Antenatal Classes

If you’re looking for midwife-led antenatal classes in Wellington, we’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming courses.

These classes are a chance to slow down, get clear, evidence-based info, and ask all the questions that might not get answered in a busy appointment. More than that, they’re a space to meet other local parents and share the journey together.

We keep things real, practical, and supportive. Our hope is that you’ll leave class not only feeling informed, but also connected and a little more confident about the road ahead.

What’s included:

  • 10 hours of engaging, interactive sessions designed to help you connect with the rest of your group

  • Facilitation by a qualified, experienced midwife

  • 6 months access to the Parent Hub - digital resources

  • Handout material including birth plan template & hospital bag checklist

  • A snack and hot drinks at each class

  • Goodie bag to take home

  • Ongoing community: a private group chat for your class

When & Where:

  • Our evening course is held on 5 consecutive Tuesday’s 6.30-8.30pm in Hataitai or Lyall Bay

Cost:

  • $295 for you and a support person

Our course will cover

  • Wellbeing in pregnancy – caring for body and mind

  • When to seek help – recognising important warning signs

  • The support person’s role – how they can be involved and make a difference

  • Making informed choices – understanding your options with confidence

  • Understanding physiological labour – what’s happening in the body

  • Coping strategies & pain-relief options – practical tools for managing labour

  • When extra support is needed – an introduction to medical interventions

  • The first hours and days – what to expect after birth

  • Feeding your baby – exploring all the options and finding what works for you

  • Physical recovery – caring for your body after birth

  • Wellbeing for parents – looking after yourself as you adjust

  • Planning for the postpartum – preparing for life with a newborn

  • Sleep (for everyone!) – what’s normal and how to cope

  • Practical parenting skills – hands-on tips for the early weeks

  • “First steps antenatal was great, full of fab practical advice and lots of opportunities for questions and discussions with Chelsea and Daisy. LGBT+ friendly too. 100% recommend!”

  • "Chelsea's 5 part antenatal class was extremely educational and enjoyable. Between her and Daisy it was really valuable hearing from midwives perspectives and they are both mums so also from that perspective. Would highly recommend! It was completely non-judgemental, no agendas pushed, and really informative. Thanks both!"

  • "We attended these antenatal sessions and found them really informative and enjoyable. The sessions were well structured, leaving us feeling like all of the essentials have been covered, and with lots more resources sign posted and available to take as needed. Chelsea was great at giving us the opportunity for questions and facilited us forming connections with other to-be parents."

  • "We had a very good experience learning with Chelsea, she is very nice and professional. Explained everything in detail, and helped us to understand more in this important and meaningful moment. We fully recommend this course."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our antenatal classes are for anyone who is pregnant or expecting a baby and wants to feel informed, confident, and supported as they prepare for birth and parenthood. With a focus on inclusivity, these are LGBTQIA+ friendly environments where every journey is valued, and there’s no “one right way” to build a whānau or be a parent.

    Whether it’s your first baby or you’ve done it before, these sessions provide evidence-based information and practical tools in a safe, non-judgemental space designed to support you and your whānau.

  • We recommend starting your antenatal classes from around 28 weeks onwards. This gives you plenty of time to learn, reflect, and put things into practice before baby arrives, without finishing so early that it all feels like a distant memory.

    However, you’re welcome to join any class that works best for you.

  • We like to keep the classes smaller so you have a better opportunity to get to know each other (as we know community is so important when having a baby). Our classes are generally around 10-12 couples.

  • Yes. We cover all types of birth so you feel prepared, whatever your journey looks like.

  • Of course! We encourage you to bring your partner or support person with you. They are included in the price of your classes. If your partner is unable to attend a class then you’re welcome to bring another support person along with you.

  • We don’t want cost to be a barrier. Payment plans are available, and we also offer limited koha spots so everyone has the chance to join. it’s really important to us that everyone who wants to learn and connect has the chance to be here. Please just get in touch and we’ll work it out together.

  • Your payment is non-refundable unless there are extenuating circumstances (for example, if your baby arrives prematurely before the course begins). In these cases, a refund will be issued minus a $20 administration fee.

    Once the course has started, we’re unable to offer refunds. If you believe your situation qualifies as an extenuating circumstance, please email us to discuss a refund.

Upcoming Antenatal Classes

  • June 30 - July 28

    Best for those due to give birth September to October

    Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm
    All Saints Church
    Hataitai, Wellington

    FULLY BOOKED

    Join Waitlist

  • August 11 - Sept 8

    Best for those due to give birth October to November

    Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm
    Community Church
    Lyall Bay, Wellington

    FULLY BOOKED

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Sept 22 - October 20

    Best for those due to give birth November to December

    Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm
    All Saints Church
    Hataitai, Wellington

    FULLY BOOKED

    JOIN WAITLIST

  • Nov 3 - Dec 1

    Best for those due to give birth December to January

    Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm
    All Saints Church
    Hataitai, Wellington

    $295

    book

  • December - January

    Best for those due to give birth February to March

    This is a split course due to Christmas and New Year. The dates include:

    15th December
    22nd December
    12th January
    19th January
    26th January

    Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm
    Community Church
    Lyall Bay, Wellington

    $295

    book

Bespoke Private Birth Education

Personalised antenatal education designed around you, your birth, and your growing family.

Our private antenatal sessions offer flexible, evidence-based education tailored specifically to your needs, questions, and preferences. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, navigating pregnancy again after a previous birth experience, or simply wanting a more personalised approach, these sessions are designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported.

Each session is individually tailored and can cover topics such as:

  • Labour and birth preparation

  • Physiological birth

  • Induction and medical interventions

  • Pain relief options

  • Caesarean birth

  • Birth preferences and decision-making

  • Partner support during labour

  • Feeding your baby

  • Newborn care and settling

  • Postpartum recovery

  • Preparing for life with a new baby

  • Preparing siblings for a new arrival

All education provided is evidence-based, supporting informed decision-making and working alongside the care you receive from your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). These sessions are not designed to replace your maternity care, but to complement it giving you additional time, education, and space to ask questions in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Perfect for parents who:

  • Are busy and need flexible scheduling

  • Are unable to attend weekly antenatal classes

  • Are wanting a private learning experience

  • Are wanting more targeted preparation and support

  • Are wanting to feel more confident and informed before birth

  • Are having the second or subsequent pregnancies

Our goal is to help you feel prepared, empowered, and supported as you move into birth and early parenthood.

Choose between:

  • 2 x 2-hour sessions
    or

  • 1 x 4-hour intensive session

Available:

  • In your home

  • Online

  • Weekday evenings or weekends

Price:

$650

Inquire now

Contact us

hello@first-steps.co.nz

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