Pregnant, and living in Oxford, could I find a good antenatal class?
NOPE
In fact, when I was pregnant all I could find were postnatal classes.
And spinning in circles is no fun when you’re pregnant!
But after I had baby I started digging deeper….
So I hope my Oxford pregnancy class list – from a real mama – helps you!
So I’m giving you this Pregnancy list to:
- Shine a light on the gorgeous pregnancy classes in Oxford
- Make wonderful local businesses more visible
- Help you connect with likeminded parents
- Give you new ideas to enjoy your pregnancy
- Show you what you might otherwise miss!
And I’m introducing you to the one woman small businesses.
The Niche. The Boutique.
And the “why have I never heard of them before?!”
CLASSES
The little businesses that can help make a difference to your pregnancy, birth and beyond…
So keep reading to find everything from Antenatal Classes in Oxford to Oxford Pregnancy Yoga and Hypnobirthing near you.
Plus a few ‘not-a-class’ goodies that are too good to miss out!
This page contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something as a direct result of finding it here I will receive a small payment of thanks from the person you buy from. This does not effect the price you pay.
Make Hypnobirthing Easier!
Learn online with KG Hypnobirthing:
A Digital Hypnobirthing Course to learn at your own pace
Gorgeous Hypnobirthing MP3s
The Hypnobirthing Book
Find your favourite Pregnancy Classes in Oxford!
Just click the link to skip straight to the pregnancy classes that interest you most!
1. Antenatal Classes
You don’t have to pay for antenatal classes in Oxford. The NHS do them for free. But the boutique style of Oxford’s independent antenatal classes are irresistible!
Mama Flow’s Birth Preparation
Sara Barker’s Mama Flow is a favourite of pregnant women in Oxford.
Her facebook pages are active and she’s endlessly generous in her sharing of other antenatal teachers work.
So simply put.
Follow Sara’s Facebook page and you rather follow everyone!
Birth Preparation Workshop:
- One off class
- Just 2.5hrs
- Saturdays
- Women only option
- Partners welcome option
Mama Flow’s antenatal class is short, accessible and affordable.
The class includes breath work, relaxation, yoga moves and positions for childbirth.
I don’t know how she fits it in!
But it makes a perfect addition to any other antenatal courses you might be doing. Especially if you’re finding the “mainstream” stuff lacking in heart & soul.
Virgil Clarke Antenatal
Virgil has been teaching antenatal classes in Oxford for over 30 years and has even taught within the NHS.
Set in Jericho. These are what I’d call good and FULL Oxford Antenatal Classes!
Virgil’s independent antenatal classes are perfect if you’re looking for something less obvious than NCT.
And at 5-6 classes plus an additional class just for the mothers/birthers this really does give mainstream big dogs a run for their money!
2. Aquanatal Classes
We don’t live by the sea but aquanatal exercise feel so good? We may as well be.
Aqua natal Oxford
Katja Shipp’s Aquanatal classes come highly recommend by my Hypnobirthing clients.
- Barton Leisure Centre
- Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm
- Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm
I’m told there’s a chance to talk to Katja after class and she’s a midwife which is handy. But pre booking is recommended…
I emailed Katja about classes in my third trimester and was told the waiting list would be a couple of months and I didn’t reach the top in time. So get emailing today!!!
3. Breastfeeding Classes
Have you hear the saying?
“Birth is like breathing, but breastfeeding is like learning to walk”.
So while everyone is preparing for birth, the thinkers and planners put a little time aside to learn about Breastfeeding as well.
Oxford LLL Breastfeeding Class
I LOVE Oxford’s La Leche League. It’s like the Positive Birth Movement for Breasts – but LLL has been around since the 1950s and they still have meetings!
They have friendly & supportive groups for any stage of breastfeeding plus:
- Book library
- Maternity clothes swap shop
- CAKES to die for
- Breastfeeding support
And if you haven’t had your baby yet?
Oxford La Leche League run a free Antenatal Breastfeeding Class. It’s one hour long and online, which is handy! And you just sign up via their website.
What could be easier?
Mindful Breastfeeding Online Course
The Mindful Breastfeeding School*
Mindful Breastfeeding combines breastfeeding knowledge with brain-body mindfulness, science and soul.
- Mind
- Body
- Connect
Do you want to feel more informed, confident and deliciously mindful through the rest of your pregnancy and into your breastfeeding journey?
Learn in your own time, watch & rewatch whenever you like.
Book here and use the code STEPHANIE for a whopping 37% discount.
OBS Antenatal Session
Oxford is spoilt for choice with yet another Antenatal Breastfeeding Class!
- One hour
- Online
- 10.30am
- FREE
- Plus low-cost breast pump loans
- Closed Facebook Group
Postnatally you can access their support in Donnington, Kidlington, Barton & Didcot.
Drop-in breastfeeding support sessions facilitated by specialist IBCLCs & volunteers.
