Find the Right Antenatal Class for Your Due Date
Most parents attend antenatal classes between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. A good rule of thumb is to finish your classes around 4 to 8 weeks before your baby is due, giving you time to absorb the information, practise comfort techniques, and prepare for birth and early parenting.
Simply find your baby's due month below and we'll show you the classes that best match your timing. No guesswork, no last-minute rush, just a simple way to plan ahead and feel ready for what's next.
Classes regularly book out - Many classes fill several weeks in advance. Booking early gives you the best choice of dates and formats.
Every Class Includes
Practical tools for labour, birth and newborn care
Access to the Ready for Birth & Baby Community Hub
Small, interactive classes with plenty of time for questions
A supportive environment where no question is silly
Helpful resources you can revisit after class
Supper during in-person classes
The goal is not just to attend a class - but to leave with tools and support you can keep using.
What to Bring to Class
You don’t need to bring much — just a few things to help you stay comfortable during the evening.
• A drink bottle
• Snacks if you like (supper is also provided)
• A cushion or pillow if you'd like extra comfort
• All the questions you’ve been wondering about
Most importantly, bring yourselves just as you are - curiosity, questions, and all.
You Might Be Wondering…
When is the best time to attend antenatal classes?
Most parents attend between 28–34 weeks of pregnancy, though some prefer to come a little earlier to give themselves more time to absorb the information.
Should my partner come too?
Yes, partners or your support person is strongly encouraged to attend. Birth and early parenting work best when you both understand what to expect and how to support each other.
What time do classes run?
In-Person Classes run from 5.30pm to approximately 7.30pm
Live & Online Classes run from 5.30pm to approximately 7.15pm
The Boutique Weekend Classes are Saturday and Sunday 9am to approximately1.30pm
This gives us plenty of time to cover everything in a relaxed way without feeling rushed, while still finishing early enough for you to get home at a reasonable time, especially if you’re feeling a bit tired during pregnancy.
What if I don’t know anything yet?
That’s completely normal. Many expectant parents come to class feeling unsure about what they should know or prepare for. The classes are designed to build on your learning with each class and guide you step by step.
Will there be awkward activities or being put on the spot?
No. The environment is relaxed and conversational. There are opportunities to participate if you want to, but no pressure.
What if I can’t make one of the sessions?
Life happens. If you miss a session, resources and support are still available through the Ready for Birth & Baby Community Hub so you can catch up on key information.
I feel nervous about birth - is that normal?
Absolutely. Many parents feel this way. One of the biggest benefits of antenatal education is understanding what’s normal and what your options are, which often makes birth feel much less overwhelming.
You don’t need to study beforehand or prepare anything. Just show up and I’ll guide you through it step by step.
Join the thousands of parents Janine has supported through pregnancy, birth and early parenting since 2005.
Baby due in September?
This is a great time to focus on preparation before the final stretch of pregnancy. Completing classes a few weeks before birth gives you space to consolidate what you’ve learned and approach labour feeling calm and ready.
Upcoming options:
Private Antenatal Consultation: - Personalised antenatal education shaped around you, your pregnancy and what you most want to feel prepared for. Available in person in Hawke’s Bay or live online from anywhere in New Zealand, with dedicated one-to-one time to focus on the areas that matter most to you, explore your questions in more depth and tailor the sessions to your individual needs and circumstances.
Planned Caesarean Birth Preparation: Focused antenatal education specifically for parents preparing for a planned caesarean birth. Understand what to expect before, during and after your caesarean, the choices you may have, your partner or support person's role, recovery, and those first hours and days with your baby. Live online, so you can prepare together from the comfort of home.
Self-Paced Online Antenatal Course: Flexible learning in your own time, ideal if scheduled class dates don't suit. Work through practical preparation for labour, birth and your new baby at your own pace, from the comfort of home, with the freedom to pause, revisit and come back to topics whenever you need.
Baby due in September, October or November?
Spring babies often arrive during a busy time of year, so early preparation can really help. Finishing your classes ahead of time allows you to slow down in those final weeks and focus on rest, nesting and confidence.
Upcoming options:
5-Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 23rd Sept - 21st Oct - Relaxed, supportive learning spread over five evenings, giving you time to take things in, ask questions and build your knowledge week by week. We cover practical preparation for labour and birth, your new baby and the early weeks, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and connection with other expectant parents.
Boutique Weekend Class: 14th & 15th November - Practical, supportive antenatal education covered across one weekend, ideal if weeknight classes don’t suit or you prefer to prepare over a shorter timeframe. You’ll cover the same core preparation as the 5-week course, including labour and birth, your new baby and the early weeks, with plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and practical learning.
