The Gentle Start — 3-Week Antenatal Course

Preparing for birth can feel exciting, overwhelming and everything in between. The Gentle Start Antenatal Course is designed to help you and your birth partner feel informed, prepared and more confident as you approach labour, birth and those first weeks with your baby.

Over three relaxed, in-person sessions, we'll explore what happens during labour and birth, the choices you may be offered, and practical tools you can use to help you cope and feel supported.

We'll cover labour and birth, birth preferences, pain-relief options and common interventions, movement and positioning, informed decision-making and the important role of your birth partner.

You'll also build your own practical labour toolkit. Together we'll explore and practise breathing and relaxation, movement, comfort measures, partner support, hypnobirthing-inspired techniques, aromatherapy and ways to create a calm, oxytocin-friendly birth environment.

And because preparation doesn't end when your baby arrives, we'll also talk about feeding, newborn care, safe sleep, postnatal recovery, the fourth trimester and where to seek support when you need it.

This isn't about preparing for one "perfect" type of birth. Birth can be unpredictable. The aim is to give you knowledge, practical tools and confidence so that you can understand your options, ask questions and make informed decisions along the way.

Course details
10th, 17th & 24th September 2026
Thursdays, 7–9pm 

SCCUL Sanctuary, Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

€169 per couple

6 hours of in-person antenatal education
The Gentle Start workbook included
Tea, coffee & something sweet

Suitable for expectant mums and their birth partners. Small group course with limited places available.