Or book a private 1:1.
“Breastfeeding reminds us of the universal truth of abundance; the more we give out, the more we are filled up” – Sarah Buckley
4. Float Rest & Spa treats
Feeling done with feeling pregnant?
Fancy a deep rest & reset?
Floatation therapy aka float rest is the ULTIMATE in complete rest, relaxation and full restful body support. It’s a uniquely quiet time for you to be with your baby, allowing muscles and mind to simply relax.
Whether you want to reduce stress or enhance your spiritual pregnancy – this deserves to be top of your list!
Mederi Wellness
Mederi spa is a little slice of heaven nestled on the edge of Garsington village just outside Oxford.
From the moment you step in you are looked after.
Float therapy is the ultimate way to switch off, relax, giving body and mind a full rest.
It’s mindful time for you and your baby.
Other therapies include crystal healing, chakra balancing, reflexology and massage.
Owner Hannah Ireson discovered floatation in her own Pregnancy, she says:
“Stuck with restless legs, swollen ankles, left rib out of place, I floated at 32 weeks, spent 60 minutes weightless in Epsom salt filled water and my circulation improved. With gravity minimised on my spine and hips I was finally at ease and pain free.
Slept so well that night I wrote the business plan the next day!”
Treat your pregnancy to Mederi Wellness
“The quieter you become the more you can hear” Float Therapy
5. Home Birth Preperation
Belly Dancing is probably not the first activity you think about in pregnancy.
But it helps build muscle strength, confidence and much much more.
Oxford NCT Home Birth Group
With a friendly and supportive Facebook group, Oxford NCT home birth group is full of parents to be, seasoned home birthers and passionate birth workers (like me!). You don’t have to be an NCT member to join, and they offer a free monthly support group for anyone thinking about/planning an Oxford home birth as well as free birth pool rental (get on the list early for that one!).
Physical – Logical Birth
Describing herself as a Home birth & Free birth Ninja! Kezia Godfrey, inspired by her own journey, offers 1:1 birth classes for anyone planning a home birth or free birth. While her new website is still under construction you can follow Kezia’s Ninja kicks and coolness over on Facebook.
6. Hypnobirthing
In labour with my first baby. Using hypnosis for birth. Fully aware. I felt nothing but the movement of my body.
And gave birth an hour after arriving at the Cotswold Maternity unit.
Hypnobirthing gave me that.
Autonomous Hypnobirthing
Taught by me. Steph McGee Hypnotherapy at Oxford Hypnobirthing. I’m an independent Hypnobirthing teacher with a passion for pain, brain & birth science.
Based in Horspath, East Oxford.
My classes are a reassuring combination of hypnosis for birth & antenatal hypnobirthing.
And I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist
So with the history of birth hypnosis & hypnosis for pain?
Autonomous Hypnobirthing is HypnoBirthing!
- Private Hypnobirthing
- Group Hypnobirthing
- Birth hypnosis AND relaxations
- Ongoing support included
- Free online tips & resources
- Plus self hypnosis for birth
Most classes currently run online.
Free Hypnobirthing
Originally in Horspath village, Free Hypnobirthing has been online since 2021.
- Once a month
- Free class
- Partners welcome
- Sign up for invites, inspiration & resources
Perfect even if you’re early in pregnancy and want a head start!
Hypnobirthing Resources
- Breathing for birth
- Pregnancy Relaxations
- Hypnobirthing Scripts
- Hypnobirthing Anchors
- Hypnobirthing Techniques
What you need to kick-start or top-up your Hypno Birthing!
7. Antenatal Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been around for as long as hypnosis. Two ways to create the send end goal!
Antenatal Mindful Birth Course
Run by the NHS. This course is taught by midwives and teachers trained in Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP).
- Currently online
- 4 weeks
- £20 per person
- Concessions available if in receipt of benefits
Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting
If you love Mindfulness and want to do more than just dip your toes in?
This Mindfulness Marathon could be just the thing.
- 9 weeks
- Birth & parenting preparation
- Group courses are no longer running but Guin takes applications for private courses.
Guin is so well known in Oxford…I’ll eat my hat if you haven’t heard of her already!
“Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” – Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD
8. Pregnancy Pilates
To me Prenatal Pilates feels like yoga with more muscle work.
It’s gentle and serene and WOW do you feel virtuous afterwards!
Self & Body Fitness
Alex Druce is a doll. Based in Abingdon rather than Oxford I’m including her because:
- It would be cruel not to tell you about her
- Her Boars Hill classes count her as Oxford
- She’s one of my hypnobirthing mamas!
Suitable for prenatal & postnatal – babies welcome!
Alex adapts exercises to your own individual needs.
These are a little slice of self love and healthy pregnancy exercise.
