Antenatal Classes in Surrey and Online
The Lemon Tree Birth Programme is NOT your average antenatal course…
This course is for parents who want to understand birth—not just be told what happens. You’ll get clear evidence, honest context and practical tools to make informed choices and navigate birth with confidence. Straight-talking, evidence-informed and no bullshit.
Course Dates
June
In Person Group Course
Group Course – FULLY BOOKED
Private Course – FULLY BOOKED
Click for Course Dates
- Tuesday 2nd June | 7.00pm -9.30pm
- Tuesday 9th June | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 23rd June | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Wednesday 1st July | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
July
Online Group Course
Group – FULLY BOOKED
Private courses – ONLY 1 available (online or in person)
Click for Course Dates
- Tuesday 7th July | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Monday 13th July | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Tuesday 21st July | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Monday 27th | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
August
NO GROUP COURSE
Group – no course this month
Private courses – 2 available (online/in person)
- Next group September
September
In Person Group Course
Group – ONLY 1 spaces Left
Private – 1 available (online or in person)
Click for Course Dates
- Monday 7th September | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Monday 14th September | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 22nd September | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 29th September | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
October
Online Group Course
Group – 3 Spaces available
Private – only 1 available (online or in person)
Click for Course Dates
- Tuesday 6th October | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Tuesday 13th October | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Tuesday 20th October | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
- Tuesday 27th October | 7.30pm – 10.00pm
November
In Person Group Course
Group – 3 spaces available
Private – 2 available (online/in person)
Click for Course Dates
- Tuesday 3rd November | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 10th November | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 17th November | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Tuesday 24th November | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
This is more than an antenatal course. You’re not paying for four sessions of information. You’re investing in the knowledge, skills and understanding that will shape how you approach birth, with a passionate, experienced educator. By the end of the course you will…
- Understand your body and how birth: Move beyond simply knowing ‘the stages of labour’ that other courses teach. Understand the physiology, hormones and environment that support birth and what you can do to work with your body.
- Understand the evidence behind your choices: No vague statements, no scary headlines, no ‘your risk doubles’ without clear explanation of what that might mean. You’ll learn to look at evidence, understand statistics, ask better questions and make decisions that truly feel right of YOU.
- Navigate the maternity system : Birth involves conversations, careful decision making and choices. You’ll understand your options clearly, your rights and how to communicate clearly with confidence.
- Feel prepared for birth: Whilst the course is geared to support healthy physiological birth, there are those small number of occasions where interventions are necessary, inductions or c sections might feel right for you which us why we absolutely cover them in depth.
- Have your birth partner genuinely prepared: Your birth partner won’t feel lost or just be there to hold your hand, they’ll understand exactly how to support you emotionally and practically. How to advocate for you and actively play a role.
- Beyond the course: You won’t leave after your 4 sessions and be sent on your way, you also won’t leave with a folder of information that sits untouched. You’ll have tasks, resources and ongoing support once you finish the course.
Choose the level of support that works for you
Small Group Programme
A small supportive group experience where you can learn alongside other parents, ask questions, explore different perspectives and dive deeply into birth preparation.
Investment: £355 online | £455 in person
(Payment plans available)
Course includes...
Your investment includes:
- 4 live session (approx 10 hours total) either at The Lemon Tree studio South Godstone, Surrey or online from the comfort of your home.
- Maximum of 4 couples (or pregnant person and chosen birth partner).
- Comprehensive birth preparation workbook. Over 250 pages of all you could ever need and more.
- Research, resources, recommended reading, links, podcasts and professionals.
- Birth partner preparation
- Emotional, practical and comfort skills
- Relaxation/hypnobirthing resources and audio tracks
- Ongoing support after your course has finished via the group WhatsApp
- Access to resources and links after the course has finished
Private 1:1 Programme
For parents who want a more personalised experience, with dedicated space to explore their own circumstances and questions.
Investment: £695 online | £795 in person
(Payment plans available)
Course includes...
A private 1:1 Programme includes everything that the group programme offers:
- 4 live sessions (approx 10 hours total) either at The Lemon Tree studio South Godstone, Surrey or online from the comfort of your home
- Just you and your chosen birth partner so you are able to talk more openly and have me all to yourself.
- Comprehensive birth preparation workbook. Over 250 pages of all you could ever need and more.
- Research, resources, recommended reading, links, podcasts and professionals.
