NowBaby launches free complete antenatal course for all UK parents

NowBaby, the UK’s leading in-hospital parenting education and media platform, has launched a brand new Free Complete Antenatal Course, giving all expectant parents in the UK access to comprehensive, midwife-led antenatal education at no cost.

Offered in association with Joie, the baby gear brand known for car seats and strollers, the online course is designed to support mums and dads-to-be through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with clear, evidence-based guidance. It removes financial barriers at a time when many families are feeling the strain of rising living costs and stretched NHS services.

Led by experienced NowBaby midwives, the course aims to empower parents with practical information, reassurance and confidence, all delivered in a flexible format that fits around busy lives.

What is the NowBaby Complete Antenatal Course?

The NowBaby Complete Antenatal Course is a fully online programme covering every major stage of pregnancy and early parenthood. With more than eight hours of content, it is broken down into bite-sized sessions that parents can access anytime, anywhere.

The focus throughout is on balanced, medical and evidence-based information, helping parents feel informed and actively involved in decisions about their care.

David Salem of NowBaby explains the thinking behind making the course free for all:

Our mission has always been to provide clear, evidence-based guidance and reassurance to the largest possible audience of new and expectant parents. Thanks to our partnership with Joie, our now free Complete Antenatal Course will ensure that all families, regardless of circumstance, can benefit from trusted midwife-led support during one of their most important life stages.

Previously priced at £175, the course is now entirely free to access, thanks to the partnership with Joie Baby.

What does the course cover?

The course is designed to support parents from early pregnancy through to life with a newborn. Topics include:

• Pregnancy and birth preparation
• Labour and birth choices, including natural birth, assisted birth, caesarean section and VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)
• Breastfeeding
• Baby first aid

Parents also have the option of weekly access to expert midwives, offering continued reassurance and support throughout pregnancy.

By delivering information in short, digestible sessions, the course aims to feel manageable rather than overwhelming, especially for first-time parents.

Why this matters for UK parents

Access to antenatal education can vary widely depending on where you live, and many NHS-led classes are limited in number or availability. Private antenatal courses can also be costly, putting them out of reach for some families.

By making a full antenatal programme free and accessible online, NowBaby hopes to level the playing field for expectant parents across the UK, ensuring everyone can benefit from expert-led guidance regardless of their circumstances.

The course is particularly intended to support parents who may feel anxious, underprepared, or unsure where to turn for reliable information during pregnancy.

Joie’s role in the partnership

Joie has partnered with NowBaby to fund the course and remove financial barriers for families. Melissa Cooper, Head of Marketing at Joie, says the collaboration reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to parents.

We have been working with NowBaby since Joie launched in the UK some 15 years ago, so we are excited to see what this next chapter of our relationship will bring. Families are at the heart of everything we do at Joie, so we are delighted to be part of something that will bring free help and support to countless expectant parents.

The partnership builds on a relationship that spans more than a decade and focuses on providing practical support at a crucial life stage.

Alongside the Free Complete Antenatal Course, NowBaby continues to offer specialist classes for parents who want more tailored guidance.

This includes a dedicated Caesarean Section Course for those planning or considering a caesarean birth, offering specific, in-depth information to help parents feel prepared and confident.

How to access the free course

The Free Complete Antenatal Course is available now and open to all expectant parents in the UK.

Parents can find out more or enrol directly via the NowBaby website here.

With trusted midwives, flexible online access and no cost attached, the course aims to be a reassuring companion for parents navigating pregnancy and preparing to welcome their baby.