- Suitable for all abilities
- Mummy Fit in Albert Park, Abingdon
- Mondays 10.30-11.30am
- Mumma & Me Pilates at Chandlings School, Boars Hill
- Wednesdays 11-12.15pm
Alex gives fabulous tips throughout her classes and quietly keeps a watchful eye to help you stay on track.
She had her work cut out with me!
Visit Alex’s booking site here.
“There is no force equal to that of a determined woman” – Unknown
9. Postnatal Classes
But I haven’t had my baby yet?
Prenatal planning and antenatal breastfeeding lessons are the smartest thing that most people overlook.
The postnatal period is such a big deal that you can’t truly appreciate until you’re there. So preparing now means that when baby arrives, you don’t need to worry or think, you can just do. And any questions or problems – you’re remembering what you already know, rather than learning from scratch.
9 months and 40 days
Emily Carson offers a soulful 5 week online course to prepare you for the postnatal period.
Advanced booking advised. Ludicrously cheap for the number of classes, these must me super popular to even run at all.
Emily is not someone I’ve met yet. But she’s one of those people who exudes something wonderful where she goes.
My hypnobirthing clients delight in telling me what they’ve learnt with Emily.
And if there was one thing I could step back in pregnancy time to do?
It would be Emily Carson’s forth trimester preparation course.
“Our female bodies need us now more than ever, and we too need the wisdom, the wildness, the passion, the joy, the vitality and the authenticity that we can gain through this most intimate of reconciliations” – Sarah Buckley
10. Pregnancy Yoga Classes
A direct quote from one of my clients: “Pregnancy Yoga is like a right of passage – but so is Hypnobirthing!”
Mama Flow Yoga
I LOVE Sara Barker.
Wherever she goes she spreads joy, compassion and loving care. And boy does she have a lot to offer!
So among her Mama Flow offerings is pregnancy yoga.
Check Mama Flow’s website for details but at time of writing, her classes are run in Littlemore Village Hall on a Monday evening.
White Star Yoga
Tanya West is highly recommended by my private hypnobirthing clients in Kidlington! Not exclusively a pregnancy yoga teacher her clients are so loyal they stay with her through pregnancy, postnatally and for years beyond. And I don’t know what it is about Kidlington but ALL my private hypnobirthing clients seem to live there!
Tanya skilfully adapts her classes to her pregnant clients needs and offers pregnancy massage as well!
With lots of classes running locally in Oxford, visit Tanya’s White Star Yoga website for details.
“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down” – Jigar Gor
11. Pregnancy Reflexology
For years, I thought people only used reflexology in pregnancy to help labour get started. But just like Clinical Hypnotherapy, reflexology can help with a whole lot more…
Siobhan at Mederi
Siobhan’s reflexology creates a slice of heaven mixed with magic at the beautiful Mederi Spa, Garsington.
My favourite place in Oxford, Mederi makes it so easy. Easy parking, easy booking and easy relaxation.
Siobhan is a natural listener, an intuitive therapist and a wonderful energy.
Choose from:
- Reflexology
- Pregnancy Reflexology
- Indian Head Massage
- Reiki
Book via Mederi Wellness
“Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life” – Maya Angelou
12. Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is heaven on a stick. So rather than sitting and fretting when the rough guess of a ‘due date’ comes and goes?
Give yourself a treat!
Mederi Wellness
Yep. It’s Mederi again. Once met, never forgotten and LOVED-FOR-LIFE
Pregnancy massage in Oxford is easy!
So whether you do it as a one off treat, become a regular at self care, or give it as a gift…PARTNERS – you reading?
Can’t find what you need? Phone Mederi, they’ll help in a heart beat.
Mama Flow Massage
And yes. It’s Sara again. Cos this lady’s got it going on!
Pregnancy massage is bliss.
Whatcha waiting for?
“Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies” – Merete Leonhardt-Lupa
13. Sling Hire
Choosing the best sling is harder than choosing baby names.
So thank goodness the some bunnies thought of hiring them out!
Oxford Sling Library
I’ve had so many slings I could have set up my own dang library!
But Oxford Sling library are the professionals.
Choose from:
- Hire a sling – just 50p a day (correct at time of writing!)
- 1:1 consultations
- Pre-loved sling sales
- Antenatal classes to get advice on slings
With all that an offer. It should be clear. That a sling is not just a sling. And getting the right sling (or slings) will make your life better.
Simple. As. That.
“A child may not know what direction he’s going, but when he’s attached to you, he doesn’t feel lost” – Gordon Neufeld
Conclusion
My biggest wish is that this has been helpful to you. I hope that you’ve found something useful or interesting and that I have helped you connect with someone you might never have found!
So do me a favour & if you book someone through this post – TELL THEM where you found. Small business often see competition as a threat – but I don’t, and my writing this I’m helping to share the love! And comment in the message below!
Never again shall I hear you say…
I can’t find pregnancy classes in Oxford!
Steph xxx
