Wild Hare Antenatal
Wild Hare Antenatal offers antenatal courses in Holmfirth and the surrounding areas of West and South Yorkshire.
The courses are evidence‑based, personal, and shaped around the needs of the people in the room. They offer a safe space to explore what becoming a parent means, and to build confidence and practical skills as you prepare for this new phase of your life.
People say it takes a village to raise a baby — Wild Hare Antenatal helps you begin building the foundations of that village.
Why Wild Hare Antenatal
Wild Hare Antenatal is based at The Nest in Holmfirth — created in the community, for the community.
Our courses are evidence‑driven, with space to explore what really matters to you as you prepare for birth and early parenthood.
Each course includes a pre‑course meeting with Anna to talk through your needs and expectations, six weeks of group learning using up‑to‑date adult learning approaches, and a mid‑course one‑to‑one to check in on anything that’s come up for you.
You’ll also have access to a group WhatsApp space for support between sessions, and the option of half‑price postnatal coaching if you want continued support after your baby arrives.
What's Included
Wild Hare Antenatal courses cover the period from late pregnancy through to the first eight weeks postnatal.
They consider the emotions, decisions and changes that you and your partner might be experiencing during this time.
Drawing on up‑to‑date research and your own experiences and feelings, the course takes you through different birthing and postnatal possibilities, helping you build a set of tools to support the choices you make.
Anna also offers additional one‑to‑one support throughout, so your support isn’t limited to the sessions — it’s there when you need it.
About Me
Wild Hare Antenatal is run by me, Anna Dawson‑Jones. I trained as a postnatal facilitator and antenatal teacher with the NCT over 16 years ago and have been practising across Yorkshire ever since.
In that time, I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and couples as they’ve made the transition into parenthood.
Wild Hare Antenatal is my dream — bringing locally based antenatal education to my home in the Holme Valley. I believe passionately that strong community support in the early days of parenting can have a long‑term positive impact, not just in the first year of your baby’s life but throughout your whole parenting journey.
Alongside community, I believe parents‑to‑be deserve up‑to‑date, evidence‑based teaching that helps them make the best decisions for themselves and their families. That’s why I work hard to keep my CPD current and relevant to the courses I run.
Most of all, though, I care. Becoming a parent was the most exciting whirlwind adventure of my life, and supporting even a small part of that transition for someone else is why I do what I do.
FAQs
What if I’m feeling nervous about joining a group?
It’s completely normal to feel that way. Many people arrive feeling unsure, especially if this is their first baby. The group is small, gentle and welcoming, and you’re never put on the spot. You can take things at your own pace.
Do I need to know anything before I come?
No. You don’t need to prepare or read anything in advance. The course meets you exactly where you are, whether you’re feeling organised, overwhelmed, curious or a bit of everything.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. You’re welcome on your own, with a partner, or with any birth companion you choose. The course is designed to support all kinds of families.
What if my partner can’t make every session?
That’s absolutely fine. Life happens. You’ll still get the full course content, and your partner can join when they’re able to. You can also use your one‑to‑one sessions to catch up on anything you want to explore together.
Is this course suitable for first‑time parents and people who’ve done this before?
Yes. You’re welcome whether this is your first baby or your third. Some second‑ or third‑time parents prefer to join this course, while others choose the Growing Families course, which is designed specifically for people expanding their family. You can choose whichever feels right for you.
When in pregnancy should I join?
Most people join between 24 and 34 weeks. I recommend finishing the course roughly four weeks before your due date, so you have time to rest, settle and integrate everything before your baby arrives. If you’re unsure about timing, we can chat about what would work best for you.
What if I have specific worries or things I don’t want to talk about in a group?
That’s where the one‑to‑one sessions come in. You can bring anything that feels personal, complicated or tender, and we can explore it privately.
What happens if I miss a week?
You won’t fall behind. We can cover the key points in your one‑to‑one, and the WhatsApp group helps you stay connected between sessions.
Is the course evidence‑based?
Yes. Everything taught is grounded in up‑to‑date research, combined with space to explore your own values, preferences and lived experience. It’s not about telling you what to do — it’s about helping you make informed decisions that feel right for your family.
What happens after the course finishes?
You’ll have access to the WhatsApp group for continued peer support, and you can choose to book postnatal coaching at a reduced rate if you want more individual support in the early weeks.
If you’d like to explore the different courses or check dates, you can find everything here: