Preparation for Birth and Beyond
If you are having your first baby and live in Leeds, we would like to invite you to join our Preparation for Birth and Beyond course.
Preparation for birth and beyond (PBB)
Antenatal programme for first-time parents
What is PBB about?
The course has four sessions before your baby is born and one session after birth.
It helps you learn about:
- your baby’s development
- how to care for your baby
- how life may change
- how to keep your baby safe
- what to expect during birth
- how to understand your baby’s needs
Our course is special because it looks at the world from your baby’s point of view.
We help you learn how to get to know your baby and respond to them with confidence.
Who runs the PBB?
The sessions are run by our Early Start team, which includes:
- A 0 to 19 specialist public health nurse (health visitor)
- A family outreach worker
- A community midwife
They are friendly, experienced, and happy to answer your questions.
PBB programme details
- Courses run face-to-face during the day or virtually in the evening
- Each course includes:
- Four weekly antenatal sessions (2 hours each)
- One reunion session after your baby is born
- Sessions run over four weeks
We welcome fathers and partners.
If booking a face-to-face course, choose the area that is closest to you
- West Leeds (for example: Bramley and Kirkstall)
- South Leeds (for example: Morley, Hunslet, and Tingley)
- East Leeds (for example: Kippax, Swarcliffe, and Crossgates)
Who can join?
To join a PBB course, you must:
- pay Council Tax to Leeds City Council
- be around 24 weeks pregnant at time of booking your course
- book a course that matches your expected month of delivery (EDD)
Whenever possible, please use the pregnant parent’s email address to register.
If the email does not match, we may contact you to confirm it.
Course dates are usually released in the first week of every month.
Important information
Please book one ticket per household, as it covers all sessions.
This course is run together with the children’s centre and the midwifery service. A member of these teams may contact you about the course.
We understand that pregnancy can sometimes change. If your pregnancy does not continue, or if you decide you no longer want to be part of the PBB programme, please cancel by contacting us.
You can find our contact details in the ‘Contact us’ section on this page.
We will update your records and make sure you do not receive unwanted messages or appointments.
Course outline
Learn about:
- how your baby grows
- your baby’s amazing brain
- how babies show us different “states” (awake, sleepy, hungry)
We will talk about:
- feeding your baby responsively
- common worries and myths about feeding
- breastfeeding, positioning and attachment
- bonding and skin‑to‑skin contact
- where to find feeding support
Topics include:
- Safe sleeping
- Sleep products
- Looking after your relationships
- Your emotional wellbeing
- Where to go for help and support
This session is led by a midwife.
You will learn about:
- planning for birth
- stages of labour
- pain relief options
- assisted births
- meeting your baby for the first time
- the role of birth partners
- the first few weeks with a new born
Staying connected
After the course, you may want to:
- stay in touch with other new parents you meet
- join baby groups in your local area
The Early Start team can give you information about groups and support services across Leeds.
After your baby is born, you will be invited back to meet the group again.
Feedback
What parents say about PBB
“We enjoyed the interactive activities and discussions and learned that I’m not the only one who is nervous.”
“We’ve enjoyed having focused time to think about our baby and have learnt lots.”
“There’s all the information on the internet, but it’s the fact that you get to ask questions, get our specific concerns out there and get answers to them.”
