Experts' advice

Why Are Antenatal Classes Important?

Preparing to meet your baby for the first time can feel overwhelming — especially with so much information available online, it’s difficult to know what advice will actually feel helpful and realistic when the time comes. That’s why antenatal classes are such an important part of the journey. They help you feel informed, build realistic expectations, and connect with other expecting parents going through the same experience.

Through photographing many expectant couples during their pregnancy photoshoots, I realised that so many parents-to-be feel confused when choosing the right antenatal class, which inspired me to create this blog post and speak with an expert in the field.

My Experience With Antenatal Classes

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I attended antenatal classes that were part of a larger franchise (Happy Parents, Happy Baby). While I learned a lot, I found myself longing for a calmer, more intimate setting — somewhere you feel comfortable asking questions and truly connecting with others. Each session was led by different experts — a midwife, an obstetrician, a lactation consultant — but I never felt a personal connection with any of them.

This spring, I photographed antenatal classes in Caterham with Calm Parents, Calm Birth — and it felt like exactly that kind of space.

Antenatal Classes in Caterham: Calm Parents, Calm Birth

Calm Parents, Calm Birth runs relaxed, informal antenatal classes in Caterham (currently at The Harrow pub in Chaldon), where couples can unwind after a long day and feel at ease. Unlike larger franchise-style classes led by different speakers each week, these sessions are guided by one consistent voice — local mum Stephanie Strugnell. With over 11 years’ experience in mental health, and through her NHS work supporting postpartum mums, Stephanie understands that preparing for birth is not just about knowledge, but about emotional support. As she says, “Birth preparation isn’t just about learning information — it’s about how you feel.”

Through small, in-person groups, private hypnobirthing sessions, online classes, and postnatal support, she offers a calm, supportive space for parents across Caterham and East Surrey. Her goal is simple: to help parents feel confident, informed, and in control as they approach birth. I asked her a few questions about antenatal classes and her own experience with birth and here is what she said.

What are most people scared about birth?

Stephanie: A loss of control, the unknown, and fear around pain or things going “wrong.” A lot of that fear comes from not fully understanding what’s happening or feeling unprepared for different possibilities.

What are the 3 most important things that new parents need to know before birth?

Stephanie: 1. You have choices — there are no wrong choices in birth, only INFORMED ones. 2. Your environment and support matter — they directly impact how you feel and cope. 3. Birth is as emotional as it is physical — feeling safe and supported changes everything.

What do you wish you learned before you gave birth?

Stephanie: I wish I’d fully understood how much control and choice I still had, even if things didn’t go to plan.

I also wish I’d known more about how to advocate for myself, and how important the environment and support around you are in shaping your experience.

What kind of practical exercises do you do at your antenatal classes in Caterham?

Stephanie: There are so many practical exercises we do – breathing techniques, relaxation and visualisation, partner support strategies, and ways to create a calm, supportive birth environment, birth positions, caring for a newborn, birth scenarios, changing a baby, baby in a sling – just to name a few!!

What do you want the birthing partners to learn at an antenatal class?

Stephanie: That they have a really important role — and that they can make a huge difference.

I teach partners how to support practically and emotionally, how to advocate, and how to feel confident rather than unsure or on the sidelines.

What is unique about your antenatal class?

Stephanie: The small group size and the level of support.

It’s not rushed, it’s not a tick-box class, and it goes far beyond information. There’s a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, confidence, and real-life preparation — so parents leave feeling genuinely ready, not just informed.

Best advice about birth you could give? 

Stephanie: There are no wrong choices in birth, only informed ones.

What is the worst advice anyone has given to you about birth?

Stephanie: “Just take all of the pain relief and do what you’re told.”

Understanding all options in birth is important, parents need to know their options and be involved in decisions about their care and support.

How would you like your couples to feel after finishing your antenatal class?

Stephanie: Calm, confident, informed and realistically prepared — and not overwhelmed.

I want people to feel calm, confident and in control of their mindset however birth happens.

What do you like about your job?

Stephanie: I love everything about my job, I love the community we are building, connections made, the positive impact my work makes on families, seeing the babies grow, seeing couples come together with such love and excitement, helping make people’s experiences more positive. I suppose the theme is – making a positive difference. I love it so much, genuinely it doesn’t feel like work.

A note from me

Photographing so many pregnant women, and having gone through birth myself, I completely agree with Stephanie that it’s so important to feel informed, confident in your choices, and supported by a partner who can advocate for you.

If these things matter to you too, antenatal classes can help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach birth. Take some time to explore what’s available and find the right fit for you. And if you’re looking for antenatal classes in Caterham, Whyteleafe, Oxted, or the surrounding East Surrey area, with a more intimate setting and a calm, supportive approach, I can wholeheartedly recommend Calm Parents, Calm Birth.