Antenatal classes launched to support expectant parents

A mother of two and former NHS midwife with more than 12 years’ experience is setting up antenatal classes for first-time expectant parents in the Reepham district, with courses starting this summer.
 

Photo: Bump to Beyond your Birth

 
Having grown up in Reepham, Bridie Willan and her young family decided to move back to the town.
 
She set up Bump to Beyond your Birth in 2019 after her second child was born to offer support to expectant parents.
 
This started out as an Instagram page and has since grown into offering one-to-one virtual antenatal and postnatal support packages.
 
Ms Willan said: “I’ve spent 13 years working as a midwife, mainly in London, and I have a passion for educating parents, offering them up-to-date practical advice and support on what to expect from labour and birth and the different options they have.
 
“I also teach skills for caring for your newborn, feeding your baby and what to expect during the postnatal period.”
 
The courses will be held at the Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham, with lunch and refreshments provided to allow an opportunity to get to know other attendees in the area who are also expecting a baby for the first time and to form a support network with one another.
 
“I’ve set up the courses because I’d love to get first-time parents in the local area prepared and offer reassurance and relieve anxieties they may have about becoming parents for the first time,” Ms Willan added.
 
The courses will run roughly every six weeks over two consecutive Sundays.
 
The ideal time to attend is from 28–36 weeks of pregnancy, but bookings can be made at any point during the prenatal period.
 
Contact: Bump to Beyond your Birth 07500 667535 or email.
 
For daily tips and advice, follow via Instagram @bumptobeyondyour_birth
 

Bridie Willan. Photo: submitted

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