More Than Birth Preparation: What You Get from a Little Village Antenatal Course

When you’re expecting a baby, there’s plenty to organise.

Appointments, baby clothes, somewhere for your little one to sleep — and somewhere in the middle of it all, you might start looking at antenatal courses.

But what are you actually booking? A few evenings learning about labour? A chance to meet other parents? Practical preparation for looking after your baby?

At Little Village Antenatal, we bring those things together. Our face-to-face course gives you time to prepare for birth and early parenthood, explore your questions and get to know other local families.

Here’s what you can expect, alongside feedback from parents I’ve supported through my antenatal teaching.

Four Antenatal Sessions to Prepare for Birth and Beyond

Our course includes four evening sessions, each with a different focus. Together, they cover both your baby’s arrival and the changes that come afterwards.

Labour and birth

We begin by exploring labour and birth: what can happen, what you might notice and how you and your birth partner can work together.

There’s space to discuss your hopes, questions and birth preferences. You don’t need to have decided what you want before you arrive. Part of preparing is discovering which questions matter to you.

Interventions and pain management

We explore different pain management options and interventions you may hear about during pregnancy or labour.

We also discuss informed decision-making: understanding what is being offered, asking about benefits and risks, exploring alternatives and considering your own preferences.

Birth can unfold differently from what you imagined. My aim is to help you understand your options and feel able to take part in conversations about your care.

Postnatal recovery and mental wellbeing

Preparing for a baby also means thinking about how you might feel afterwards.

This session makes room for physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, changing relationships and the support you might need. We consider how you can prepare together and where to turn if you need additional help.

Newborn care and the fourth trimester

We look at life with your new baby and make space for practical questions about those early weeks.

There is so much emphasis on reaching the birth that it can be easy to overlook what comes next. This session gives you time to think about caring for your baby, adjusting as a family and finding support as you learn.

Practical Learning, with Time to Talk

The sessions include discussion, practical activities and examples that help you think about how information might apply to your own family.

You can ask questions as we go, hear different perspectives and talk things through with your birth partner.

Puneet described my practical approach and said the experience:

“really helped us prepare for the next phase”

That is what I want parents to take away: useful information, conversations they can continue at home and a clearer understanding of the choices ahead.

A Saturday Workshop for Feeding and First Aid

Alongside the four evening sessions, your booking includes a Saturday workshop covering infant feeding and paediatric first aid.

The dedicated infant feeding session gives you time to explore feeding your baby, discuss your questions and find out about support. It is led by our infant feeding specialist, Judianne Sherrell, with a non-judgemental approach that recognises families have different circumstances and goals.

Our paediatric first aid session is delivered by Safety First Welling. It adds practical learning about responding to emergencies involving babies and children.

Both sessions are included in the course fee. A catered lunch is included on the Saturday too, giving everyone a break and a chance to get to know each other away from the activities. Refreshments are provided at every session.

Your Birth Partner Is Fully Included

One booking includes attendance for two people. That might be your partner or another person you have chosen to support you.

Birth partners have their own questions, hopes and worries. They also have an important role during birth and in the early weeks, so their involvement runs throughout the course.

We explore ways to offer support, communicate together and prepare for becoming a family. The course gives you shared time to discuss things you may not yet have had the opportunity to talk about.

Small Groups Where Questions Are Welcome

Our groups have a maximum of nine couples. Keeping them small gives us space for conversation and helps me get to know the people in the room.

You don’t need to arrive with any background knowledge. You’re welcome to bring questions, uncertainty and different opinions.

Eva and Katherine said that:

“no question was ever treated as silly.”

That matters to me. Asking something out loud can open up a useful conversation for the whole group — and you may discover someone else was wondering exactly the same thing.

Milli also shared that taking time to get to know each couple helped her and her husband feel:

“very comfortable and less anxious”

Everyone brings different experiences to pregnancy. I want the sessions to feel welcoming, with room for you to learn at your own pace.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

I’m Suzanne, founder of Little Village Antenatal and a local mum of three.

I hold a Certificate of Higher Education in NCT Perinatal Education and Practice from the University of Worcester, and I am FEDANT registered.

My own experience of becoming a parent is part of why I care about this work, alongside my professional training. I know that families need room to ask questions and support when things unfold differently from what they expected.

I’m an antenatal educator, rather than a midwife. My role is to provide education, support discussion and help you identify questions and further sources of support.

Connection After Your Baby Arrives

Your booking also includes a private WhatsApp community and a post-birth reunion.

The group gives you a way to stay connected, while the reunion is a chance to meet again after the babies arrive, share experiences and catch up.

Tara described how she felt supported:

“She is super responsive and made me feel heard and provided me with the tools and information on how to look after my little one.”

She also said:

“Working with Suzie is not just working with her antenatally, she is around for support and guidance postnatally as well.”

Being heard matters throughout the journey. I welcome questions and can help signpost you towards additional support when you need it.

Start Finding Your Village

Our courses are held monthly at Erith Yacht Club, overlooking the River Thames, with free on-site parking.

Whether you’re looking for practical preparation, space to ask questions or the chance to meet other local parents, we’d love to welcome you.

Visit our antenatal courses page to explore upcoming dates, find out more and start finding your village.

If you’re unsure which course would suit you, please send me a message. I’m happy to help you choose.

We Cover This in Our Antenatal Courses

Our courses are small, warm and comprehensive, running from our base in Erith and serving families across Bexley, Dartford, Sidcup, Belvedere, and the wider South East London and Kent area. Partners are fully included throughout. Suzanne is FEDANT registered (National Register Entry Number: 13969).

View our upcoming course dates and book your place here.

Because understanding your options can help you feel more informed, prepared and supported.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your midwife or maternity team. If you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s wellbeing, always contact your maternity unit or midwife. In an emergency, call 999.