These classes are held in Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, with expert midwife Gemma. After completing your booking, Gemma will be in contact regarding your course and options for paying the balance of your course costs.
One booking covers both one expectant mum and one birth partner.
Evening classes run from 7.15-9.30pm, weekend classes run from 4pm
Add hypnobirthing to your basket with any of our full antenatal classes for £15 off!
Midwife hosted course in Stone, Stoke-on-Trent to prepare you better for labour, birth & early parenthood. Four multimedia sessions presented in an informal and relaxed atmosphere offering you an opportunity to meet other soon to be parents in the Stone and Stoke-on-Trent area. The course will be followed by a ‘class reunion’ organised by Expecting.
Each session is informal & as interactive as you wish it to be. Please don’t be nervous. The content has regular pauses allowing allowing you to ask questions of your expert Expecting midwife and chat to the group. The sessions cover the core topics of: Labour & birth, Pain relief & coping methods, Feeding your baby, Life after birth.
Me and my partner attended the classes at Trentham, at first we were apprehensive but we found the classes really interesting. We also found them useful to meet other new parents who we have continued speaking to for support and have met up with since the class ended. I would definitely recommend! My partner enjoyed the classes to and met other dads in the same boat as him, I think it prepared us both for labour and what comes after when you are holding your gorgeous baby and suddenly realise you have so much responsibility.
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Mel
2/15/2020
The expecting antenatal course was very informative and gave us confidence as first time parents. Our local expecting midwife, Gemma, was extremely supportive and knowledgeable and offered us lots of reassurance. Would highly recommend
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Mathew N.
8/05/2020
These classes take you through everything from pain relief options in labour to feeding, bathing and looking after your baby. Gemma is fantastic and there are no awkward role play activities. As a first time mum these classes are the only training you get and I’m so glad I decided to enrol!
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Claire P.
9/22/2021
The classes were really useful and informative. Gemma was a brilliant teacher very friendly and knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions or concerns any of the group had.
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Liam G.
9/04/2019
Can't recommend this course highly enough. Not only for the structured course content which genuinely helped us so much, but for the extra support outside of classes too. I felt so much more prepared and empowered for labour as a first-timer based on knowledge from the classes that would never have occurred to me, but I also got to meet a fantastic bunch of people and I think we've all really enjoyed celebrating each of our arrivals and sharing our experiences/advice so far. Gemma has been a true legend and was ultimately the first person to know I was in labour after I reached out to her for advice when I couldn't get through to the hospital straight away. Her knowledge, help and support can't be underestimated!! Can't wait for the group reunion!
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Ellie R.
9/22/2021
The course is amazing at Trentham. It was so Informative and me and my husband got so much out of it- we looked forward to going every week. Gemma was fabulous, she was really approachable and you could ask her any question. She is clearly a very experienced midwife with a wealth of knowledge.
It was also really good to meet up with other mums and dads to be and to hear that everyone felt the same!
Me and my husband have much more understanding of the stages of birth and pain meds, which we were struggling with before.
We would recommend this course to anyone, thank you so much!
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Rosie W.
2/14/2020
Absolutely fantastic course that really is a must for expectant parents. The classes are divided into easy to follow sections each week and the content is clear and concise.
Nothing was too much trouble for Gemma who personalised the core content to suit the individuals and provided additional visual aids. Highly recommended!
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Jody N.
7/19/2019
we were on the course in Trentham with Gemma and it was great. We learn a lot of things and solved our doubts, giving us confident for the big day. There is a lot of important information and the main points are covered. I think it is also important the group you meet and we were lucky also on that. I would recommend it 100%!!
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Roci A.
2/13/2020
The course is amazing. It was so informative and me and my husband got so much out of it- we looked forward to going every week. Gemma was fabulous, she was really approachable and you could ask her any question. She is clearly a very experienced midwife with a wealth of knowledge. It was also really good to meet up with other mums and dads to be and to hear that everyone felt the same! Me and my husband have much more understanding of the stages of birth and pain meds, which we were struggling with before - this has made us both feel calmer than before the course!We would recommend this course to anyone, thank you so much!
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Rosie W.
2/19/2020
Gemma who ran the class was lovely. Really informative content and a nice small group so didn't feel intimidating.
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Joanne A.
6/06/2019
The course is amazing. It was so informative and me and my husband got so much out of it- we looked forward to going every week.
Gemma was fabulous, she was really approachable and you could ask her any question. She is clearly a very experienced midwife with a wealth of knowledge.
It was also really good to meet up with other mums and dads to be and to hear that everyone felt the same!
Me and my husband have much more understanding of the stages of birth and pain meds, which we were struggling with before - this has made us both feel calmer than before the course!
