Reviews of TVM Antenatal Course
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“Forget NCT, The Village Midwife is the way forward...
I cannot recommend the Village Midwife enough. Not only has it introduced me to a community of amazing parents, but it armed me with all the knowledge I needed during my pregnancy. Unlike other courses like NCT, it helps to empower woman and know their rights. When to fight back if the care you are receiving isn't good enough, and helps to quantify what is normal in a time which can be completely bamboozling as a new parent. I went on the antenatal and postnatal and will be doing other courses moving forwards!”
- Kate
“Caring, professional and empowering classes
Sophie's antenatal group sessions were brilliant. She created a warm environment, shared her expertise and left us feeling empowered heading into the birth of our baby. We also really valued the baby care information too, such as how to use a sling and different feeding options.”
- Michaela
Absolutely fantastic course! Sophie is incredibly knowledgable and supportive, and manages to relay information, in a clear, detailed way, whilst being totally non-judgemental and inclusive. We learnt so much at the antenatal and postnatal courses, meaning we felt so much more confident about the birth and looking after baby. The Village Midwife feels like a community for life, we have met lovely friends and have enjoyed the first aid and introducing solids courses as well. Can't recommend highly enough!”
- Josie
I have done both Sophie’s Antenatal and Postnatal classes and I couldn’t recommend them enough. Sophie is very knowledgeable, supportive and generally there no matter the time of day. I hadn’t planned to do any postnatal classes but once I finished my antenatal sessions with Sophie I knew I needed to join postnatal too. It’s a great opportunity to meet even more mums, have a massive support network and to get out the house/ have lunch out once in a while.
If you are considering booking onto any of The Village Midwife courses don’t hesitate you won’t regret it!”- Bex
I attended the postnatal course and it was the most calming, supportive and caring place for a new mum. Sophie’s empathy shines through: listening to everyone’s different dilemmas and questions, while also providing sensible and straightforward advice. The topics covered each week were really useful, and always felt very interactive and tailored to the group rather than just rinse and repeat. I really valued the range of visiting guests Sophie has to give specialist advice and insights.
Sophie provides such a welcoming space at The Village Midwife HQ, from offering you a hot drink to holding your baby while you go to the loo! The sessions are always flexible depending on where discussions go and Sophie manages this well.
Really couldn’t recommend the classes enough- I feel much more confident as a new parent now, both from the information shared at the courses as well as learning and empathising with the other new mums in the group.”- Felicity
We initially had Sophie round to our home for private hypnobirthing sessions, which were invaluable. Sophie is very knowledgeable and made us feel safe and heard. This made it an easy decision to join the postnatal group as well.
The group helped me get out the house with a purpose in the earlier weeks post giving birth - the group provides a fun and supportive community of people in the same position. Sophie makes everyone feel at ease and provides good information in the sessions and balanced advice. It’s very much a parent focused group to support each other and get information you wouldn’t get elsewhere, rather than it being focused on the babies. This was exactly what I needed and it gave me to confidence to get out with my baby. Sophie and the classes are amazing!”- Claire
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We had a course in Northchurch with Aimee Lennox. The course was really well run and had lots of valuable information,which answered so many questions we had in the run up to the birth. It was also a lovely way to meet other couples who were expecting. Would definitely recommend!!”
- Maggie
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“Fabulous antenatal course by Jenni!
My husband and I attended this course in June 2024. Jenni was an absolute superstar - she was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, supportive and fun! We learnt so much more than we thought we were going to, and have come away feeling 10 times more confident about our choices, the journey we're embarking on and what to do if (when!) things don't go to plan. Thank you Jenni!”
- Steffi
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My husband and I attended the course with Nikki in North Hants in her cosy barn conversion. She was incredibly knowledgeable, you could tell she was passionate about supporting expecting mums and found a perfect balance between focusing on more "natural" births and offering all the info needed on all types of medications and being prepared. Each session has a distinct theme and we had 2 visitors as well. She setup a Whatsapp group with other mums and to offer advice going forward which is appreciated. Highly recommended.”
- Rikki
“Highly recommend Nikki’s classes in North Hampshire
My husband and I attended Nikki’s classes in North Hampshire (Kingsclere).
We found the course really informative and now feel well prepared for both the birth and postnatal period. Nikki was also able to give us invaluable insights into what to expect at the hospital as she is an experienced midwife herself.
The course is held in a lovely relaxed setting with tea and lovely cakes!
We’re really pleased that we chose this course and that we got to have Nikki leading it.”- Lou
My husband and I attended the course run by Nikki (North Hants) and it was excellent. She ran the course in a lovely and relaxed setting and the small group size made it so much more intimate. She gave us reams of information but without it being overwhelming. We came away feeling very informed (and I felt much calmer for it). The sessions involved interactive activities and there was always time for questions.
We have nothing but positive things to say about the course content and Nikki and we would absolutely recommend this course to anyone.”- Alee
“Village Midwife - North Hampshire with Nikki
My husband and I participated in The Village Midwife antenatal course in North Hampshire with Nikki, and we are so incredibly happy with our choice! I was 36 weeks pregnant when we attended, the furthest along in our group but that wasn't an issue at all. The information Nikki gave us was so helpful as we discussed the birth of our baby and what happens when the baby gets here! Most courses just focus on the birth, especially with having a hypnobirthing mindset, but Nikki showed us that hypnobirthing stems beyond birth and into the fourth trimester continuing to use methods learned through the process.
My husband and I refer back to the booklet handout all the time, we felt informed during labour and had the confidence to ask questions where we were uncertain.
I hear a lot about another common antenatal course that people say is outdated information 'but you make friends', whereas The Village Midwife course is informative, interactive, and a lovely comfortable place to meet expectant parents. I definitely recommend this course to anyone debating which course will give you the best experience and information.
And a big thank you to Nikki who made everyone feel comfortable and confident, and for not being biased towards one type of birth or only teaching us about the "perfect" labour/birth which is all people see on social media nowadays. I felt supported not only during the course, but know where to ask for help afterwards, that means a lot.”- Lily
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Very thankful to Laura Collins who visited our home recently and last minute she took the time to go through each subject as well and make me feel comfortable to ask any questions, Laura was amazing and definitely would recommend her!”
- J
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“A massive thank you to Lisa (based in Worcester)
A massive thank you to Lisa (based in Worcester). We have just finished our antenatal classes with her and we have learnt so much.
Her wealth of knowledge from years of experience working as a midwife meant that she was able to answer all questions and give us honest advice on our future births.
Lisa extends her support outside of the group sessions and it was fabulous to have a chat when things started to get slightly complicated in my pregnancy.
The additions to the class (including photographer, biometrics, pelvic floor physio) were amazing.
The small group meant we got to know the other couples well and I’m sure we will all meet up once the little ones come along!
You can tell that Lisa is passionate about the work she does and that makes the sessions interesting and informative.
Thank you so much!”- Amelia
“Highly recommend The Village Midwife to anyone :)
Myself and my Husband have just finished the antenatal course with Lisa and we have learnt so much and feel so prepared for motherhood. There is never a silly question to ask and Lisa provided an answer for all and made us aware of what is to come. We can't thank Lisa enough and would highly recommend to anyone. We have met some lovely couples as well. Lovely experience!”
- Rebecca
“100% recommend! Thank you Lisa!
Our midwife Lisa was AMAZING and we could not have wished for more from this course! She always went above and beyond to help us all and the sessions were so informative and enjoyable. It was a perfect mix of practical and non-practical activities with time to answer the questions on our mind.
Lisa is one of those people you are lucky to meet, so kind, caring, experienced and passionate about what she does. Thank you for everything.”- C&H
After not really thinking antenatal classes were really important or necessary, I was told by my friends they are only to meet new mums, and with the cost of the classes on top of everything you have to buy for a baby….i really wasn’t sold. However….when the village midwife (in Worcester) had an unexpected slot open up on her course, I decided to attend as I was curious about birth, pain relief and the entire process. I expected to feel a bit like it was a waste of money…
I could not have been more wrong!! This course has been the most positive, inspiring and empowering part of our baby journey so far. We learnt about birth and the pain relief available and the side effects of these. My husband and I felt with this knowledge we are in control of our birthing journey despite what it may bring. I feel that we have the knowledge to choose the right choice for us no matter what unexpectedly happens.
Not just the birth, we learnt so so much about the 4th trimester and adjusting to our lives as new parents. Lisa is always on hand even after the classes have finished for any advice. She’s a practicing midwife and therefore can offer real life experience and up to date information. Lisa is so kind and approachable and I couldn’t event imagine doing this course with anyone else. I have already recommended her and this course to 3 of my friends who are early pregnancy. I will most definitely be doing the postnatal course with her as well. It was an experience and information that I didn’t know I needed to prepare me for motherhood and child birth. Really really recommend.”- Harriett
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“The Village Midwife is an honest, open and safe space
Looking at all the options when booking we were overwhelmed but so glad by our choice.
Sophie in Colchester taught a great class backed up by her experience and knowledge of exactly what to expect in local hospitals.
Even gave us some advice when unsure to call triage. Always above and beyond.
Credit to the company and would recommend to any “to be” parents! Thank you!”- Austin
We recently attended Sophie’s antenatal course in Colchester and the Hypnobirthing course. Sophie is a fantastic course facilitator; she is so calm, friendly, engaging, and has a great sense of humour; her approach really helped us to feel relaxed and at ease during the course and we felt comfortable to ask any questions. Sophie also made the course interactive and enjoyable and we learnt a lot from it. Thank you Sophie :)
- Eleanor
We recently completed an antenatal and hypnobirthing class with Sophie (Based in Colchester Essex) We found Sophie and the class content really informative, helpful and would recommend to anyone. No question felt silly to ask. As Sophie is also a qualified midwife we felt this really helped with putting us at ease.
We have a lot more knowledge of birth now and feel confident in making the right decision for us.
Thank you Sophie!”- Lauren
“Amazing! Thank you Sophie Gallant!
This course was brilliant and so eye-opening. Would 100% recommend for new mums! Sophie Gallant was fantastic and always delivered the key information in a fun and lighthearted way. I’m so glad my partner and I did this course as I now feel more informed of the choices, the risks and most importantly, I feel empowered to make the right decisions for me and baby.
I also very recently started having some early labour signs and Sophie was immediately on hand via WhatsApp to answer any questions I had. So so helpful and could not recommend her enough!”- Katey