What are the key components of antenatal education that I should cover with expectant mothers?

Key components of antenatal education for expectant mothers include:

• Preparing for labour and birth, including coping strategies and creating a birth plan.
• Supporting each other throughout pregnancy and after birth, involving partners as appropriate.
• Understanding common events in labour and birth.
• How to care for the baby, including newborn care and postnatal self-care such as pelvic floor exercises.
• Promoting bonding with the baby and the importance of emotional attachment.
• Planning and managing the baby's feeding, including breastfeeding support.
• Information about vitamin K prophylaxis and newborn screening.
• Awareness of physical, emotional, and relationship changes during pregnancy.
• Information on recognising active labour and postnatal mood changes, including mental health awareness.
• Advice on sleep position after 28 weeks to reduce stillbirth risk.
• Discussion of birth preferences (place and mode of birth) and their implications, benefits, and risks.
• Information on prolonged pregnancy and options for management from 38 weeks.
• Access to peer support services and resources for expectant and new parents.
• Advice on avoiding alcohol during pregnancy and other lifestyle considerations.
• Information tailored to specific needs, such as young women under 20 or those with complex social factors.

These components should be delivered in a welcoming, accessible manner, adapted to local community needs, and include opportunities for partners to be involved if the woman wishes ¹,³,⁴.