six week antenatal course
Step into a space where you can truly relax, ask questions, and feel heard. Over six weeks, you’ll be guided through every stage of preparing for birth and early parenthood – surrounded by other women who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Where
Private home in South Belfast
When
6 weekly
sessions
Who for
Mums at any stage
of pregnancy
Pricing
£400 for the 6-session course
Overview of pregnancy and preparing for your new arrival
Like everything in life, preparation is key! Let us guide you through how you might be feeling in pregnancy whilst looking after yourself. We will also talk about what you need for your new arrival as well as your hospital stay, including essential baby kit list and tips for packing your hospital bag.
Dr Emma Crawley
MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP
Harriet Turtle
Registered Midwife BSC Hons, BA Hons
Jennifer Ashcroft
MNutr, MSc, NMP, IBCLC
Dr Emma Crawley
MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP
I am Emma, a mother of two, practicing GP and founder of Motherbump. After graduating in medicine from the University of Bristol, I moved to London and completed my GP specialty training in 2017. Whilst working in West London, I did specialist rotations in paediatrics and obstetrics & gynaecology. I returned to Northern Ireland in 2021 and currently live in Belfast with my husband Piers and children Ophelia and Percy.
I started Motherbump as I wanted to create an antenatal course with up-to-date, measured and practical information from relevant professionals who are experts in their fields and, crucially, mothers themselves. By hosting the course in my own home and in person, I want to create a warm and friendly space where mothers-to-be can share their journey and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Pregnancy and parenthood are truly special times in your life. I hope that by completing the Motherbump antenatal course, you will feel empowered to make decisions best for you and your baby, connect with other like-minded parents and develop long-lasting, supportive friendships.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, good food, classical music and travelling. I am currently learning how to play golf which, like parenthood, is a good test of patience and perseverance!
I started Motherbump as I wanted to create an antenatal course with up-to-date, measured and practical information from relevant professionals who are experts in their fields and, crucially, mothers themselves. By hosting the course in my own home and in person, I want to create a warm and friendly space where mothers-to-be can share their journey and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Pregnancy and parenthood are truly special times in your life. I hope that by completing the Motherbump antenatal course, you will feel empowered to make decisions best for you and your baby, connect with other like-minded parents and develop long-lasting, supportive friendships.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, good food, classical music and travelling. I am currently learning how to play golf which, like parenthood, is a good test of patience and perseverance!
Harriet Turtle
Registered Midwife BSC Hons, BA Hons
Harriet is a registered midwife working in a busy labour ward in Belfast. She is a mum to three children and a dog lover, often enjoying coastal walks along the Holywood shoreline. She is deeply passionate about person-centred midwifery care and is committed to creating the most positive, supportive experience possible for mothers and their babies.
Jennifer Ashcroft
MNutr, MSc, NMP, IBCLC
Jenni Ashcroft is an advanced practice paediatric dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specialising in infant feeding. She has over 14 years’ experience supporting families through a wide range of feeding challenges including breastfeeding and bottle feeding, allergies, growth concerns, and the introduction of solids.
A mum of two, Jenni understands firsthand how complex and emotional feeding can feel. Outside of her clinical work she loves cooking, baking and crafting, and brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to supporting families.
Jenni studied in Nottingham before returning home to Northern Ireland where she now lives and works, enjoying the countryside and coastline. She is passionate about helping parents feel confident, informed and supported in feeding their babies and young children.
A mum of two, Jenni understands firsthand how complex and emotional feeding can feel. Outside of her clinical work she loves cooking, baking and crafting, and brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to supporting families.
Jenni studied in Nottingham before returning home to Northern Ireland where she now lives and works, enjoying the countryside and coastline. She is passionate about helping parents feel confident, informed and supported in feeding their babies and young children.
FAQs
Motherbump is a friendly, expert-led antenatal course designed to help expectant mothers feel informed, confident and supported as they prepare for life with a new baby. It is based in South Belfast near the Lisburn Road and is led by a GP, midwife and a lactation consultant who is also a paediatric dietitian. The course offers practical guidance, honest conversations and the chance to connect with other mums-to-be in a relaxed welcoming setting.
This course is suitable for pregnant women who are living in or around Belfast and want practical, evidence-based preparation for birth and early parenthood. It is mainly aimed at first-time mothers but everyone is welcome. This includes mothers who want to refresh their knowledge, those who feel they missed out the first time around, or mothers who are new to the area and want to connect with other like-minded parents.
Yes. This is a women-only antenatal course, offering a relaxed and supportive space to ask questions and share experiences.
No, partners do not attend this course. Motherbump is designed for women only as we feel an all-female environment creates a safe, supportive space for women to get to know each other and feel comfortable to ask any questions or discuss any worries they have. Whilst the sessions are designed specifically for women, you will receive lots of information and tools that you can share with your partner at home.
Across the 6-sessions we will cover a wide range of topics from antenatal care to labour, birth options and the postpartum period. The course also looks at preparing for hospital, caring for a newborn and all aspects of infant feeding including breast, bottle and combi feeding.
Yes definitely. The course supports women planning a vaginal birth or caesarean-section. We also cover medical inductions and well as medically-assisted deliveries to help you make informed decisions about your birth should your birth plan change.
The course runs over six sessions, giving you time to build knowledge and confidence, connect with others in the group and allow time for women to reflect and ask questions as they go.
The course takes place in a private home in South Belfast. Full location details are provided after booking.
The six sessions are held during the week in the early evening to fit around work and people’s busy lives.
Group sizes are kept small to allow plenty of time for discussion, questions and support.
If you miss a session, you are still welcome to attend the remaining weeks. Course notes/resources may be available depending on the topic covered.
We recommend getting in touch anytime after your 12 week scan with a view to starting the course in and around 28 weeks pregnant.
No preparation is needed, just bring yourself! Everything you need will be provided by Motherbump, including full course materials, pens, a tote bag and maybe a free goodie!
Motherbump is the only antenatal course in Northern Ireland that offers sessions run by a doctor, a midwife and an infant feeding specialist. The course leaders are also mothers themselves allowing them to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.
The cost is £400 for the six-session course.
A multi-session course full of expert guidance, practical tips as well as evidenced-based knowledge delivered by 3 experts with different experiences and skill sets. You will receive full course materials as well as refreshments.
