Great Expectations Antenatal Education

Your Baby, Your Way.

Antenatal, Hypnobirthing and Infant Massage classes in Perth, Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've tried to anticipate everything you would want to ask, but if you can't find what you're looking for here please contact us and we'll do our best to answer your questions.


Q1. Why attend antenatal or HypnoBirthing education, and will attending make a difference?

Either of these courses will allow you and your partner to prepare for the birth of your child together. They will give you the opportunity to reflect on all the options, in advance, enabling you to make informed decisions about care during pregnancy and labour. These classes also provide an opportunity to meet other expectant parents who may form an important support network after your baby is born. I do believe that attending will make a huge difference to your preparation and birth outcome and the proof of this is the overwhelmingly positive feedback that I have had from clients over the years.

Q2. When should we attend?

It's usual to begin a course around 25-32 weeks of pregnancy. This leaves you plenty of time to reflect on what you have learnt and time to practice physical techniques.

Q3. Where are course held?

Courses are normally held in and around Perth but this can be individually tailored depending on demand.

Q4. Who facilitates the courses?

The antenatal classes are led by experienced, NCT diploma qualified teacher. Learning is facilitated through various teaching formats including discussion, group work, teacher presentation and active practical sessions. My teaching style is based on research about teaching adults and you will be encouraged to ask questions and be part of the process so that you leave feeling that you know what YOU need to. I do not try to tell you how you MUST have your baby! I will help you understand what can or may happen to enable you to achieve the birth you want. I do not offer medical advice and any questions about your medical care or that of their baby should be taken to your midwife or doctor.

Q5. Who comes to antenatal or HypnoBirthing courses?

Anyone expecting a baby for the first time will benefit from the skills and confidence they will gain on these courses. They are also ideal for parents wanting to refresh their knowledge and options about labour and childbirth, especially if there is a long gap between pregnancies.

Q6. What do I need to bring?

All course materials are included in the price. I recommend you wear comfortable casual clothes for the classes as we will encourage you to practice supportive positions for labour. Please feel free to bring along pillows for extra support and relaxation.

Q7. What role does the dad-to-be have?

I firmly believe that there is nothing more rewarding than preparing for the birth of a baby as a couple. This allows you the luxury of discussing and reflecting upon the kind of birth you are hoping for and how you can jointly improve the chances of that happening (whether you are opting for a hospital birth, in a midwifery let unit, home or water birth). Dads-to-be are encouraged to become aware of the vital role they can play throughout the pregnancy, during labour and birth and in the early days and weeks after your baby’s arrival.

Q8. What are the course formats?

Courses are available in a variety of formats to fit in with your lifestyle. They can either be over a succession of weeks or tailor made to fit individual timescales. Group sessions are kept small which finds a balance between keeping it personal and providing an opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the same situation.

Q9. What is covered on an antenatal course?

Typical course content will include the following, keeping a balance between antenatal and postnatal topics:

Q10. What is covered on a HypnoBirthing course?

Q11. Will HypnoBirthing® make my birth be pain-free?

For most women, labour pain is caused by fear, which interferes with the birth process. Antenatal or HypnoBirthing® education can eliminates tension and fears, giving you the best chance for a naturally pain free experience.

That said, pain is the body's way of telling us that something is wrong, and many things can affect the birth, so it is impossible to guarantee a pain-free experience for you. A study at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide showed that women taught self-hypnosis reduced their need for analgesia by half, epidurals by 70 per cent, and were more than twice as likely to be satisfied with their pain management in labour compared with other women.