A group of young people participating in a team activity or game in a classroom or community center. One woman is kneeling and smiling, while another woman stands and appears to be giving instructions. Others are seated in a line, and the room has a wooden floor, a whiteboard, a projector screen, and colorful posters on the walls.

Our award-winning, midwife-led antenatal classes have been helping prepare Jersey parents for birth for almost a decade.

Antenatal Education and Hypnobirthing 

Stylized, minimalist illustration of a single beige flower with large petals.

For almost a decade, The Nest (formerly Positive Birth Jersey) has been Jersey's leading provider of private antenatal education, supporting over 1,000 individuals or couples as they prepare for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. 

Perhaps…

You’re told to go with the flow.

You’ve heard that all that matters is a healthy baby.

You’ve been told to just listen to the doctor or midwife.

You may have heard birth stories that are the opposite of how you want yours to be.

You might feel apprehensive, unsure, lost or perhaps just a bit clueless. 

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to just wing it or hope for the best. It is okay to want more than to just get through your birth. Birth CAN be positive. That’s where we come in. You CAN feel prepared, calm, informed and have influence over your birth experience - whether that is a water birth, birth with an epidural or a caesarean section. 

Several decorative items including potted plants and inspirational quotes on white paper with black and orange text. The plant in the foreground is in a patterned black and white pot, and there are two other smaller plants in textured pots on either side. The background features framed quotes reading 'I am confident,' 'I am safe,' and 'I am secure.'

Our antenatal courses are led by experienced senior midwives, May and Jan, who are passionate about providing evidence-based education in a relaxed, supportive and welcoming environment.

Our courses aren’t just about breathing techniques, fairy lights and birth affirmations. They are so, so much more than that.

We believe you need to understand your choices, know your rights and feel confident in navigating a maternity system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and hurried. It is so important to prepare.

Our antenatal courses are the full-picture preparation that you deserve. We provide you with the kind of information that makes you wonder: “Why has no one explained any of this to me before?” (Because yep - we hear parents say that every single week).

Our courses go far beyond traditional antenatal classes. We offer honest, realistic and evidence-based birth preparation that leaves no stone unturned.

We’ll teach you how to navigate birth when it doesn’t go to ‘plan,’ give you practical tools to do so and we promise that you’ll feel informed, empowered and confident to make the choices that are right for you and your baby.

Together, we'll explore how labour and birth work, birth physiology, relaxation and breathing techniques, birth partner support, pain relief options, informed decision-making, birth preferences, induction of labour, caesarean birth, home birth and everything in between.

You cannot always control the outcome of your labour and birth. Our courses do not promise a particular type of birth, ultimate control or your ideal birth experience - but we do promise we will help you feel safe, supported and empowered. There’s a BIG difference. 

We offer both group and one-to-one antenatal courses and education including: 

All courses listed are available as both group and one-to-one courses, excluding the Positive Caesarean Section Workshop and online Power Hours which are available as one-to-one sessions only. 

  • Full Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course

  • Refresher Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course

  • Breastfeeding Preparation Course

  • Biomechanics and Active Birth Workshop

  • Positive Caesarean Section Workshop

  • Power Hour (online only) 

Our full Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Courses include your thoughtfully-curated course materials, which includes The Nest cotton tote bag, the Birth Power book, our antenatal course companion written by us, six relaxation audios, birth affirmation cards, aromatherapy roller, and exclusive discount vouchers from our favourite pregnancy and family-related businesses on the island. For group courses, you’ll also be added to a WhatsApp group with other members of your course, to nurture friendships within a like-minded and supportive community. 

Book your group antenatal course.

Prices for group courses:

  • Group Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course - £360 

  • Group Refresher Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course - £130 

  • Group Breastfeeding Preparation Course - £135 

  • Group Biomechanics and Active Birth Workshop - £65 

Book your group course

To book a one-to-one course in the comfort of your own home, please complete the booking form and May will be in touch with you to arrange your course.

Prices for one-to-one courses:

  • Full Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course - £625

  • Mini Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course - £425

  • Refresher Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course - £225

  • Breastfeeding Preparation Course - £225

  • Biomechanics and Active Birth Workshop - £150

  • Positive Caesarean Section Workshop - £225

  • Power Hour (online only) - £75 

A group of people in a room with a woman standing and smiling, engaging in a discussion with seated individuals around a table that has large sheets of paper with writing on them. There is a decorated Christmas tree and a large projection screen in the background.

Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course 

Course time: 10 hours (group), 8-9 hours (private full course), 6 hours (private mini course)

Group cost: £360 inclusive of course materials   
Private full course cost: £625
Private Mini course cost: £425

    • Debunking Hypnobirthing myths

    • Exploring your ideal birth

    • The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle

    • The impact of words and language

    • Exploring the power of your mind

    • Muscles of the uterus and early labour

    • Birth hormones and your nervous systems

    • Relaxation practice 

    • Physical aspects of pregnancy: baby's position, your physical wellbeing and your pelvic floor

    • What really is labour, and what actually happens?

    • All about early labour and the first stage of labour

    • Breathing: 'Up' or expansive breathing

    • Relaxation to reduce pain perception

    • The environment, touch, smell and sound

    • Medical pain relief options

    • Statements for a positive and empowering birth

    • Active birth positions

    • Light touch massage

    • Relaxation practice 

    • Reviewing local maternity statistics

    • Navigating the modern-day maternity system

    • The fallacy of the 'due date'

    • Induction of labour - why, when and how?

    • Encouraging labour naturally

    • Informed choices, consent and decision making

    • The second stage of labour

    • Breathing: ‘Down' or expulsive breathing

    • Minimising the chance of tearing

    • Birth partner bingo

    • Relaxation practice 

    • The third stage of labour

    • Home birth or hospital birth

    • Caesarean section - why, how and what to expect

    • The Golden Hour: skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, Vitamin K

    • What to pack in your hospital bag

    • How to write your birth preferences

    • Labour and birth timeline 

"My husband and I recently completed the group Hypnobirthing course. I didn’t quite know what to expect but the whole course was amazing. I started the course with a load of anxiety over the birth and how it would go. By the end, I can honestly say that anxiety is gone. Each class was so informative, covering everything you’d want in an antenatal class, but with the added benefit of the relaxation. On top of all that, I feel like I’ve definitely made some wonderful friends. Each class was filled with humour and laughter and I’m already looking forward to us all getting together again once our babies have arrived."  

— J. Williams  

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Refresher Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Course 

Course time: 2.5 hours

Group cost: £130 inclusive of course materials 
Private cost: £225

Our refresher Hypnobirthing course is for second, third and subsequent pregnancies and is a great way to refresh on the stages of labour and the full range of Hypnobirthing techniques. Make time for your next pregnancy and birth, and ensure that you feel fully prepared for labour again.

Our refresher courses are always popular and are a great way to meet other parents expecting their next baby too. There is no obligation to share or discuss your previous birth experience, unless you would like to. Please note, you must have completed a previous full Hypnobirthing course - either with us or another provider. 

The refresher course covers:

  • The Fear-Tension-Pain-Cycle

  • The first, second and third stages of labour

  • The environment, touch, smell and sound

  • Breathing: 'Up' or expansive breathing

  • Breathing: ‘Down’ or expulsive breathing

  • Light touch massage

  • Pain relief options

  • Relaxation practice 

A newborn baby with curly hair lying on an adult's chest, with an adult hand gently holding the baby's head, in a black-and-white photo.

Breastfeeding, Postnatal and Parenthood Preparation Course

Course time: 3 hours 

Group cost: £135 inclusive of course materials  
Private cost: £225

As mothers and midwives, we know and understand that breastfeeding isn't always easy. Research consistently tells us that rates of initiation and continuation of breastfeeding are higher in women who undertake antenatal breastfeeding education. We have undertaken additional training with The Mindful Breastfeeding School and our three hour breastfeeding preparation course will ensure that you feel confident, calm and prepared as you navigate your infant feeding journey. 

What's covered? 

  • Understanding why breastfeeding so important

  • Exploring whether breastfeeding right for your family

  • Skin-to-skin contact and establishing breastfeeding after birth

  • The physiology of lactation and breastfeeding

  • Hormones involved with breastfeeding

  • Normal newborn feeding behaviour

  • Recognising effective positioning and attachment

  • Recognising a 'good latch’

  • Commonly encountered breastfeeding problems and overcoming these

  • How partners can help with breastfeeding

  • Breast pumps, expressing and storing breast milk

  • Information regarding safe sleeping

  • Evidence-based handouts relevant to the session 

A woman sitting on a chair holding a human pelvis and spinal bones. She appears to be explaining or studying anatomy in a classroom or training setting.

