A unique antenatal class
created by Janet Balaskas, founder of Active Birth
The Active Birth Workshop is a complete antenatal birth preparation
course created by world-renowned childbirth educator Janet Balaskas
and taught by teachers she and her colleagues have trained. You will be
fully informed, empowered and inspired as the teacher guides you on a
practical journey through labour until the first hour after the birth of your
baby. You will gain confidence as you realise your body is designed to give
birth, and your baby knows how to be born.
Janet will not be teaching this workshop herself over the summer. Instead, you can discover the Active Birth Workshop through her film
Active Birth: Your Guide to Nature’s Plan
Active Birth Film
‘Active Birth: Your Guide to Nature’s Plan’ is a feature length film by Janet Balaskas, which will introduce you to the essentials of Active Birth and provide a practical guide you can work with throughout your pregnancy.
How to find an Active Birth Workshop Teacher:
United Kingdom click here
International click here
“In just one workshop you taught us more than we learnt anywhere else – realistic, practical and enjoyable!”
Awaken the instinctual intelligence of your body!
- Discover the amazing physiology of labour and birth
- Understand your body – and why babies are born more easily in an Active Birth
- Practice positions and movements for labour and birth
- Effective breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
- How to work with your hormones to encourage natural pain relief
- How to use touch, massage and partner support
- Follow your breathing during contractions and ‘breath your baby out’
- How to combine an Active Birth with medical pain relief or interventions if you need them
If you would like to train to become a certified Active Birth Workshop teacher (FEDANT accredited).
Our 2025 training is booking now:
Sundays: 21st, 28th Sept, 5th ,12th Oct 2025.
Click here for more details
FAQS
How do these antenatal classes differ from other courses?
The focus is on the normal physiology of the birth process rather than on what can go wrong. You will still learn how to adapt what you learn if and when the unexpected arises, but by understanding how birth happens normally, you increase the possibility of this unfolding at the time.
What is included in the workshop?
You will discover how your baby comes through the pelvis, how hormones drive the birth process forward and give you natural pain relief, what your uterus does when it contracts and how you can help by choosing upright positions, moving, breathing and more. Understanding how your body works in harmony with your baby reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
How is the workshop structured?
We will be working through the whole birth process in the sequence it unfolds with practical guidance, breathing, touch and visualisations of what happens in your body as well as seeing striking visuals. You will also learn how to apply the principles and benefits of an Active Birth in combination with interventions if necessary.
Can I combine this workshop with a Hypnobirthing course or NCT classes?
Yes! The Active Birth Workshop is a complete birth preparation course – and for many clients it is the only course they attend. Hypnobirthing and Active Birth are complementary and there is no conflict in doing both (we recommend Janet’s Hypnobirthing course. Janet’s unique approach will also build on any other antenatal classes you have attended (for example NCT classes). The detail and focus of this workshop on the normal physiology of the birth process will give you confidence and trust in your body and your ability to manage the sensations, reducing the need for medical pain relief and increasing the possibility of a natural birth.
Is the workshop interactive or just about listening?
The workshop is interactive. You will be guided by Janet throughout, with plenty of time for practical work, trying things out, asking questions and interacting with others. This is an immersive experience with the added benefit of working in your home where your labour is likely to start!
Can my partner join?
Yes, you can attend with your partner. The role of the partner will be explored throughout – how best to support, touch, hold and be there for her. The emphasis will be on how you can practice together during pregnancy, learn how she likes to be touched and develop the skills to respond to her at the time in the way that she needs. Partners attending often say how helpful it was to understand the birth process in the unique way it is presented in this workshop.
Can I attend the Active Birth Workshop on my own?
Yes certainly, you can attend on your own and it’s likely that there may be others doing the same, so you will not feel uncomfortable. Janet will guide you with alternatives to any partner work.
What people say about our antenatal classes:
“A really fantastic workshop – we were so engaged that time just flew by. It’s the first time that I’ve been able to consider and picture the birth process without anxiety, which was a really major step for me!
“We loved how you taught us all we need to have a natural birth and to use what we learnt should plans change.
“A big thank you for a very informative and well-paced ‘zoom’ workshop.
“This day gave us a lot more confidence and practical tools for the months ahead.”
You can also book Private Online Sessions with Janet.
About Janet Balaskas
Janet Balaskas is a world-renowned childbirth educator and author of 7 books published in over 11 languages. Since founding the Active Birth Movement in 1981, she has transformed the way millions of women give birth around the world, by successfully campaigning for the right for women to give birth actively. Along the way, she pioneered the concept of pregnancy yoga, popularised home birth and water birth – and had four children of her own.
