Our classes are open to people from all Jewish backgrounds, those with Jewish heritage or in mixed heritage couples, including those who are observant, secular, or somewhere in between.

We aim to create a welcoming space for the whole Jewish community. The classes are inclusive of couples, single parents, same-sex couples, and gender non-conforming participants. Everyone preparing for the arrival of a baby is welcome.

While we provide information about Jewish perspectives around birth, we always recommend seeking guidance from your own rabbi or halachic authority for specific religious questions.

Our classes are open to all parents, including those who have had a baby before.

Many parents find birth preparation classes helpful in subsequent pregnancies as well. Every pregnancy and birth can be different, and the classes offer an opportunity to refresh knowledge, explore new evidence-based information, and reflect on previous birth experiences.

Parents who have given birth before often find it valuable to revisit topics such as labour options, coping strategies, birth planning, and preparing older siblings for a new baby.

When registering, we encourage participants to share a little about their parenting journey in the expression of interest form. This helps us understand your experiences and tailor the sessions as much as possible to support everyone attending.

We generally recommend joining the classes from around 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

This timing helps ensure the information is fresh in your mind while still allowing plenty of time to prepare, ask questions, and think about your preferences for birth and the early days with your baby.

Our classes are primarily focused on birth preparation, with practical and evidence-based information about labour, birth, and early parenthood.

Alongside this, we interweave relevant Jewish perspectives and traditions that may arise around pregnancy, birth, and welcoming a new baby.

There is no pressure to participate in any Jewish elements if you do not feel comfortable. We aim to create a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone attending.

All Shifrah UK classes are taught by registered midwives with extensive professional experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

This means the information shared is clinically accurate, evidence-based, and grounded in real experience of caring for families.

Yes. We actively encourage partners or support people to attend where possible, as it helps them understand how best to support you during labour and birth.

However, single participants are absolutely welcome, and the classes are designed to support a wide range of family situations.

Currently, all our classes are online.

Running the sessions online allows us to reach families across the UK and in different locations, making the classes accessible to more people.

In the future, we may offer some face-to-face classes if there is interest and demand.

No - the sessions will not be recorded.

We want the classes to feel like a safe and private space where participants feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and discussing personal topics related to pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Not recording the sessions helps create an environment where everyone can participate openly and feel confident that conversations remain within the group.

Yes. We encourage questions throughout the sessions and aim to create a supportive and relaxed environment where participants feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and concerns.