleep and getting to know your new baby. We also discuss infant feeding and where to get help and support.
Face to Face classes are held in the Maternity Unit at City hospital with a limited number of participants. They give you the opportunity to meet and make friends and have a more practical experience.
Classes are typically held weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.
If you want to find out more about Labour and Birth, or caring for a baby, but don’t like the idea of an in person, group session, you may prefer to join our online classes. Covering the same topics as our face to face classes*, but via Microsoft Teams, from the comfort of your own home.
Classes are typically held weekday afternoons and evenings and Saturday afternoons.
*Online Early Parenting class does not cover baby care (nappies, skincare and bathing). Therefore, you may wish to attend the online Baby Care Workshop too (see Extra Topic Workshops).
All Extra Topics workshops are online via Microsoft Teams. Each class is approximately 1 hour long, with the opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Extra Topics are designed to be attended after your main Parent Education Classes, from 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Relaxation and Empowerment
Suggestions of how to relax prior to and during labour, soothing anxiety and promoting a sense of positivity and empowerment.
Active Birth Water Birth
To discuss the importance of being active and mobile in labour and the use of water in labour/water births.
Induction of Labour
Discussing the process of an Induction of Labour.
Caesarean Section
Discussing birth by Caesarean Section.
Our Induction of Labour and Caesarean Section workshops are suitable for all, whether you are considering or have booked an Induction or Caesarean or not. General information will be given and individual circumstances with not be discussed in a group session.
Baby Care
Nappies, skin care and bathing. Includes demonstration.
Aimed at those taking session 2 online as included in the face to face session.
Birth Partners
For birth partners to attend alone, to discuss the role of a birth partner and how to be supportive in labour
Birth Planning
To support you to make plans for your labour and birth, help you think about your birth preferences and informed consent.
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC)
If your previous baby was born via Caesarean Section and you are planning for a vaginal birth this time.
Multiples Q&A
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you may wish to attend our online multiples workshop, in addition our main classes. In this workshop we answer your questions and discuss subjects specific to multiple pregnancy such as pre-term labour, feeding more than one baby or small babies and signposting to support groups. Classes for people expecting Twins or Multiples are usually held earlier, due to the likelihood of an earlier birth.
The Extra Topic Booking Form will be send out after attending the Labour and Birth session. If you only wish to sign up for Extra Topics, please email us to request a booking form
Look after yourself in Pregnancy and Beyond
This class is for pregnant individuals only and is held online as a question and answer session with a video playlist or as a face to face session.
The ideal time to take part is between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Advice is given about safe exercise in pregnancy, pelvic floor exercise, looking after your back, general aches of pregnancy and returning to fitness after birth.
Book this class using the Parent Education Classes Booking Form.
Our Physiotherapists also run the following Online Exercise Classes:
Antenatal Exercise
Physio-led exercise class for all abilities. Suitable from 20 weeks of pregnancy to full term. Focusing on core control, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular
fitness.
Postnatal Exercise
An exercise class designed specifically to help you get stronger after giving birth. You need to be over 6 weeks postnatal and can participate up to 20 weeks after your baby’s birth.
To book these classes, please contact the physio team directly by calling 0115 9691169 ext.77792 and leaving a message with your full name and a contact number.
You can book the classes any time after your 20 week scan. We recommend you book as soon as possible after 20 weeks if you wish to attend our face to face classes, as these do fill up quickly.
To book, please complete the 4 Parent Education Booking Form (Oct 23).docx [docx] 367KB booking form and send them to nuhnt.parenteducation@nhs.net
If you have any questions or have difficulty filling out the forms, please email or call us 0115 9691169 ext. 75178.