Frequently Asked Questions
Group and 1:1 Course FAQ’s
How are the courses taught?
You choose what type of course suits you best. We offer all our sessions face to face or virtually and you can choose from a 1:1 course or group course.
When should I book?
Group Courses – Please book a course where the first session date is scheduled between 24 and 30 weeks of your pregnancy.
1:1 Courses – Please book between 24 and 32 weeks of your pregnancy.
How many people attend a group session?
The face to face sessions are run for up to 12 people (up to 6 couples).
What is the venue address for group sessions and is there parking?
We will be inside the Carey Room inside Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 6AJ. There is ample parking on site.
What is covered in group sessions and how long are they?
Group Session 1 – The third trimester and preparing for labour and birth.
Group Session 2 – Labour, birth, and the golden hour.
Group Session 3 – Infant feeding.
Group Session 4 – Postnatal mother and baby care.
Virtual Session 5 – Partners (or birthing partner) only group session.
1:1 Session 6 – Individualised birth preferences discussion.
The group sessions are 2.5 hours long, but please allow 3 hours for each session.
The virtual and 1:1 session tend to last around an hour each.
What is covered in the 1:1 sessions and how long are they?
The content is the same as listed above for group sessions. Partners may choose if they wish to have a 1:1 discussion with a midwife. These sessions can be facilitated face to face, virtually or a mix of both.
The 1:1 course is 6-8 hours duration depending on your requirements. This course is usually taught over 2-3 sessions, again depending on requirements. Mutually convenient dates/times and location can be agreed upon booking. If you have any questions regarding our 1:1 course, please contact us or fill out an enquiry form.
Can my partner attend the group course?
They sure can. Our sessions provide beneficial information for partners too. By the end of the course, partners will be well informed about how to support you, advocate for you, calm you and care for you. Partners who attend the sessions will have the opportunity to attend our partners only virtual session.
What is the ‘partners only’ session?
There are times where partners may feel uncomfortable about asking questions in front of a group or there may be a question that arises following the sessions. The ‘partners only’ session provides an opportunity for partners to have a question-and-answer session with a midwife followed by a discussion with the other partners to form a support network. Partners do not have to attend this session if they’d prefer not to.
What if I don’t have a partner?
No problem. You’re able to bring one supporting adult with you regardless of your relationship to them, it could be a family member or friend.
You are also more than welcome to attend alone. If you have any worries about attending alone and wish to speak to the session facilitator, please do not
hesitate to contact us. All our sessions are non-judgemental and welcoming.
Are the courses still beneficial if I have a pregnancy/health condition or I’m having a caesarean?
Yes. Our courses offer many benefits regardless of any conditions and every mode of birth will be discussed. If attending group sessions, it may be that someone else is affected by the same condition or may need a caesarean too. If not, you’ve made friends who can empathise with you and offer their invaluable support. We also offer bespoke 1:1 sessions and birth preference discussions should you prefer.
What if I can’t attend a session?
No problem. We understand this situation may arise. Emma will provide a catch up 1:1 session at a mutually convenient date/time and location. Should you need to miss a session, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Do I have to pay in full at the time of booking?
We require a £50 non-refundable deposit to be paid at the time of booking to secure your place when booking a group, 1:1 or Hypnobirthing course. The remaining balance can be paid as and when you please, providing full payment is received no later than a week prior to course start date. If there is an outstanding balance two weeks prior to your course, a payment reminder will be sent. If booking a birth preferences discussion or postnatal/feeding support session, then the full payment is required upon receipt of an invoice.
How do I book and pay?
Please use the ‘book now’ button found on any of our pages. Once you have read our Terms & Conditions and completed the enrolment form, our business bank details will be emailed to you within 3 working days.
Do I receive any course materials?
There are parts of the course that are important for you to remember. A ‘helpful hints’ folder will be provided at the start of the course. You will also receive an email after every session providing you with trusted information links.