top of page
Pregnancy classes in Buckingham

The Parent Antenatal Course 
A comprehensive antenatal course in Towcester,
led by a practising doula

Birth Preparation - Weeks 1,2 & 3 

​

  • Evidence-based antenatal education

  • Navigating the maternity system and knowing your rights

  • Breathing techniques and hypnobirthing tools

  • Movement and biomechanics for birth

  • Massage techniques for labour

  • Medical pain relief

  • Comfort measures including aromatherapy

  • Induction & Caesarean sections

  • Birth plans & hospital bags

  • The role of your birth partner
     

IMG_3475.heic

​If you’re looking for antenatal classes near Towcester, Buckingham or Brackley, The Parent Course is the most comprehensive antenatal course around. Held at Whittlebury Reading Rooms, The Parent Course is a 15 hour, six-week course covering everything you need to feel genuinely ready for birth, feeding and life with your newborn. 

I’m Vicki, a practising birth & postnatal doula, sleep consultant and breastfeeding peer supporter, with over 12 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth and the early months of parenthood across Northamptonshire & Buckinghamshire. Packed full of useful tools, tips and real-life examples, The Parent Course brings together everything I’ve learnt and is  delivered honestly, practically and without the overwhelm!  

 

​What will your course cover?​​​

​​​​

The course runs over six consecutive Thursday evenings (7–9.30pm) and is divided into three parts:​

​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Infant Feeding - Week 4 

​

  • The science behind breastfeeding

  • Position and attachment

  • Identifying and managing common issues

  • Expressing & paced feeding

  • Formula feeding & sterilising

  • Where to access support after your baby arrives

Newborn Care - Weeks 5 & 6

​

  • Understanding the fourth trimester

  • Calming and soothing techniques - including baby massage, baby wearing & swaddling

  • Understanding newborn sleep & behaviour

  • Safe sleep

  • Practical newborn care - bathing & nappies

  • Postnatal recovery and self-care

  • The role of your partner in those early weeks

What does your investment include?

1_edited_edited_edited_edited.png

Over 15 hours of content, delivered in person 

Detailed notes & videos sent direct to your inbox after each session

Group What's App so you can stay in touch, ask any questions & receive on-going support from me

£10 voucher which can be redeemed against any of my postnatal & baby classe/courses

(if you book the full 6 week course)

Refreshments throughout the sessions (the best way for you to get to know each other!)

2_edited_edited.png

An invitation to join my community groups and events 

Pricing

​​Full 6-week course (6 x 2.5 hour sessions) - £240 (early bird price if booked & paid in full 4 weeks before course start

date, see booking page for code. Course cost normally £270.

Birth Preparation Only  (3 x 2.5 hour sessions) – £150

Infant Feeding Only  (1 x 2.5 hour session) – £50

Newborn Care Only (2x 2.5 hour sessions) – £100​​

Common Questions

When should I start? Most parents join around 26 weeks, though you’re welcome earlier or later. 


Do I need to attend with a partner? The price includes both of you, but you’re very welcome to come alone.

Can I book individual sessions? Yes, if you don’t need the full course, each section can be booked separately.

How many people are in each group? Groups are kept small so everyone gets individual attention and you get to genuinely connect with other local parents-to-be. So many friendships start at The Parent Course!

What if I miss a session? Get in touch and I will do my best to accommodate you. Whenever possible I will try and accommodate you on the following course, for the session you missed, however this must be agreed prior to booking your place.

 

How is your course different to a midwife-led antenatal course? Midwives are amazing & I am so privileged to work alongside them, however as I am not a clinician & support clients across multiple hospitals and home birth settings, I can help you advocate & navigate the system from a truly objective perspective. Most women are discharged from midwife care around day 14, however my years of experience supporting women throughout the fourth trimester & beyond, means I can provide in depth knowledge of feeding, sleep and caring for your newborn.

Is this different from NCT? Yes. The Parent Course is led by a practising doula with hands-on birth experience, not just an antenatal educator. It’s also independent, local and more flexible. Read my full comparison of The Parent Course vs NCT and Happy Parents Happy Baby →

Book your space

Courses run throughout the year. Secure your spot with a £50 deposit below and if you’re unsure which course fits your due date, get in touch and I’ll help you work it out.

Where to find us

Whittlebury Reading Rooms, High Street, Whittlebury, Towcester NN12 8XJ - five minutes from Towcester, ten minutes from Buckingham and Brackley, and easily accessible from Northampton, Daventry and the surrounding villages. Free parking available.

"Myself and my husband attended Vicki's Parenting Course and found it so comforting and informative. Vicki delivers the important information without overwhelming you" - Imogen

Newborn

Book Your Place

 

Book early and receive a £30 early bird discount as a thank you (details on booking page).

bottom of page