- Birth partner preparation. Bringing you together.
- Emotional, practical and comfort skills
- Relaxation/hypnobirthing resources and audio tracks
- Ongoing private 1:1 support from me for the both of you after the course has finished via our private WhatsApp group.
- Access to resources and links after you’ve completed private sessions with me.
Plus…
- Flexible session scheduling
- More time and space to explore your individual situation, needs and circumstances.
- Personalised discussions around your birth preferences.
- Space to unpack and unlock specific concerns, questions, fears or previous experiences.
Sessions are available:
- Weekdays: Between 9.30am – 2.30pm (Monday – Friday)
- Selected evenings subject to availability (Monday – Thursday)
- Weekends when absolutely necessary subject to availability between 9.30am – 4pm
More than a course….
A complete birth preparation programme and experience
Why is it more?
When you invest in The Lemon Tree and book onto the birth preparation programme, you’re not just booking a few classes, a few hours of teaching in a large group in a cold hall. I deliberately teach small groups so that learning is interactive and the space feels safe to have honest conversations and for questions to be asked freely.
Behind every single session is years of learning, research, experience, qualifications and time spent creating this programme. A programme that brings together the information that’s missing from standard popular antenatal classes, bringing you the information that you genuinely need before you have your baby.
I continually review the evidence, refine the content and update resources to help you understand the why so that you get to make the right decisions for you and your baby, not just be told what might happen. The power is placed back in your hands.
Your investment includes:
- Expert teaching built from a decade of experience
- Teaching from an educator that’s skilled, experienced and highly qualified. Not only as an educator but also as a Hypnobirthing teacher, Doula and Breastfeeding Counsellor.
- Evidence explained clearly, including the context behind the statistics
- A comprehensive workbook and resources to support your learning and journey
Practical tools to prepare your mind and body - Space to ask questions freely, answers delivered honestly and the ability to explore your options openly
- Ongoing support as you prepare for your baby’s arrival via a WhatsApp group Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
- This is birth preparation designed for parents who want to understand, put in the work, prioritise their birth and invest in the lifelong impact birth has.
Booking
To book a place on one of our antenatal courses click below
Alternatively contact Laura via
email: laura@thelemontreebirth.co.uk or phone: 07878 992270
I also offer a FREE 15 minute call if you have any questions
email: laura@thelemontreebirth.co.uk or phone: 07878 992270
I also offer a FREE 15 minute call if you have any questions
What we cover: The Lemon Tree Birth Programme
session One
Understanding birth, your body, your choices, your power
Before we talk about birth plans, we need to understand the bigger picture, full circle. This session lays the foundations for everything that follow. We explore how birth has changed (in some ways not others) over time, how modern maternity care works and how you can navigate your choices with knowledge, with confidence, rather than through fear or uncertainty.
Read more...
The Maternity System
- How birth has changed throughout history and how we arrived at where we are today, with intervention through the roof.
- Understanding the system and how decisions are made.
- Your rights during pregnancy and birth
- Informed consent, boundaries and advocating for yourself
- Recognising red flags and knowing when something doesn’t feel right
Understanding your amazing body
- How your uterus works during pregnancy and birth
- The physiology behind labour and what supports physiological birth unfold
- What can help you and what might hinder you
- Understanding due dates and what they actually mean
Your birth hormones: The incredible chemistry of birth
- The key hormones involved in pregnancy, birth and postpartum
- How those hormones impact your experience
- Practical ways and a deep understanding of boosting those hormones as well as avoiding blockers.
The mind:body connection
- How your brain, thoughts and emotions can influence your birth experience
- What Hypnobirthing is (and isn’t). Hypnobirthing tools
- Understanding mindset, fear, thoughts, language and emotions
Preparing for your birth
- Finding your personal boosters, blockers and anchors
- Choosing where to give birth and why that might feel right for you
- Choosing the right care providers and support team
session TWO
Working with your body, physiology, preparation and navigating labour
Birth is not something your body simply ‘does; to you, it IS you, it’s your power. understanding how your body actually works, how your emotions and previous experiences in life may impact your birth experience and how tools can completely change outcomes. This session dives deeply into both the physical and emotional preparation needed for birth. You’ll explore:
Read more...
