HypnoBirthing® classes

These are taught in small groups (2-4 couples) or as a one to one. The woman is encouraged to attend with her birthing partner a course of five sessions of two and a half hours ideally at weekends or in the evening. Couples are encouraged to practice in between sesssions and after the course. Reading materials and CD's are provided to assist with this. I am happy to run the classes at my house in Bisley, Woking or in one of the couples houses ( a reduction in price is given for this and may be useful for those otherwise needing babtsitters)

As I am also a midwife at Heatherwood hospital in Ascot,Berks I am now offering FREE classes to anyone booked there. These will be held at the hospital on weekday evenings and at weekends. Please check the 'HypnoBirthing' webpage for more details.

Women-only classes

Not every woman wants to take her partner to an antenatal class, and this is why women-only classes are an option. Single women and those whose partners are away may find these classes particularly useful. Many others also enjoy the close bond that can develop in women-only classes, where you often have the opportunity to talk and discuss subjects that may not be covered during couples' classes. Sometimes a fathers' only session may be appropriate. Some women like to attend my classes with the baby's future grandparent. This can be particularly helpful in bringing past Mums up-to-date with current thinking and practices. I run free 'Bringing baby Home' classes twice a month on a friday pm at heatherwood hospital for those living in the Ascot/Bracknell/Windsor area.

Couples' classes

These are usually for first-time parents and help both partners get involved in the preparations for labour and birth. For many men, couples' classes offer a specific time to focus on the pregnancy, which can make the process more real for them. It's also an opportunity to meet other fathers-to-be. I'm available for private classes if you dont qualify for the free classes for those living in the Ascot/Bracknell/Windsor area.

Refresher classes

As these are aimed at women who already have children, one-to-one sessions in the family's home may be more appropriate. Topics can be tailored to the clients specific needs and at a convenient time. Most antenatal classes are 'client-led' to a greater or lesser extent, but this is especially true of refresher classes. For example, second-time mothers often want to talk about their birth experiences and to be updated on research and changes in birth practices, but may feel totally confident about feeding and babycare. These are run on a private basis so contact me for rates.

Early pregnancy classes

These classes are aimed at newly expectant parents and provide information on diet and exercise in pregnancy, scans and screening, maternity services, maternity benefits and working, types of antenatal care and ways of coping with the minor disorders of pregnancy such as nausea and vomitting. Again this is only available as  a private class so contact me for rates.

Post-natal support groups

These classes are run as a 6 week course for new mothers with babies from 2 weeks. They are a self help group but co-ordinated by myself with specific topics for discussion planned each week. After 6 weeks the group tend to remain in contact and arrange to meet up for walks etc and in each others houses. For more details go to www.southascotchildrenscentre.co.uk These classes are totally free !

Ante-natal and post-natal exercise classes in Ascot

New class just started in south ascot for mums with bumps or babies ! Its held on tuesdays at 11.30 -12.30pm at the South Ascot Church Hall, Church rd, South Ascot SL5 9EB. cost is £5 for the hour or buy a course of 6 for only £25. They can be carried over if you dont take them all before the birth !

The class is suitable right up until the birth and from 4 weeks after a normal birth if everything is healed and from 8 weeks after a C. Section. Babies are welcome in car seats or buggies and you may want to bring a mat and/or a play gym to entertain older babies ! Some of the exercises can be done using the baby as extra weight to add resistance.

You'll need to wear loose comfortable clothing with layers as you may get quite hot. trainers are essential as is a water bottle. A good supportive bra is a must especially if you are breast feeding.  A yoga mat is useful too as I dont always have enough.  

 Expectant mums are encouraged to bring a Fitball if they have one so they can be shown  specific exercises whilst sitting on the ball. (great for getting the baby into the best position for birth !) I have a few pumped up at the class but its important to get the right size.

The class consists of a warm-up and some stretching followed by a short aerobic section to music. Its not particularly dance-orientated so dont worry if you're not all that co-ordinated ! We then focus on exercises to target specific muscle groups such as the abdominals (post-natally) and pelvic floor ! we finish with a cool-down stretch on the floor before a chance to have a chat whilst clearing out of the hall. The group also has the added benefit of helping you get to know other mums and mums-to-be !

You may like to attend the free New Mums discussion group (see above) that I run a short walk away before the exercise class. Contact laura on 07512 850 387 to register.We finish that in the school by about 11.15, leaving enough time for everyone to walk over to the exercise class through the All Souls churchyard.

Please email me prior to attending the class so I can send you a health questionnaire which then saves time before your 1st class mandy_mole@hotmail.com.

Looking forward to meeting you and your baby/bump !!!