Antenatal classes in Ireland: when to start and are they free?

Somewhere around the booking visit, someone hands you a leaflet about antenatal classes and it goes into the pile with everything else. Here is what the classes actually are in Ireland, what they cost, when to book and what you get out of them, so you can decide before the good slots go.

For the wider picture of appointments, scans and public versus private care, see our guide to how pregnancy care works in Ireland.

Are antenatal classes free in Ireland?

Yes, if you go through your maternity hospital. Citizens Information says antenatal classes held by your local public maternity hospital are free of charge, and the HSE says antenatal classes are usually free. Some hospitals go further: the Coombe in Dublin, for example, says all its parent education classes are free for all parents.

You can also pay for private classes run outside the hospital. If you go that route, the HSE says to make sure the person running the class is a qualified parent educator before you book.

When should I book antenatal classes?

As early as you can. The HSE says to book as early as possible after your booking visit, and Citizens Information warns that classes can fill up fast.

How you book varies by hospital, so ask at your first hospital appointment. A few real examples show how much it differs:

• Letterkenny University Hospital asks you to book a class before you are 20 weeks pregnant, through the midwife or antenatal education coordinator.
• The Coombe suggests booking around 18 weeks.
• University Maternity Hospital Limerick takes bookings by email with your hospital number (MRN) and due date.

If you are not sure, ring your maternity unit or ask your midwife, GP or public health nurse. They know what runs locally.

When do antenatal classes start?

Most of the main classes start between 26 and 32 weeks. There are also early pregnancy classes, which you can start before 20 weeks. The HSE describes them as covering roughly 6 to 20 weeks.

Type of class	Rough timing
Early pregnancy class	Before 20 weeks
Main antenatal course (labour, birth, baby care)	Starts between 26 and 32 weeks
Twins or multiples	Start earlier, as babies may arrive early
Preparing to breastfeed	Varies by hospital, ask your maternity unit

If you are expecting twins or more, the HSE and Citizens Information both suggest starting classes early, because your babies are more likely to arrive before their due date.

Classes are usually weekly and about 2 hours long, during the day or in the evening, in person or online.

What do antenatal classes cover?

Classes may be led by midwives, physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers and other members of your care team, and Citizens Information adds public health nurses. According to the HSE and Citizens Information, topics can include:

• What happens in labour and birth, including positions and breathing
• Pain relief in labour
• Different types of birth, such as vaginal or caesarean birth, and interventions
• Safe skin-to-skin contact and bonding
• Breastfeeding and caring for your baby
• Your mental health and emotions in pregnancy and after the birth
• Looking after your relationship with your partner

In-person classes are a chance to meet your care team, tour the unit before the big day and practise active birth positions. You can also request topics, so ask about the things that are actually keeping you up at night.

Many hospitals also run classes for particular situations. The HSE lists classes for first-time parents, parents who already have children, hypnobirthing, parents under 21 and the Traveller community. Citizens Information adds classes for lone parents and for twins. If you have had a caesarean and hope for a vaginal birth this time, many hospitals run VBAC classes, and some run classes for a planned caesarean. Our guide to C-sections in Ireland covers what to expect either way.

Can my partner come to antenatal classes?

Yes. The HSE says your partner can join you at all classes, and Citizens Information says partners are usually welcome, so check with your midwife before you go. Some hospitals also run partner-only sessions. The National Maternity Hospital, for example, offers partners-only online classes.

It is worth your partner going. They will be the one timing contractions, fetching the midwife and doing the first nappy while you recover, so it helps if they have heard it from a professional too.

Do I get paid time off work for antenatal classes?

If you are employed, you may be entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal classes. Citizens Information sets out the rules:

• The entitlement covers one set of classes, not one set every pregnancy.
• If this is your first pregnancy in employment and the course has 8 classes, you are paid for 5 of them. The last 3 would normally fall after your maternity leave has started.
• If you missed classes for reasons beyond your control, such as premature birth or illness, you can carry the untaken classes over to a later pregnancy (except the last 3 in a set).
• Partners have a once-off right to paid time off for the 2 classes immediately before the birth.
• You must tell your employer in writing at least 2 weeks before the classes begin, with the dates and times.

For questions about your specific situation, Citizens Information points you to the Workplace Relations Commission. For the bigger leave picture, see our guide to maternity leave and Maternity Benefit.

Are there online antenatal classes in Ireland?

Yes, and they are handy if you work shifts, live far from the hospital or simply cannot face a plastic chair at 7pm. The HSE says some maternity units and hospitals have free online antenatal classes, videos and courses, and names the National Maternity Hospital eLearning Hub, the Rotunda's Your Pregnancy Journey and the Coombe's parent education as examples. Citizens Information also lists University Hospital Kerry.

A few examples of what is out there:

• The National Maternity Hospital runs classes online and in person, plus an eLearning hub you can work through at your own pace.
• The Coombe runs online classes on weekday evenings and at weekends.
• University Maternity Hospital Limerick runs a series of 3 live, interactive online classes.

Start with your own maternity unit. Its classes will reflect how things actually work in the building where you will give birth. You will also get the HSE's My Pregnancy book at your booking visit, which is a good read alongside any class.

Are there breastfeeding classes before the baby comes?

Yes. Breastfeeding preparation is one of the class types the HSE lists, and many maternity units run one, often called something like Preparing to Breastfeed. The National Maternity Hospital and the Coombe both offer one, and Limerick sends a link to a breastfeeding class to everyone who books an antenatal class. It is worth doing even if you are undecided, and bringing your partner too.

Once your baby arrives, the HSE's My Child site has an Ask our breastfeeding expert service and a search for local breastfeeding support groups in every county.

Those first weeks of feeding are when people ask you how often, how long and how many wet nappies. Lullagram keeps those answers on your phone, and both parents share one account. It is free to try on Android, iPhone and web.

Frequently asked questions

Are antenatal classes free in Ireland?

Yes. Antenatal classes held by your local public maternity hospital or unit are free. Private classes run outside the hospital charge a fee, and the HSE advises checking that the person running them is a qualified parent educator.

When should I book antenatal classes?

As early as possible after your booking visit, because classes can fill up fast. Your maternity unit or hospital will tell you how to book, and some ask you to book before 20 weeks.

What week do antenatal classes start?

Most antenatal classes start between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. Early pregnancy classes start before 20 weeks, and if you are expecting twins or more it is worth starting earlier.

Can my partner come to antenatal classes?

Yes. The HSE says your partner can join you at all classes. Partners also have a once-off right to paid time off work to attend the 2 classes immediately before the birth.

Do I get paid time off work for antenatal classes?

If you are employed, you may be entitled to paid time off to attend one set of antenatal classes. You must tell your employer in writing at least 2 weeks before the classes begin.

Are there online antenatal classes in Ireland?

Yes. Several maternity hospitals run live online classes or self-paced online courses. Ask your own maternity unit what it offers first.