Live & Online Antenatal Class NZ WIDE: 24th Sept - 22nd Oct - Join your antenatal classes live from the comfort of home, with the same opportunity to ask questions, join discussions and learn together as you would in person. Across five interactive sessions, we cover practical preparation for labour and birth, your new baby and the early weeks. Ideal if you prefer learning from home, have a busy schedule or simply like the convenience of joining live without the travel.
Private Antenatal Consultation: - Personalised antenatal education shaped around you, your pregnancy and what you most want to feel prepared for. Available in person in Hawke’s Bay or live online from anywhere in New Zealand, with dedicated one-to-one time to focus on the areas that matter most to you, explore your questions in more depth and tailor the sessions to your individual needs and circumstances.
Planned Caesarean Birth Preparation: - Focused antenatal education specifically for parents preparing for a planned caesarean birth. Understand what to expect before, during and after your caesarean, the choices you may have, your partner or support person's role, recovery, and those first hours and days with your baby. Live online, so you can prepare together from the comfort of home.
Self-Paced Online Antenatal Course: - Flexible learning in your own time, ideal if scheduled class dates don't suit. Work through practical preparation for labour, birth and your new baby at your own pace, from the comfort of home, with the freedom to pause, revisit and come back to topics whenever you need.
Baby due Late November, December 2026 or January 2027?
With holidays and end-of-year commitments, choosing the right timing is key. These class options are designed to help you complete preparation before the festive season, so you can head into birth feeling informed and supported.
Upcoming options:
5 Week In-Person Class: Wednesday 11th Nov - 9th Dec - structured, supportive learning FULL
5 Week In-Person Class: Thursday 12th Nov - 10th Dec - Relaxed, supportive learning spread over five evenings, giving you time to take things in, ask questions and build your knowledge week by week. We cover practical preparation for labour and birth, your new baby and the early weeks, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and connection with other expectant parents.
Private Antenatal Consultation: - Personalised antenatal education shaped around you, your pregnancy and what you most want to feel prepared for. Available in person in Hawke’s Bay or live online from anywhere in New Zealand, with dedicated one-to-one time to focus on the areas that matter most to you, explore your questions in more depth and tailor the sessions to your individual needs and circumstances.
Planned Caesarean Birth Preparation: - Focused antenatal education specifically for parents preparing for a planned caesarean birth. Understand what to expect before, during and after your caesarean, the choices you may have, your partner or support person's role, recovery, and those first hours and days with your baby. Live online, so you can prepare together from the comfort of home.
Self-Paced Online Antenatal Course: Flexible learning in your own time, ideal if scheduled class dates don't suit. Work through practical preparation for labour, birth and your new baby at your own pace, from the comfort of home, with the freedom to pause, revisit and come back to topics whenever you need.
January 2027 Boutique Weekend Class
Baby due late January, February or March 2027
To accommodate parents with early 2027 due dates, I’ve added an additional Boutique Weekend Antenatal Class straight after the Christmas and New Year break.
Held over Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 January 2027, this weekend is ideal if your baby is due in January, February or early March and the usual class dates fall a little too late for you.
You’ll cover the same practical preparation as the 5-week antenatal course, including labour and birth, your new baby and the early weeks, all across one focused weekend with plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and practical learning.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th January 2027
9.00am - 2.00pm approx each day
Let's Start the Conversation
Not Sure Which Class Is Right for You?
Choosing the right class doesn't have to be complicated.
Many parents choose the 5-week course if they prefer to learn at a relaxed pace, with time to absorb information and build confidence over several weeks. If your schedule is busy, the Boutique Weekend covers the same comprehensive content in a more intensive format. Prefer to learn from home? The live online classes provide the same trusted education and support without the need to travel.
If you're still unsure which option would suit you or you're not certain which class dates will fit with your due date, simply complete the contact form. Let me know your estimated due date, and I'll happily help you work out which class will be the best fit for your pregnancy and your family.
Compare Your Options
5-Week Antenatal Class In Person $275
Boutique Weekend In Person $275
Live & Online Online $245
Private Consultation Personalised $375
Planned Caesarean Course - Private & Online $325
Self Paced Antenatal Course $125.00
What People Are Saying about Bellies to Babies
“As a partner, I wasn’t sure how much antenatal classes would really help me - but this made a huge difference. Everything was explained clearly, without judgement, and I finally understood how I could actually support my partner during labour and those early weeks. We both left feeling calmer and more confident going into birth.”
New Dad
“I felt so much more prepared after these classes - not because I knew everything, but because things finally made sense. The support was practical, reassuring and real. I walked away feeling calmer, more confident, and like I wasn’t doing this alone.”
Claudia
“I was feeling overwhelmed before booking, but the classes were calm, practical and reassuring. Nothing felt rushed or overcomplicated. I came away feeling informed, supported and much more confident about what was ahead — which made the investment feel completely worthwhile.”
New Mum
