A chance to meet other parents-to-be due at a similar time as you
My name is Rachel Dudfield. I have been delivering antenatal classes in Wellington since 2013. My students say they’re the best Antenatal Classes in Wellington. (But they’ve generally only attended these classes, so saying they’re the best classes they’ve ever attended might be more accurate).
I also offer condensed private classes if the format and time don't work for you
My classes are informative, interesting, and inclusive, and open to all parents to be. Whether you’re cis, queer, independent/single parents, or if English is your second language, everyone is in the same boat together: learning how to be parents! I keep a relaxed and informal vibe where questions are encouraged, so we can prepare you the best we can for your new arrival/s.
Dana attended my classes in 2017. Now she’s a mother of two gorgeous children, and a qualified teacher. She has been teaching alongside me since 2020 and is an amazing support. I wouldn’t be able to run the classes without her!
Ideas for staying healthy, warning signs to watch out for, and things you could be doing to prepare for baby.
Hormones of labour, step by step of what happens, and lots of suggestions for ways to help yourself through it.
Lots of information about medical interventions and pain relief. Pros and Cons, and how to understand what's happening and why.
Understanding newborn babies and how to care for them. Clothing, nappies, bathing, beds and bedding.
Learning how to successfully establish breastfeeding, manage common challenges, and options around feeding your baby.
Helping you create a village of people and resources to help you raise your baby.
Enrol as early as you can. Classes fill up. Ideally you will start classes around 28-30 weeks pregnant. This will mean that classes finishes 4-6 weeks before your due date.
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be tiring. It is much nice to be relaxing at home, with lots of information to think about, that sitting in a class listening to our amazing information.
Find your class here
Kind words from people I've worked with
"Rachel provides great recommendations for further knowledge and support for pre and post birth.
Highly recommended, even if you have to travel from elsewhere in Wellington (we were coming from Petone) to attend the classes."
"Rachel delivers the classes in a funny, honest, light hearted way and answers any question you throw at her.
She is incredibly welcoming and very easy and comfortable to talk to about any topic."
We really enjoyed the classes - the perfect balance of the serious facts, and seeing the lighter side of things. Rachel has a passion for all things babies, that pairs so well with her wicked sense of humour, to create memorable and reassuring experience.
We got through our birth feeling as prepared for it as anyone can ever be!
Rachel is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and cares so much about her job. My husband and I learnt a lot from her antenatal classes. We love how she provides as much information as she can so you can make informed decisions about how you want to birth/parent/care for your baby. She also helped us with breastfeeding which we're eternally grateful for. Highly recommend her for all first time parents and those struggling with feeding. Thanks a million, Rachel!
Private and Virtual Antenatal Classes are great for
– shift workers
– famous people
– those who are frequently away from their partner
– those who need to physically distance from others
– those who are unable to attend a night time group class.
Classes run for 3-4 hours in your own home, or other suitable meeting place, or via Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, or other appropriate video meeting tool.
We will cover a condensed version of topics discussed in class, focusing on what you really need to know, and what you specifically want to know about. I then follow up with an in-depth email, and I am available for questions afterwards via phone or email.
The Cost is $400.
This covers:
· Emails regarding your specific situation
· Tailoring of the antenatal class information to fit your needs
· 3-4 hours in person or video chat meeting
· Follow up emails and check-ins after baby is born
Ideally we will schedule a class 4-6 weeks before your due date.