Wave Antenatal Classes
Five sessions covering everything from early labour and pain management to feeding, recovery, and the early days of parenthood, taught in small groups by independent midwives.
About the classes
Not your average antenatal course
Wave Antenatal Classes are led by Pip and Sophie, independent midwives who have vast NHS experience and are also mothers themselves. Honest, evidence-based, and built around real conversation; each group is kept deliberately small so you always have space for questions and genuine discussion.
Expert-led
Taught by qualified, experienced independent midwives — not an antenatal franchise.
Unhurried
Small groups with genuine time for questions, practice, and discussion.
Partners welcome
Birth companions are encouraged to attend every session.
Practical Skills
Breathing techniques, massage practice, birth scenarios — tools you’ll actually use.
What's covered
Five sessions, built around you
The course runs across five sessions, each building on the last. From the basics of how birth works, to practical pain management, to the early days of feeding and new parenthood. Everything is covered with honesty and without agenda.
Select a session to expand the topics.
Session 1: Introduction to birth and informed decision making
- Exploring your ideal birth
- The fear, tension and pain cycle
- The power of words and mindset
- Place of birth and the Birth Place Study
- Your uterus and amazing anatomy
- Oxytocin vs. adrenaline
- The BRAIN decision-making framework
- Taking ownership of your birth
Session 2: First stage of labour and pain management
- Baby’s position and physical wellbeing
- Pelvic floor in pregnancy
- Early labour and the first stage
- ‘Up’ breathing technique
- All pain relief options explained
- Creating the right birth environment
- Active positions for labour
- Being a brilliant birth partner
Session 3: Second stage and types of birth
- The ‘due date’ myth
- Encouraging labour naturally
- Induction of labour
- The second stage explained
- ‘Down’ breathing technique
- Minimising tearing and perineal massage
- Assisted birth and Caesarean section
- Values-led, flexible birth planning
Session 4: Third stage and meeting your baby
- The third stage and your placenta
- The golden hour and skin-to-skin
- Delayed cord clamping and Vitamin K
- Breastfeeding basics and colostrum
- What to pack in your hospital bag
- Writing your birth preferences
Session 5: Feeding, recovery and early parenthood
- Breastfeeding in depth: latch and positioning
- Normal newborn feeding behaviour
- Newborn care basics
- Baby cues, sleep and growth spurts
- Physical and emotional recovery
- The 4th trimester and ‘pulling up the drawbridge’
Practical details
What to expect
The course is designed for expectant parents from around 28 weeks of pregnancy. Here are the key details.
5 sessions
Each lasting approximately 2 hours, covering everything from early labour to the postnatal period.
Location
Held in Skipton or Cullingworth areas. Exact venues to be confirmed.
Schedule
Exact schedule to be confirmed.
Small Groups
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, just exceptional care
£425
For the full five-session course, per couple. Individual sessions may be available on request.
- Fully Insured
- NMC Registered
- RCM Membership
- 20+ Years Experience
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Wave Antenatal Classes
Everything you need to know about independent midwifery care.
Do I need to have booked a Wave midwife to attend?
No. The classes are open to all expectant parents. You do not need to be an existing Wave client to book a place.
Can I attend if I am planning a home birth or caesarean?
Absolutely. The course covers all types of birth and is designed to be useful and relevant whatever your plans or circumstances.
Is this the same as NHS antenatal education?
NHS provision varies a lot. These classes go deeper: more time, more practical skill-building, and taught by independent midwives with no agenda other than supporting you.
When should I book?
We recommend booking as early as you can as spaces are limited. The course is ideally completed before 36 weeks of pregnancy.