Biomechanics and Active Birth Workshop 

Course time: 1.5 hours  

Group cost: £65 inclusive of course materials  
Private cost: £150 

Our best-selling Active Birth and Biomechanics Workshop is hands-on and interactive for you and your birth partner.

Biomechanics quite simply means the study of biology and mechanisms of movement. These active birth techniques optimise physiology, the space in your pelvis, and your baby's position and when used during labour and birth are - quite simply - amazing and can change the course of labour. The use of biomechanics techniques can increase the rate of spontaneous labour, reduce the need for induction, and reduce the chance of c-section (Lennon, 2024 as cited in the British Journal of Midwifery). 

We will also look at techniques that can be used with an epidural, and during labours that may have stalled or slowed down due to fetal positioning. The techniques can also reduce pain and encourage baby in to an optimal position. The techniques are incredibly simple and easy for your partner to remember and use in labour, so please bring him/her along too!

You will be contacted via email prior to the course to discuss any medical or pregnancy conditions that may affect your participation in the course. 

A newborn baby holding an adult's finger in a medical setting, with the adult's hand supporting the baby's head, and medical equipment visible.

Positive Caesarean Section Workshop

Course time:
2.5 hours (private course only)

private Cost:
£225 inclusive of course materials

Here at The Nest, we feel so passionately about birth being positive, empowering and enjoyable no matter what it looks like. In 2025, almost 50% of women in Jersey gave birth by caesarean section, and it is therefore important that you feel prepared and positive for caesarean birth if perhaps it is medically indicated or your preferred type of birth.

If you are planning an elective c-section, or perhaps just want to be extra prepared in the event of an unplanned c-section during labour, our private caesarean course is for you. This course will ensure that you feel informed, empowered, relaxed and truly prepared for your c-section experience, and that you remain at the centre of your care planning. You still have so many choices when it comes to caesarean birth.

What's covered?

  • Exploring how you feel about your upcoming c-section

  • What actually happens during a c-section? What happens in theatre? Who does what?

  • Anaesthetic including spinal and general anaesthetic

  • The importance of hormones and relaxation during a c-section

  • Relaxation breathing to remain calm

  • Exploring the gentle (or 'family centred') c-section approach

  • The Golden Hours: the magical first hours after birth including breastfeeding

  • Post-surgery care

  • Going home after a caesarean birth 

  • Writing your birth preferences for a positive c-section, including examples and discussion

  • Relaxation script via MP3

  • 'Why C-Section Matters' book

  • "After attending this course, not only have I changed my mind on what I want, but I actually feel excited about the birth now!"

    — H. Ord

  • "It gave us the confidence to challenge questions to get the birthing experience we wanted."

    — S. Ahern

  • "By the end, I can honestly say that anxiety is gone."

    — J. Williams

  • "This course is amazing! Very informative and delivered with honesty and humour."

    — L. Floris

  • "I would highly recommend the Hypnobirthing classes, not just for the knowledge you gain but for the people you meet."

    — M. Malcomson

  • "The course teaches you that no matter what type of birth experience you have and especially when it doesn't go as you had planned, it can still be a positive one."

    — D. Warley

  • "Both May and Jan are amazing women and give you such a sense of power and 'I can do this!' feeling that, for me as a first-time mum, I went into birth feeling empowered and ready to take on whatever I was to face."

    — B. Coates

  • "It is great that it includes all the information you'd expect from 'regular' antenatal classes, in addition to Hypnobirthing techniques so you'll go away feeling prepared."

    — N. Murphy

  • "May and Jan deliver information each week in a balanced and accessible way so that you feel empowered to make the right choices for you about the birth."

    — F. Black

  • "This course is the best thing I did during my pregnancy. Simply nothing else in Jersey compares. You have to do it!"

    — E. Gilson

  • "They cover the stuff that no one talks about elsewhere. I never felt like any question I asked was silly. Thank you SO much."

    — J. McClean

Ready to start your birth journey?

Book group course