Pregnant and living in Oxford. Could I find any good antenatal classes?

NOPE

In fact, when I was pregnant all I could find were postnatal classes.

And by the time I had my baby (thank you Oxford Spires – the birth pool was amazing!) I’d forgotten where I’d found the postnatal classes and could only found the darn pregnancy classes.

So as an Oxford mummy.

I’m writing this list to shine a light on the gorgeous pregnancy classes in Oxford that you might otherwise miss.

The one woman. Small businesses.

The Niche. The Boutique.

And the “why have I never heard of that before?!”

CLASSES

That are making a difference to people like you and me.

So keep reading to find everything from Prenatal Pilates to Pregnancy Massage to Hypnobirthing near you.

Plus a few not-a-class goodies that are too good not to include.

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 rather lacking in heart or soul.

Virgil Clarke Antenatal

Virgil has been teaching antenatal classes 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.

Aquanatal 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 (she’s a midwife which is handy). And pre booking is recommended…

I emailed Katja about classes in my third trimester and was told the wait alone would be a couple of months!

3. Belly Dancing

Belly Dancing is probably not the first activity you think about in pregnancy.

But it helps build muscle strength, confidence and much much more.

Pregnancy Belly Dancing

Ooh this is AKWARD

This was the exercise that gave the idea to write this list…

And you don’t know if you don’t know – right!

But Mary. Oxfordshire’s finest independent  Antenatal Belly Dancing teacher.

Has moved out of town. Way out of town!

And whilst I have seen another teacher on Facebook recently.

Can I remember her name?

4. Breastfeeding Classes

They say that birth is like breathing. But breastfeeding is like learning to walk.

So while everyone is preparing for birth. Put a little time aside to prepare for Breastfeeding as well.

Oxford LLL Breastfeeding Class

I LOVE the La Leche League. It’s like the Positive Birth Movement for Breastfeeding – but LLL has been around since the 1950s and they still do meet ups!

They have friendly & supportive groups for any stage of breastfeeding plus:

• Book library
• Maternity clothes swap shop
• CAKES to die for
• Breastfeeding support

But I haven’t had my baby yet? I hear you ask!

Oxford La Leche League run a FREE Antenatal Breastfeeding Class. It’s one hour long. Currently online. And you can sign up via their website.

What could be easier?

Mindful Breastfeeding

1. Mind
2. Body
3. Connect

Do you want to feel more informed, confident and deliciously mindful through the rest of your pregnancy and into your breastfeeding journey?

Visit Steph McGee Hypnotherapy here

OBS Antenatal Session

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

5. 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!

• 4 week group or private course
• 2 week courses
• Birth hypnosis AND relaxations
• Ongoing support included
• Free online tips & resources
• Plus self hypnosis for birth

Group classes are currently online. I lost my venue during the pandemic and my house is being refurbished….(insert aghast emoji).

Private courses available in your own home or online.

See website for course content & course dates.

Free Hypnobirthing

Originally in Horspath. These have been online since covid.

• Once a month
• Free class
• Partners welcome
• Sign up for invites & tips

Perfect if you’re early in pregnancy but want to start Hypnobirthing ASAP.

Oxfordshire Hypnobirthing

Independent hypnobirthing teacher Kezia Godfrey is a ray of sunshine and a self confessed good egg.

Based in Wallingford you find:

• 5 week private course
• 2 week private course
• 4 week group course
• Online or in person

Perfect if your down south and don’t fancy the A34.

6. 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

See details and email Sian Warriner to register

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
• Closed until Spring 2023

Run by Guinevere Webster in Florence Park. Guin is so well known in Oxford for her work with the NCT…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

7. Pregnancy Pilates

IMHO Prenatal Pilates feels like yoga but work.

It’s gentle and serene. But wow. Do you feel exercise virtuous afterwards.

Self & Body Fitness

Alex Druce is a doll. Based in Abingdon rather than Oxford I’m including her because:

1. It would be cruel not to tell you about her
2. Her Kennington classes count as Oxford in my book
3. She’s one of my hypnobirthing mamas!

Suitable for prenatal & postnatal – babies welcome!

Alex adapts exercises to your own individual needs.

They are a little slice of self love and good honest work.

• Suitable for all abilities
• Monday 10.30-11.30am
• Mummy Fit in Albert Park, Abingdon
• Wednesday 11-12.15pm
• Mumma & Me Pilates at Chandlings School, Kennington

Alex gives fabulous tips throughout her classes and quietly keeps a watchful eye on everyone 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

8. Postnatal Classes

But I haven’t had my baby yet? 

I know. I know.

