“When is the best time to take my prenatal classes?”

“When is the best time to take my prenatal education classes?”

At Welcome Baby Co., we have supported hundreds of expecting and new families in Calgary through childbirth education, doula services and breastfeeding support. One of the most common questions that we are asked is “when is the best time to take our prenatal education classes?” This is a great question! Here are our thoughts:

We recommend finishing your classes between your 32nd and 37th week of pregnancy. Whether you join our 7-week series or a weekend comprehensive series, we believe this is the best time to get the most out of your education.

Here are some of our reasons why:

·      The information will be fresh when you go into labour and your baby arrives. This will make it easier to remember and use the knowledge that you have gained.

·      You will be at a point in your pregnancy where you have met the doctor or midwife that will be caring for you. You will have begun discussions about how things are going and the options that are available to you for your birth. These conversations will likely bring up questions and help make you aware of the things you would like to learn more about.

·      You will have time during and after the classes to use the knowledge you have gained to help you make informed decisions for your pregnancy, birth, and baby.

·      Taking classes is a great way to involve your partner in your pregnancy and birth preparations. Part of our focus in our prenatal classes is geared towards helping partners learn how to be the best support they can be.

“What if I would like to take my prenatal classes sooner?”

That is okay too! There are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes people want to take an earlier class because they are carrying multiples, are high-risk, want to attend with a friend, or simply because the dates work better. We firmly believe that you know what is best for your family. If you would like to complete your prenatal education sooner, you may register for any class that works for you.

“Is it possible to mix dates from more than one series if I can’t make a class?”

Yes. We will do everything we can to ensure that you get all the information from our series. In many cases, we can offer you a different date in-person or online for the class that you are unable to attend. Reach out to us and we will work with you to find a solution.

Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.

If you have any questions about our prenatal classes, or other services, please contact us.