Welcome to the Tower Hamlets Antenatal Page

This page contains listings for antenatal activities in Tower Hamlets, and some details about NCT antenatal classes.

I try to ensure this entry has the current course availability in it. What courses are full, what courses still have space, and how I'm doing on arranging future courses. Other entries include:

• An explanation of the course content.


• Birth options, including home birth, and a Birth Centre opening in December 2007.
  
• All the relevant information about breastfeeding in Tower Hamlets


• Various ways to meet other mums in Tower Hamlets.


• Yoga and other antenatal exercise in and around Tower Hamlets


• Booking information, explaining how the booking process works, and FAQs about the classes.
  
• Upcoming events in Tower Hamlets


• Information about an upcoming homeopathy course for expectant couples.
  
• Information for mothers expecting twins (or more!) in East London.


• Links and contacts for mothers interested in real nappies.

If any information on this blog is missing, or if there is information you think should be here, please email me

Upcoming Events

Nearly New Sale

Our annual Nearly New Sale is taking place on Saturday May 12th, at St Barnabas' Church, at the corner of Grove Road and Roman Road, from 1pm to 4pm. There will be a tombola, stalls, and loads of great baby supplies at great prices.

Nappy Options

Kerstyn is our local NCT real nappy rep - she has a wide range of information on and experience using real nappies. She can be reached on 020 7680- 0676, or by email.

The Real Nappy Association has general information, and information about lots of mail order companies. They can also be reached a 020 8299 4519.

The Nappy Lady offers lots of advice and a mail order service. Also has mail order biodegradable (moltex) disposables.

Expecting Twins? Or More?

We have a local club for mothers, and expectant mothers, of twins or more. It's called Twins and More East End (TAMEE). It covers Hackney and Tower Hamlets, but mothers from other areas are also welcome. They have a yahoo group. It's run by Alice (07957 429 951) and Marie (07780 851 482), and you can also email them.

Current Course Status

Courses for July, August and October are full.

I still have some space on a late-September class, but I expect it will fill soon. I am off on holiday for most of August, but hope to release November dates before I go.

In September, my (volunteer) job will be be taken over by a paid person, who will handle bookings for several boroughs. This should make things more professional and efficient. Obviously, I will be passing my list of interested people to her.

Also, we may be changing venues soon, at least for some classes. Wherever we use will be in Tower Hamlets. We are considering public transit accessibility, car parking, lunch options nearby, and cost. Unfortunately, course prices will possibly go up soon, because of the venue change.

(updated July 26th)

Course Content

Course Times and Locations

I offer the courses my teachers are available to teach. Lately, I have been offering quite a few two-day workshops, which take place on either two weekend days (at least a week apart), or a weekend day and a weekday. The two-day workshops consist of 11 or 12 hours of antenatal class time, with an associated two-hour evening breastfeeding class. Every few months, I offer a one-day workshop, which takes place on a Saturday, and consists of 8 hours of antenatal class time, with an associated two-hour evening breastfeeding class.

All the antenatal classes take place in Canary Wharf. The breastfeeding sessions take place either in Canary Wharf or at the teacher's house in E3.

Antenatal Workshop Teachers

Antenatal teachers undergo a thorough training with the NCT and they are registered annually with the Trust. They are expected to keep up to date with developments in their field. Their role is to offer support, information, practical skills and resources to help parents make informed choices for themselves and their babies. They are not normally medically qualified. They do not offer medical advice and parents are asked to take questions about medical care of mother and baby to their midwife, health visitor or doctor.

Content

The course covers pregnancy, labour, birth, and the effect of a new baby on the family. It focuses particularly on the choices available to expectant parents and also includes exercises for breathing during labour, different birth positions, massage and relaxation techniques.

Breastfeeding Information Evening

Tower Hamlets Antenatal Course includes a breastfeeding session led by one of our local breastfeeding supporters and tutors with the Breastfeeding Network. This session provides opportunities to have all your breastfeeding questions answered and get lots of practical tips to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Sessions take place in the tutors' own homes, or at Canary Wharf.

Birth Choices

Home Birth

Have you thought about a home birth? It's at least as safe as birth in hospital after a straightforward pregnancy, and there are many advantages to having your baby in your own surroundings. There is a monthly home birth support group in Tower Hamlets where you can discuss your options with other parents who have given birth at home or who are thinking about it. The group meets on the last Thursday of every month, except December, at 45 Norman Grove, Bow, London E3 5EG. 8pm to 10pm. It's free. Partners and children are welcome. If you'd like more information, phone Claire on 020 8980 9580. Otherwise, just turn up.

Birth Centre

On December 3rd, 2007, a Birth Centre will open in Tower Hamlets. It will be midwife-run, and located in the Isle of Dogs. It will be a small and homely centre with a family feel. The birthing rooms will each have a birthing pool, and entonox (gas and air) will be available. These rooms will be used for labour, birth and your post-natal stay, with an en-suite shower room, and sleeping facilities for two adults and a new baby.

The Birth Centre will be staffed by midwives who are experts in normal birth, therefore no obstetricians, paediatricians or anaesthetists will be on site. In the rare event of complications, mothers will be transferred by ambulance to the appropriate hospital.

If you have a straightforward pregnancy and the midwives consider that you are at “low risk” of complications then you may apply to have your maternity care at the Birth Centre. You can ask your midwife, GP, obstetrician or another health professional to refer you, or you can contact the Birth Centre yourself.

Independent Midwives and Doulas

There are independent midwives and doulas operating in Tower Hamlets.