Woman giving a presentation in a kitchen, pointing at a whiteboard with the word 'PAI' on it. Two people are sitting in front of her, seen from behind.

Antenatal Class

Giving birth and becoming a parent is a day like no other. With so many first-time experiences, it can feel overwhelming. Feel calm, informed, and prepared with LifeCycles’ interactive and empowering antenatal classes, designed to give couples the knowledge and confidence to make decisions that feel right for them, no matter how birth unfolds.

A classroom seminar with students seated and a female instructor standing near a whiteboard inside a modern room, viewed through an open door.

Your Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Parenthood

LifeCycles antenatal classes offer a down-to-earth, empowering approach to preparing for birth and early parenthood. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how the body works during pregnancy, labour and birth, helping you feel more confident, informed and connected to the process.

We cover both natural and medical pain relief options, discuss interventions in a way that’s easy to understand, and help you navigate your choices within the modern maternity system. The focus is on real preparation, not just setting up the baby’s room, but building your ability to make informed decisions, communicate your needs and advocate for yourself with confidence.

You’ll also learn about newborn behaviours, feeding and settling techniques, and practical ways to care for your baby in those early weeks. These classes offer a space to ask questions, break down myths and connect with other expectant parents, creating community and friendships that often last well beyond birth.

What to Expect:

LifeCycles antenatal classes are designed for mums and their birth partners, and are held over five consecutive Wednesday evenings at Kotahi Community Centre, near Botany. It’s recommended to join a course starting early in your third trimester, so you finish before your due date and have time to reflect and prepare.

Each session is guided by a midwife with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of birth settings in New Zealand and internationally. The classes are relaxed, inclusive and non-judgemental, a space where no topic is off-limits, and every question is welcome.

You’ll explore a mix of interactive discussions, demonstrations and hands-on techniques, with weekly themes that build your understanding of labour, birth and early parenting. Classes are grounded in evidence-based practice, while also drawing from tools like naturopathy, acupuncture, hypnobirthing and yoga to support your physical and emotional preparation.

A key focus is helping you trust your body, understand your options and rights, and feel empowered to advocate for yourself throughout your journey, whether you’re planning a natural birth, an epidural, or anything in between.

There’s also a tea break with snacks provided, offering time to relax, chat and connect with the other couples in the group. Many parents walk away not only feeling more prepared, but with new friendships and a stronger sense of community.

What will be Covered:

What Will Be Covered:

  • Preparing your mind and body for labour

  • Signs and stages of labour - what to expect and how to respond

  • Natural and medical pain relief options

  • Interventions including inductions, assisted births, and Cesareans

  • Communication and advocacy during birth

  • Practical techniques to support labour and birth

  • Newborn behaviours and early feeding options

  • Settling techniques, baby care, and sleep

  • Relationship changes and parenting as a team

  • Tools to manage fear, anxiety and common misconceptions

  • Supporting your intuition and building trust in your body

  • Bonus Week 6: Baby reunion catch-up - reconnect, debrief, and build your community

A woman holding a baby doll and smiling in front of a group of people participating in a baby yoga class inside a room with yoga mats and a plain wall.

Advice you can trust

My goal is to help you feel empowered, satisfied and supported through your birthing experience, whatever form it takes.

I’ve supported hundreds of births over two decades, from home and hospital births to highly medicalised situations. I bring the experience of a registered midwife (NZ & US), a childbirth educator, and a mum, all with a focus on realistic, open, and evidence-based care.

We won’t shy away from tough questions. These classes are interactive, inclusive, and judgement-free, designed to help you feel prepared physically, mentally and emotionally, so you can welcome your baby feeling calm, informed and confident.

Book Your Class