North Devon’s Original Specialist Antenatal Course
Established in 2012
Devon Antenatal was built on antenatal education, and it remains our specialty.
For over a decade we have supported families across North Devon through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. This six-week course is our flagship programme. Structured, evidence based and refined through years of experience, it is designed to leave you informed, steady and genuinely prepared.
Course Structure
This course runs over 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings from your selected start date.
Each session builds progressively, giving you time to absorb information, ask questions and grow in confidence as your due date approaches.
This is comprehensive preparation, not a one-off workshop.
The Experience
We run thoughtfully sized groups that allow for real discussion, questions and connection.
Sessions are interactive and grounded in over a decade of local experience. Many parents form lasting friendships here and continue their journey within the Devon Antenatal community once their babies arrive.
When your course ends, your support does not.
Cost
£175 per couple
Six structured sessions
That works out at under £15 per person, per session for comprehensive antenatal education delivered by an established provider.
You Will Leave With:
Clarity about how labour works and what to expect
Confidence in your birth choices
Practical coping tools for labour
Partner support strategies that truly help
Realistic preparation for newborn life
What We Cover
Birth & Labour
How labour works
Stages of labour
Pain relief options
Induction and assisted birth
Caesarean birth
Writing balanced birth preferences
Complex pregnancies and multiples welcome
Practical Skills
Breathing and coping techniques
Positions for labour and birth
Hands-on partner support
Newborn Preparation
Feeding choices and realistic expectations
Newborn behaviour and sleep
Practical baby care
Maternal recovery and emotional wellbeing
Balanced. Honest. Thorough.
Secure Your Place
Spaces are limited to maintain quality and discussion.
If you are currently pregnant and planning ahead for birth, we recommend booking early to secure your place.
“We’ve attended the antenatal course, breastfeeding, weaning, sleep workshop and baby massage. Every course has been so helpful and informative. Gaynor who ran the baby massage course is brilliant.
Catherine, who runs the centre, is also so knowledgable and simply amazing at what she does! The only way to describe Catherine is like super woman for parents and babies and we feel so lucky to have her support!
The centre itself is the most welcoming and supportive environment with great facilities. It’s so useful having somewhere to change and feed in town. We’re so lucky to have such an amazing centre!”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ideal timing is usually between 20–32 weeks of pregnancy, though many families book earlier to secure their preferred course dates. If you start later, that’s fine too!
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Yes! One course booking includes you and your birth partner.
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Our award-winning 6-week antenatal course is the most comprehensive antenatal programmes available in North Devon.
Over six relaxed weekly sessions, we cover labour, birth, feeding, newborn care, recovery after birth and practical preparation for life with a baby. There’s plenty of time for questions, discussion, time to socialise and ongoing support.
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Many families choose our antenatal classes as a more local, community-focused alternative to larger national providers such as NCT.
Classes take place in our dedicated family centre in Barnstaple, meaning support doesn’t end when the course finishes. Families can continue accessing feeding support, workshops, groups, our play café and ongoing community long after their babies arrive.
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Do you offer support after the course ends?
Yes. Unlike many antenatal classes, support doesn’t end when the course finishes. Ongoing feeding and parenting support is available for free at Devon Antenatal Family Centre after your baby arrives, offering continuity from someone you already know and trust.
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Our antenatal classes take place at Devon Antenatal Family Centre in Barnstaple - an award-winning family centre offering ongoing feeding support, workshops, groups, a play café, shop and continued community support after your baby arrives. It’s open weekdays from 10-2.30 and closes during half term.
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Absolutely. Some people attend with a birth partner, relative or friend and others attend independently. Everyone is welcome.
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Yes. Most attendees are first-time parents, though the course can also be helpful for growing families wanting an updated, supportive refresher.
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Yes. Our Hypnobirthing & Waterbirth Workshop works brilliantly as either a standalone pregnancy course or as an additional bolt-on to our full 6-week antenatal classes for families wanting more in-depth preparation around relaxation, birth choices and waterbirth.
