What actually happens in a prenatal class, and what will your support person do there? At ChildbirthU, our six-week Calgary series is designed for expecting families who want time to learn, practise, and ask questions together. Here’s a look at the format and how to make the most of it.
How the six-week series works
The group meets once a week for six weeks in Montgomery, northwest Calgary. Each class is 2.5 hours, for 15 hours in total. The series gives you time between classes to talk through what you learned and bring fresh questions back to the group.
What you’ll practise together
Class topics include preparing for labour and birth, exploring comfort measures and birth preferences, and planning for the early days with your baby. You’ll also discuss feeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery. The sessions combine explanations, discussion, and hands-on practice, so you have a chance to try skills before you go home.
What your partner or support person can do
Your registration covers two people, so you can bring a partner or another support person. They can practise alongside you, ask their own questions, and learn what kind of support you would find helpful. Before the first class, try writing down one question each. For example, you might ask what you can practise together or how you’d like your support person to help you communicate your preferences.
What to bring to your first class
A few questions you’d like answered over the series.
A notebook or a notes app to capture ideas you want to revisit.
Comfortable clothes for hands-on practice.
After each session, choose one thing to talk through at home. You might compare your notes, make a list of questions for your maternity care team, or decide who you’ll ask for help in the first weeks after birth.
Explore the class options
For the week-by-week breakdown, visit Our Approach. You can also compare ChildbirthU classes, view dates and book, or join the waitlist if the current dates don’t work for you.
Still comparing providers? Read our guide on how to choose prenatal classes in Calgary.