We would recommend this course to anyone, thank you so much!
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Rosie W.
2/14/2020
Highly recommend to new mum's and dad"s to be. Gemma is a lovely person very approachable and experienced midwife. This course is definitely worth the money. Great way to expand your knowledge on all things baby :).
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Zoe F.
11/24/2019
My husband and I have just finished the classes with Gemma at Trentham.
We were really impressed with the information provided. Gemma added lots of additional information and advice and the classes were the right size to over feeling overwhelming.
We both feel prepared and much more confident about labour and the early weeks.
The online downloadable guides are great to print out and keep handy.
If you’re wondering whether to book, we say definitely do! The classes surpassed our expectations and we honestly learnt so much!
Thank you so much Gemma xxx
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Hayley M.
9/25/2019
We recently attended the Trentham Expecting classes after lots of recommendations from friends and were not disappointed! Gemma is very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable! We would highly recommend these informative classes to others!
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Emily L.
7/19/2019
We would highly recommend these classes. We were first time parents and learned so much. Some excellent tips which helped before during and after the birth. We would like to thank Gemma who was great nothing was too much trouble!!!
Yes! The course is designed for both of you and really helpful for (birth) partners. We don’t get you to do anything embarrassing so you can tell them to relax!
The cost is for both of you (one pregnant woman and one non pregnant birth partner).
Is the cost for one or two people?
The cost is for two of you (one pregnant woman and one non pregnant birth partner).
What’s the difference between Expecting classes & NHS classes
Expecting goes into far more depth than NHS antenatal classes.
NHS antenatal classes can be a little hit & miss depending on who has been asked to teach them.
There’s not usually an opportunity to meet others at NHS antenatal classes as they are large groups with different people attending different sessions.
NHS classes are free, whereas there is a fee for Expecting classes.
What’s the difference between Expecting classes & NCT (National Childbirth Trust) classes?
NCT classes are not run by midwives but rather mums who have done in house training with NCT.
All Expecting classes are taught & hosted by experienced midwives.
NCT classes are much more expensive than Expecting classes.
Expecting offers a no-nonsense balanced approach with no agenda when it comes to natural birth v caesarean or breastfeeding v bottle feeding.
Will I be asked to do anything embarrassing?
Absolutely not! There is nothing cringey about our classes! There’s no role play! There’s no expectation for you to join in discussions etc!
When can I sign up?
Any time after your first scan.
If you’ve left it really late you can still sign up for our online course & get instant access to our full course & even benefit from a video call with a midwife after baby has arrived.
How many weeks pregnant should I be when I attend the classes?
Our hypnobirthing class; any time from knowing you’re pregnant!
Our local classes/virtual classes; start them anytime from 27-34 weeks pregnant (as these usually last 4 weeks).
Our online course; ideally anytime from 30-38 weeks pregnant as you get access for a month.
I’m/my (birth) partner is going to miss one of the classes - what do we do?
You/they can just catch up in your own time; we can give you access to the session you missed & if it’s a virtual class we can record it & send it to you - either way, you won’t miss out!
I know I’m having a planned Caesarean section. Is Expecting still relevant for me?
Yes! We cover what to expect when you’re booked in for a caesarean & the aftercare.
Our feeding & early parenting sessions are still equally relevant.
Our hypnobirthing class can help keep you calm during pregnancy & be used in theatre during your caesarean.
Our classes are a great way to meet others at a similar life stage.
Does the feeding class cover breast and bottle feeding?
Yes indeed! We offer non biased information enabling you to make an informed decision & support you in your choices.
I’m a single mum, can I attend on my own/can I bring a friend?
Yes! We’ve had a number of single mums who have attended Expecting (alone or with a friend/family member) & always commented on how welcomed they felt. Expecting is a fantastic platform to gain support from one another regardless of circumstances.
Can my mum come?
The booking is for one pregnant woman and one non pregnant (birth) partner; you choose who that is & you’re welcome to bring a different person to different sessions.
Do I need to bring anything?
No, just an open mind & a listening ear! Refreshments are provided (please let your Expecting host midwife know if you have a severe nut allergy).
I’m shy/introverted - will I be expected to talk or put on the spot?
No, you can join in discussion as much or little as you like, or not at all. At the beginning of each session we remind everyone of our name but whoever you brought along can introduce you if you’d prefer.
I’m really squeamish - am I likely to faint/vomit?
We don’t show live birth videos! Some people feel squeamish talking/hearing about birth but in our experience this factual exposure prepares them well for the actual event meaning they’re less likely to faint/vomit on the day!
Should I make notes?