But the postnatal period is a big deal (take it from a mum who didn’t prepare!) And as the saying goes – forewarned is forearmed.

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

9. Singing

Are Pregnancy Singing Classes really a thing?

You betcha!

Singing promotes happy hormones, calmness and helps to build confidence in using your voice.

And using your voice in labour is a thing too!

Because all those instinctive tonal noises stimulate the para-sympathetic nervous system and actually reduces pain ya’ll!

Sing our Beings

Our gorgeous city is lucky enough to have our very own internationally recognised – fabulous – SINGER!

Namvula Rennie

A woman full of kindness, light and a voice that could make angels weep.

And during her second pregnancy she brought her love of singing to pregnant people from all over Oxford!

Who says teaching Hypnobirthing doesn’t make an income – the friends I make bring me all the richest I need!

And relax.

Namvula assures me – you don’t need to be a ‘singer’ to sing.

Drop Namvula a message about classes on instagram.

“Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life” – Maya Angelou

10. Pregnancy Yoga Classes

With my Hypnobirthing lot loving prenatal yoga.

And one even saying “Pregnancy Yoga is a right of passage”

I feel like the only person pregnant in Oxford who didn’t do it at all!

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.

Felicity Wood Yoga

The moment I thought of antenatal yoga in Oxford my mind flew to Felicity Wood Yoga.

Based in North Oxford. I’ve not used her myself…

With a limit willingness to spend money I plumbed for Hypnobirthing & a massage instead

But my clients?

They RAVE about Felicity’s Pregnancy Yoga!

• Currently online
• Start from 14 weeks
• £10 a session
• Wednesdays 7.15-8.15pm

Felicity also does pregnancy yoga, postnatal yoga, children’s yoga, hatha & vinyasa.

And last thing I heard? She had a friendly client FB group

So there’s something on offer wherever you’re at!

 “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down” – Jigar Gor

11. Prenatal Zumba

What’s not to love?

Fun, giggles & exercise.

And no one minds if you’re moving your left when everyone’s moving their right.

I’m in!

MM Dance & Fitness

One of my Hypnobirthing mums invited me to Zumba.

First I said no. But then I said yes.

RIGHT CHOICE!

Maz has an infectious joy and endless passion.

Zumba Gold is traditionally marketed to older people. But these lower impact classes are Maz’s recommendation in pregnancy too.

• Zuma Gold
• Thursdays 10.45-11.45am
• Yarnton Village Hall
• Other classes in Blackbird leys, Kennington, Berinsfield & Wheatley!

Find Maz on Facebook & drop her a message for details & availability! Her reply will be lovey!

“”What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” – Erin Hanson

12. Pregnancy Reflexology

Now this shows my ignorance. Because I thought there was only ONE reason people book reflexology in pregnancy! But a mooch around these websites will tell you all the benefits (with no mention of what I was thinking!)

Caroline Dearlove

I thought I was calm. In fact people TELL me I’m calm…all the time

But then I met Caroline Dearlove.

And next to her Calm?

Mine look’s like Billy Whizz.

So aside from being the house where calm lives?

Based in Wantage.

Caroline offers a tempting array of therapies to help the stress ebb away.

• Maternity Reflexology
• Maternity Reiki

Plus:

• Chrystal Healing
• Sound Alchemy
• Human Design
• Abdominal-Sacral Massage
• Meditation

 What’s not to like?!

Reflexology Oxford with Tina

Tina Bakardzhieva and I go way back.

We trained in Hypnotherapy together.

And when I branched out into birth & breastfeeding. Tina went down to the feet!

Based in Botley.

• 3 Maternity Reflexology sessions
• £120
• Free relaxation recording included

And Tina does facial reflexology as well!

“There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation” – Pamela S Nadav

13. Pregnancy Massage

Is heaven on a stick. So rather than sitting and fretting when your ‘due date’ comes and goes?

Give yourself a treat!

Mama Flow Massage

Yep. It’s Sara again. Cos this lady’s got it going on!

Sara’s wesbite is being updated. So when that’s done this will be too.

But for now?

Sara offers pregnancy massage plus arange of other delights. And it’s all available as normal!

So if you haven’t visited her website yet?

Whatcha waiting for?

Canelle

Ok. So too big a business for this list.

They even use Google Ads which says it all

But I had their mum to be massage in pregnancy.

So I want them in!

“Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies” – Merete Leonhardt-Lupa

14. 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. That you’ve found something interesting. And that I have helped you connect with someone you might never have found.

And never again. Shall I hear anyone say…

I can’t find pregnancy classes in Oxford!

Steph xxx