Happy Parents Happy Baby or Bump & Baby club?

I was also deciding between the two, but in the end went with B&B as classes are a bit smaller (up to 10 couples instead of up to 14 couples - which is what HPHB has). I felt 14 couples would be too many! HPHB have a different expert teaching each class vs B&B which has the same trainer throughout, which I thought I’d prefer as you can build a better rapport with them. Finally, the B&B class we booked onto was for babies due early April - early May, whereas the HPHB class was aimed at babies due mid March, April and May, which obviously covers a wider date range. In the end, we wanted to go for a class with babies due closer together. I think it’s totally preference - both seem to have good reviews! But in the end, B&B ticked a few more boxes! Hope this helps x

@Montana thank you so much! Yes, I think that the only thing holding me back was that the HPHB are taught by registered healthcare professionals, whereas I don't think that is always the case for Bump and Baby. However, it seems that there are still more pros for bump and baby, so think they will come out on top! X

I am pretty sure B&B are all taught by midwifes, but might be worth double checking with them :) the lady we have doing ours is a qualified nurse, midwife and mum to twins, which was really reassuring (we got notified on who is leading our course after we booked). But I’m sure if you email them, you can ask who will be leading the B&B session for those dates in your area and ask what their background is. I got a really helpful reply when I emailed them :) team@bumpandbabyclub.com

@Montana looking at their team page, I believe the majority are, but a few aren't. Thank you. I've emailed to query about my local group :)

Makes sense! Yes, see what they say and hopefully that’ll give you the reassurance you need :) All I would say is that the B&B classes book up faster than HPHB so I’d try book in the next week if you can. Our class in Earlsfield only has two spaces left for our dates, so you don’t want to leave it too long!

@Montana yes my local group are fully booked until January, so guessing February will be booked soon too! When are you due?

I’m due early April, what about you? I wanted to wait until after my 12 week scan before booking to make sure everything was okay. But it looks like they offer refunds (minus £25 admin fee) if you cancel more than a month in advance. The risk is that people due at the end of the class due date period (ie early May) may miss out as all the early - mid April mums book on first! X

^ we are doing the February class

@Montana same. My scan was last Friday, and all was okay thankfully. That's good for added peace of mind! I would need the February class too x

Glad to hear everything was okay :) it can feel strange booking these classes so early on but I’d say better to do it before they book up to avoid disappointment. Good luck with everything! I’m sure you’ll be fine 😄

Thanks for asking this question. Iive near Crystal Palace so have been debating between the 2 as well!

I’m also weighing these 2 up (Dulwich options in Feb). I’m leaning towards HPHB as they sound very similar and well regarded, but it’s the pub with the shorter walking distance for us! Like that HPHB has sessions with doctors too. Didn’t realise until reading this thread that HPHB were bigger class sizes than B&B - for me that’s a plus. As I’ve heard from friends it’s pot luck how much you click with your antenatal class buddies, so a slightly larger class = more chance of a few like minded couples.

@Montana thank you for all your help, and good luck to you too!

@Maz I'm so indecisive haha. Do you have a preference at the moment?

@CLL it's really individual on what you find are pros/cons. One of the big cons for HPHB is the fact that they have online classes as part of the course, including their first aid session, so you don't have a chance to practice/try things out. I think first aid should be in person at least

@CLL I saw that some people who had done the course express that they wished their first aid had been in person. I emailed HPHB to clarify about the first aid as the information on website was a bit confusing regarding online/in person, and they said no it isn't in person x

I booked onto a local bump & baby club today :)

@Bianca I bit the bullet and booked today too! :)

Have you done your classes? Would you recommend bump and baby?

@Jasmine we did our first bump and baby class and would highly recommend it. Great knowledge shared and hypnobirthing techniques to come!