The physiology of birth and bonding with your baby
- The incredible processes that support labour and birth
- The connection between you and your baby throughout the experience and tapping into your intuition
- Understanding your body’s ability to birth
- How to create an environment and conditions that supports physiology
Preparing your mind and releasing your fears
- Exploring your life’s experiences, beliefs and feelings. Not just about birth but how certain experiences might have shaped who you are and what you believe
- Identifying fears, block, worries and learning tools to help you work through them
- Deep fear release work for both you and your partner
- Practical exercises to continue working throughout your journey
- Understanding how emotions, safety and trust can influence birth/outcomes
The Lemon Tree Comfort Kit
- Practical tools to support you during labour, birth and parenthood
- Deep and rapid relaxation techniques
- Breathing techniques
- Strategies to help you stay grounded
Understanding comfort and pain relief options
- Pharmaceutical pain relief options
- Complementary approaches
- The benefits, limitations, impacts and potential risks of all options
- How options may impact birth, you and your baby
- Making decisions based on understanding rather than fear
Working with your body, positioning and biomechanics
- Optimal positioning or is there such a thing? Myths and realities
- Breech, transverse and your options
- Birth biomechanics, facing challenges and how to use this tools to navigate
Monitoring and choices
- Understanding monitoring during pregnancy and birth
- Exploring the evidence behind different approaches
- What’s routinely offered, why and making decisions about accepting or declining
- Understanding the journey of labour
- The ‘stages of labour’ are there stages and understanding the systems expectations of your body
- How to navigate challenges while staying informed
Session THREE
Understanding your options, interventions and informed decision making
Birth has it’s own path, sometimes straightforward, sometimes twists and turns, sometimes easier/quicker than expected. Sometimes interventions are genuinely necessary but when birth is undisturbed the chances are extremely low. There are so many conversations and questions to be had when it comes to common interventions. This session is all about understanding the full picture and diving deep into research/the evidence.
Read more...
Induction of labour: Understanding the why, if, how and evidence
- Why it might be suggested and the common reasons it’s offered
- Different methods, how they work, impact, potential benefits and the risks
- How induction differs so much to spontaneous labour
Questions, resources and research for informed decision making
- When intervention is suggested. Looking beyond the appointment, the conversation and the ‘label’ you might have been given
- “Estimated” size, growth concerns
- BMI, ethnicity and health
- Screening, results and choices
- Tests and monitoring
- Changes in pregnancy
Tests, checks and procedures, are these right for you?
- Screening tests, antibiotics, monitoring options
- Vaginal examinations and cervical ‘assessment’. The use of measurements, charts and expectations of your body
Common situations during labour
- Situations where intervention might be suggested
- Waters releasing, meconium, bleeding, ‘failure to progress’, signs of infection, signs in mum/baby, concerns during labour
If intervention is needed and you feel it’s right after doing your research
- Induction: How to approach it, practical preparation, supporting yourself emotionally
- Assisted birth: What happens, why, understanding the process, impact and afterwards
- Caesarean birth: What happens, how to prepare mentally and positively. How to have a gentle, healthier experience. Post birth and recovery
The journey towards meeting your baby
- Changes in your body leading up to birth, signs of labour, what to look out for, what’s normal what’s not.
- How might contractions feel and play out
- Signs labour is going in the right direction and when emotional or practical support might be needed
- Understanding how birth unfolds and how unique that is to every person
The moments after the birth of your baby
- Birthing your placenta, waiting for umbilical cords to be white
- The golden hours, supporting bonding and connection
- Apgar scores, weighing, checks for you and baby, jaundice, postpartum bleeding
Lesson FOUr
Baby and beyond. Preparing for the early hours, days and weeks of parenthood
Birth is a team effort, between you, your baby and those around you. Your preparation doesn’t end when your baby is born. In our fourth and final session, we bring everything together, helping you and your birth partner feel ready for birth, the early days and the huge transition into parenthood (whether this is your 1st or 5th baby).
Read more...
Your birth partner, becoming and invaluable part of your birth team
- How to provide emotional, physical and practical support
- Holding space during labour
- Recognising when to advocate, when to protect and when to step back
- Understanding how birth unfolds
- Spotting any red flags, navigating any challenges calm and confidently
Real-life scenarios
- Birth doesn’t follow a script or a textbook. We will look at various scenarios and how you might navigate them. what your options might be, questions to ask and how to work together
Your birth preferences and wishes
- We don’t make rigid plans or have set ideas, we explore what matters to YOU
- You priorities, triggers, negotiable and non-negotiables
- How to communicate clearly and protect your birth
- What your wishes would be if there are any diversions in the road
Feeding your baby
- As a Breastfeeding Counsellor I constantly support families on their feeding journeys and I’m here to help you start yours
- Breastfeeding basics, what’s normal in the early days and what to expect
- Normal newborn and feeding behaviour
- Colostrum, milk coming in, signs feeding is going well, troubleshooting when it’s not, positioning and attachment
- Bottle feeding, formula feeding, responsive and paced feeding
Caring for your newborn
- We’ll cover the essentials to help you prepare but most of the practical details such as what to dress your baby in, how to change a nappy etc can all be found in your comprehensive workbook. In our session together we will focus more on:
- Recovery after birth, protecting your physical and emotional wellbeing
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Building your support network, finding your village and building it
- Preparing meals, planning rest, movement and preparing for the realities of newborn life
Whilst we cover breastfeeding and you learn enough to get you started, there really is a LOT to learn. To succeed, know what to do, expect and how to navigate hurdles, just like with birth. If breastfeeding is important to you, I highly recommend my stand alone Breastfeeding Preparation Workshops. You can find out more here.
FAQs
When should I book my antenatal course?
I don’t suggest a set time to book your course but as you are deemed ‘full term’ by 37 weeks, I encourage you to start by around 20-25 weeks as there is so much to learn. Having time on your side allows you to read, digest, practice tools, research and explore your options fully is a huge benefit. You can start much earlier if you prefer as this can give you time/space to release any fears and build confidence. Equally if you have only just found me at 34 weeks pregnant in a panic, that’s ok, we can work together privately and get those sessions in as soon as possible and get you started.
What's the main difference between the online and in-person course?
An online course might suit you better if you work long hours, have other children to consider or if you don’t live locally to me. An in-person course offers that connection, opportunity to build relationships and go through practical skills like biomechanics more easily (I also have great snacks). If you are working with me online your course materials will be sent out in advance, if you are working with me in person you will receive those course materials at your first session.
Is there parking?
Yes for my in person courses in South Godstone Surrey there is plenty of free parking.
Can my birth partner attend?
Absolutely! I strongly recommend birth partners or a support person attends every session with you. There is a strong focus on their role so they are informed and equipped to support you with confidence rather than feeling like a spare part on the day. Their advocacy and knowledge can have a huge impact on the birthing experience. If you don’t have a birth partner you are very welcome to attend a course by yourself.
What if I have to miss a session?
If you miss a session, are unexpectedly unwell etc then there are a few options. You can catch up with topics covered by reading through your workbook in your own time. Alternatively (and the option I would recommend) is catching up through the workbook and then booking a private hour or two so that I can answer your questions, ensure you fully understand everything and help you navigate any areas of interest/challenge together.
Is the course suitable if this isn't my first baby? What if I had a difficult previous experience?
Absolutely. In fact many of my clients come to me when planning 2nd or subsequent births due to a difficult experience first time around as either their previous antenatal course failed to equip them properly of if their previous experience didn’t unfold as they had hoped. This is a time where we may need to rebuild your confidence, understand your previous experiences, worth through fears, through trauma and help you prepare differently this time.
Is this course suitable for first-time parents?
Absolutely. I teach a range of many first-time parents, 2nd time, 3rd and 4th. Every baby you have and every birth you experience deserves preparing for. Especially the 1st birth. Why? Because your first birth lays down foundations for future pregnancies and experiences. So many parents come to me 2nd time and say “I didn’t know that” or “I wish I hadn’t agreed to that” because the course they did before didn’t equip them. If you are a 1st time parent, I’m so glad you are here.
Is the course suitable if I'm planning a Caesarean birth?
Yes, you can still attend the course if you are planning a caesarean birth and in fact many of the tools are extremely useful when having surgery. However, there is a strong focus on physiological birth so a private course or some 1:1 private sessions would be more appropriate, so we can focus on the topics that are relevant to preparing for a healthy, positive abdominal birth.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes I do. I appreciate there is a lot to pay out for when having a baby and that quality antenatal education isn’t always easily affordable for everyone. I require a non-refundable deposit of £100 to secure your booking followed by either 1 or 2 further payments (depending on your individual needs) that are to be paid by 14 days prior to your first session.
What will I learn during the course?
There is a full breakdown of the 4 sessions in pink so you can check out everything we cover.
Will we learn about pain relief options?
Yes you will. Not just surface level either. We look at this topic in depth, backed by evidence, exploring risks vs benefits of all options so you can make informed decisions.
Do you cover induction, assisted birth and Caesarean birth?
Yes we do. We cover when induction, assisted birth and caesarean birth are necessary (or chosen) in a lot of detail. Exploring the evidence, research and ensuring you feel fully informed.
Do you talk about breastfeeding?
Yes we cover the basics of breastfeeding in session 4, how to start your journey, what to expect and we also cover bottle feeding/formula feeding. If you are passionate about breastfeeding your baby I highly recommend booking onto my stand alone 3 hour breastfeeding preparation workshop as there’s a lot to know. This workshop is gold in preparaing your for your journey and supporting you throughout your journey.
Will we learn what to expect after the birth?
Yes we cover what to expect emotionally and physically after birth with a strong emphasis on fourth trimester planning so you begin your journey with this new baby with ease and confidence. Other topics such as winding, changing nappies etc are all included in your workbook.
Do you cover birth planning and birth preferences?
Absolutely. Towards the end of the course we explore what’s important to you. What are your negotiables and non-negotiables, how to present this information and ensure your care providers respect your wishes.
What makes this course different from other antenatal classes?
The Lemon Tree Birth Preparation Programme goes far beyond labour stages and nappy changing. It helps parents understand how birth truly works, how to navigate the maternity system, understand their options, make informed decisions, achieve the births they deserve, prepare for feeding and the transition to early parenthood. This course has been devised with other courses in mind, that in fact many courses are failing families because they skim over the basics, don’t help parents find their power and don’t give them enough information to make truly informed decisions. So many courses are also run by large organisations, are taught by medical staff or in fact have been created by people that are NOT childbirth educators or experts, which is simply shocking!
I'm already booked onto another antenatal course. Is this still worth doing?
Many people book NHS, NCT or Happy Parent classes early on (because their friends told them they were great for making friends) but an antenatal course isn’t for making friends, it’s to educate you (I get these freindships are a bonus). Many parents attend my course alongside other courses because they want a deeper understanding of birth physiology, informed decision-making and get TRULY prepared. From someone that cares, is experienced and actually gives a damn about you. You’re not just another name on a booking list and I offer ongoing support, I don’t just wave you goodbye at the church hall door or pub when the course is over.
Is this course right for me if I want a hospital birth?
Lots of people might assume I’m ‘only for home birth’. When you truly understand birth, the maternity system and explore the quite firm statistics, you will probably agree that home is the safest option for most parents to birth. However, if you want to or need to birth in hospital then yes this course is absolutely right for you. Why? Because hospital is the place you will face many more hurdles and chances of intervention. So knowing your stuff, being well informed and confident walking in could be make or break and that’s where I can help you.
Is this just a hypnobirthing course?
This course isn’t a hypnobirthing course but it absolutely includes full hypnobirthing course content. This course is much bigger, hypnobirthing isn’t enough which is why we include it but you will gain so much more beyond some breathing techniques taught by someone whose done a 2 day training course.
Will this course tell me what choices to make?
No. My role isn’t to tell you how to give birth, what to do or why. My role is to give you balanced, evidence-based information so you can make the decisions that feel right for you and your family.
What if my birth doesn't go to plan?
I can’t promise anyone a ‘perfect birth’ nobody can. That’s the tricky part of childbirth even if you book a planned caesarean, things can change. However, that’s where The Lemon Tree Programme does lend itself. We look at all scenarios, twists and turns in the road, how you would navigate them, what your choices would be and ensuring you are well prepared for that rare occurrence.
Are antenatal classes worth it?
Is it worth researching a holiday destination before you book your flight? Is it worth looking round a property several times and getting a survey done before you buy a house? Yes! Why would you walk into the biggest experience of your life that impacts you, your baby and family forever, without investing in skilled quality education?
Booking
To book a place on one of our antenatal courses click below
Alternatively contact Laura via
email: laura@thelemontreebirth.co.uk or phone: 07878 992270
I also offer a FREE 15 minute call if you have any questions
email: laura@thelemontreebirth.co.uk or phone: 07878 992270
I also offer a FREE 15 minute call if you have any questions