ECHO fund pioneering antenatal classes for parents whose unborn child has been diagnosed with a heart condition. These classes take place at St Thomas’ Hospital every six weeks.

The classes are completely free-of-charge and a light lunch is included.

The classes are facilitated by members of the Tower Midwife team – the same people who will be coordinating obstetric care at the hospital.

Similar to regular antenatal classes the day will provide information on:

• Preparing for the arrival of your baby
• Getting to and staying in and around St Thomas’ Hospital
• Stages of labour and what to expect
• Pain relief in labour
• Your care in labour
• Feeding your baby
• Postnatal recovery
• Caring for your baby

Going along for my 20-week scan was exciting, I never expected it to be
the hardest day of my life. I went along to the echo antenatal class. I 
was reminded that it was ok to enjoy being pregnant and felt prepared 
for what was about to happen, being in a room with 8 other couples 
going through the same thing was amazing.

All subjects will focus specifically on what to expect when you are expecting a baby with a heart condition. In addition to this the midwives will give you a tour of the birth centre and the neonatal unit at St Thomas’ Hospital.

Most importantly, parents will also have the opportunity to meet and talk to others in a similar situation, which many feel is an invaluable way of getting support.

An ECHO volunteer will also attend the day – a parent who has experienced a similar situation – to talk about their own family story and to pass on information about other sources of support.

If you would like to enquire about attending one of these classes please telephone the Tower Team Midwives on 07717 700 276.