To create a balanced antenatal programme we sought advice from a number of maternity specialists, listed below. Many continue to offer advice and support as we update the programme:
Medical professionals
Kate Battersby, Midwife and IBCLC specialist, Bristol
Hannah Bowater, Midwife, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust
Vicky Carne, Midwife (postnatal ward), North Bristol NHS Trust
Dr Joana Crofts, Consultant Obstetrician, North Bristol NHS Trust
Professor Timothy Draycott, Consultant Obestrician, North Bristol NHS Trust and University of Bristol
Vicky Excell, Midwife, North Bristol NHS Trust
Mr Islam Gamaleldin, Consultant Gynaecologist, North Bristol NHS Trust
Mr Simon Grant, Consultant Obstetrician, North Bristol NHS Trust
Bonny Hetherington, Matron, Antenatal Clinic, Fetal Medicine and Screening, North Bristol NHS Trust
Susan Hughes, Senior Midwife, North Bristol NHS Trust and PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Sophie Inman, Midwife (Birth centre), North Bristol NHS Trust
Abi Matthews, Midwife (Obstetric unit), North Bristol NHS Trust
Claire Nutt, Specialist Mental Health Midwife and Massage Therapist, Lecturer, University of West of England
Carley Oates, Specialist Mental Health Midwife, North Bristol NHS Trust
Mr Stephen O’Brien, Consultant Obstetrician, North Bristol NHS Trust
Lisa Redmayne, Midwife, North Bristol NHS Trust
Emma Scourse, Midwife, Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust
Victoria Shaw, Midwife, Lecturer University of Plymouth
Professor Dimitrios Siassakos, Consultant Obstetrician, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust and University College London
Dr Malinka Vrabtcheva, SAS Anaesthetist, North Bristol NHS Trust
Cat Walker, Midwife (Community), North Bristol NHS Trust
Lucy Webber, Midwife and IBCLC specialist, Bristol
Sophie Wickham, Midwife (Day assessment unit and Fetal Medicine Unit), University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust
Private specialists
Sarah Dineen, Fit2Drop
Ruth Jackson, Bluebell Care
Rosie Lett’s, Nutritional Therapist, Rosie Lett’s Nutrition
Other research
We also spoke to hundreds of parents about their experience of antenatal education. We had four key questions:
- What was the most useful information they were taught?
- What were they taught that was unhelpful, misleading or incorrect?
- What information was missing, that they wish had been included in their course?
- What advice would they pass onto to expectant parents from their experience?
We collated this information into key themes and did further research into the topics to include in our programme.
Feedback
We welcome feedback about our course from both customers and course leaders alike. After each session, our customers can submit feedback, specifically what they think works well and what can be improved. We have implemented many changes to the programme over the years, some of the bigger changes include:
- Creating a course handbook
- Having a list of digital resources from reliable sources
- Filming the course