We provide course notes so you shouldn’t need to but feel free to if that’s how you learn best.
Are classes and courses still as relevant for same sex couples?
Absolutely! It’s important you’re both prepared regardless of gender/sexual orientation. We’ve had a number of single sex couples attend our classes.
What should I wear?
Anything comfortable! You’re only ever asked to sit or stand. We don’t ask you to move around in different positions or anything like that!
I/my (birth) partner needs to come straight from work, can we bring our dinner?
Of course! The classes are very informal - feel free to eat away! Some of our local classes have microwaves in the kitchen that you can use to heat food.
Can I still ask questions after the class/course?
Absolutely! Your Expecting host midwife is on hand to receive calls or text messages right up until your baby is 28 days old.
How does the reunion work?
We usually arrange a date & time that everyone can make at least 4 weeks after the last due date of the group.
We usually meet in a cafe/pub which has plenty of space for buggies & car seats.
There’s no agenda, just a lovely opportunity to chat & meet each other’s babies!
Our Zoom reunions work similarly but you can wear your pyjamas if you like!
My partner and I joined the Expecting Antenatal classes in November ahead of the birth of my first child. Unsure what to expect, I was welcomed by a friendly Freya who explained that classes were informative but relaxed which instantly put me at ease.
We were joined by several other couples who were going through similar journeys.
Each week a different topic was covered, and there was time for questions, chats and group activities.
I felt confident and prepared ahead of my birth experience.
The girls in the group still keep in touch and meet for coffee.
I have also since completed another post partum course led by Freya.
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Laura C.
09/03/24
Freya's classes in Cannock were one of a kind. My partner and I learnt so much and enjoyed going every week. Her classes were tailored to tell you everything you needed to know with a no nonsense approach. The sessions were really interactive, with people sharing stories and asking questions. Sometimes we got completely off topic 🤣 but it's that sort of thing that has made us a group of mummy and daddy friends for life, sharing this wonderful experience together and Freya guiding us along the way 😍
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Alison H.
15/01/24
The Expecting classes in Cannock with Freya were absolutely fantastic; important information given in a way that was easy to understand. Freya is truly an expert in her field, and really helps you to prepare for your baby's arrival. She was incredibly kind and encouraging, and continues to be amazingly supportive even after my wee one was born. She goes above and beyond to help! She gives you sensible research-backed, and experience-backed, advice that is invaluable. She also provides the perfect setting to meet other Mums and Dads, and encouragment to form a group of lovely friends in the same position! I strongly recommend these classes; you don't just get information, you get the village you need to raise your child.
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Alexandra I.
15/01/24
My partner and I attended these classes prior to the birth of our daughter. They were really useful and we benefited a lot from attending. I cannot recommend them enough. Freya was lovely and we ended up using a lot of the information before and after the birth. The format was really accessible and the support provided via WhatsApp in the form of a group chat was superb.
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Genevieve A.
17/12/23
Freya is amazing! Freya has been, and continues to be, amazing and such a massive support, both pre and post birth. The course is so informative, and gives lots of clear answers for first time parents, where we found advice from the NHS to be vague and unclear. Dads are included as much as Mums, and there are no cringey group breathing exercises. We would highly recommend this and all of Freya's classes for first-time parents.
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Paul B.
29/09/23
Gemma is super approachable and put us completely at ease- there was no such thing as a stupid question!
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Samantha R.
09/09/23
So pleased that we signed up to these classes. Found them really useful but also enjoyable. It was a really lovely opportunity to meet couples who were also about to become new parents. Gemma is fab and goes out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable and get the most out of the sessions. Would highly recommend
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Laura C.
09/09/23
Really enjoyed the class. Very informative and covers all the main areas of labour and early days with a newborn. It was also lovely to meet other expecting parents in the local area.
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Jade A.
09/09/23
SUPERB! SUPERB! I attended Freya’s hypnobirthing class with my husband and we found it so incredibly useful! She’s full of so much knowledge and information but made it really accessible. The class was really relaxing and we feel really positive about the birth. THANK YOU!
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Sophie A.
02/09/23
Freya is great Freya is great! Her classes are informative without being intimidating. She has so much knowledge and experience and doesn’t for d her opinion on you. She has loads of advice to give. Our classes were gifted to us from my Sister in Law as she also found her so great. Would 100% recommend Freya to anyone expecting!
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customer
01/09/23
Very informative classes We really enjoyed attending the antenatal classes and found them very informative. Freya creates a very relaxed environment where you feel comfortable to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have. We would really recommend the Expecting classes, they are really worth it!
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Elle P.
01/09/23
I would highly recommend this class to any expectant parents, Gemma is amazing and as a practising midwife is able to pass on so much knowledge and up to date information, particularly on local hospitals and services that would be difficult to find elsewhere. The course was very relaxed and friendly and I’m so glad we made the decision to do it!
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Jessica R.
09/08/23
Superb Classes and Support The classes were brilliant. Very interactive filled with lots of information that has proved extremely useful. The ongoing support and openness of the group leader is brilliant and somewhat invaluable. Highly recommend anyone expecting a baby to attend one of these courses. An absolute bargain for what is provided.
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John P.
07/08/23
Baby Massage and Yoga A comfortable safe space where I was able to enjoy and learn something new with my baby. Felt it helped us bond and make bad days turn into good ones. It was lovely to meet other Mums and share our experiences and stories together. I will miss my Mondays with Freya and our group! Definitely would recommend to any new Mum or Dad.
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Chloe
03/08/23
Expecting everything! We have become a fully converted Expecting family. Having done the antenatal courses, both my partner and I felt well informed when it came to bringing our baby boy into the world. Beyond Expecting has provided Ezra and I with a great weekly pit stop to decompress, and catch up with other Mums and babies. We have also just finished baby massage and baby yoga where we met more lovely Mums and babies and I have really enjoyed the bonding experience of some more physical/touch-based activity with baby. We love it so much my husband even did Dad’s massage. Every step of the way we have found Freya to be encouraging, calming and supportive and I’m so grateful for the communities that have been built through all these activities - I couldn’t imagine doing this baby malarkey without them!
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Maddy B.
03/08/23
The perfect follow on from the antenatal classes from beyond expecting The baby massage and yoga classes are a great bonding experience for you and your little one! Both are perfect to do at home and packs are sent out after each session!! The sessions are great to meet mums at the same stage as you and bounce ideas or talk openly during them tough weeks when needed! Freya is so welcoming and hosts them in her home which is a cosy environment for all! Highly recommend
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Cathy H.
02/08/23
Full expecting experience Me and my partner started with the expecting antenatal classes which helped us both feel more confident about the big day and the fourth trimester. I also did the Hypnobirthing course, although my little boy came so quickly I didn’t get chance to put my practise to work, I did find it very relaxing in the last few weeks of pregnancy. We then continued with Freya for baby massage, I felt so supported by Freya when he was poorly. Freya is down to earth and so empathetic. The leg massage techniques certainly helped me to keep him calm on his op day! Bertie loves Freya and all the little babies he met so much we continued with baby yoga. He had so much fun, belly laughing through most of the classes 😂. We will certainly miss our Monday hot chocolate. Highly recommend! Such a calm and welcoming atmosphere even when baby is having a grizzly day!
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Vikki L.
02/08/23
We had been recommended Freya’s classes by a few friends and we can see why! Freya’s classes were brilliant in preparing us with the right amount of information vs time to talk and involve both mums and dads to be! Freya is so welcoming with plenty of drinks and snacks too! It was a great way to meet families at the same stage and has been great to keep in touch with the group in the months after helped as well by the reunion that Freya organises before classes finish. We have also attended the beyond expecting baby group which is a lovely informal session to meet others and feel less alone as first time parents and Freya facilitates conversations with others you have things in common with so don’t worry if you are going alone! I’d recommend Freya’s classes to anyone and classes are so reasonable too! Freya’s support hasn’t stopped after the group either she goes beyond to make you feel supported whenever you have a question she’s still at the end of a phone!
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Hannah B.
21/06/23
Excellent sessions - a must for new parents! Freya’s sessions were fantastic in preparing my husband and I for the labour and birth of our first child! I truly believe because of these classes and the additional hypnobirthing course with Freya I got the unmedicated water birth I dreamt of. Without this knowledge I know I would have had more pain medication and felt less confident about giving birth. The aftercare with Freya is fantastic too any issues or questions she is the first person I contact for advice and the beyond expecting baby group is brilliant. This class is a must for new time parents!
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Cathy H.
03/05/23
These classes were recommended to us by my partner’s sister and I am so, so grateful she did!
We had scoured the internet trying to find a class we could attend as a couple that would fit around work, and Expecting did just that.
From the very first evening, Freya created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where no question was a silly one and everyone in the group was included.
I loved that partners were involved throughout, and the importance of their role was emphasised.
Freya’s wealth of knowledge and experience is one thing, but her sense of humour and openness is incomparable! Freya doesn’t indulge horror stories or ‘just you waits’ but also doesn’t sugar coat what to expect either.
I could not speak highly enough of our experience of Expecting Antenatal Classes and we both definitely feel more prepared now than we would ever have done without them.