Women Supporting Women in North Lanarkshire: Antenatal Classes based in the new Chryston Therapy Rooms
By Louise Downie, Registered Midwife, Health Visitor and founder of Stork Beginnings
I have some news. Stork Beginnings antenatal classes now have a new home at Chryston Therapy Rooms in Chryston, just outside Glasgow. I'd love to tell you why I chose this space and what to expect when you join me.
More than a room: the women of Chryston Therapy Rooms
One of the things I love most about my new base is the community around it. Chryston Therapy Rooms was opened by SJ Speirits, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, and Jenna Quinn, a Clinical Psychotherapist. They've created a beautiful space and rent it to accredited wellbeing practitioners, including me and my antenatal class business, Stork Beginnings.
Rooms are also hired out to beauty therapists specialising in holistic treatments, Reiki Practitioners, Menopause Specialists and general wellbeing practitioners - some lovely relaxation classes are coming to the rooms soon too! It's women supporting women in North Lanarkshire, each of us offering a service the local community really needs, and we cheer each other on constantly. Make sure you follow their socials to be kept up to date.
There are some fabulous therapists offering both clinical and holistic therapies.
SJ Speirits, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) in Chryston, Glasgow. SJ offers CBT to adults aged 17 and over across Glasgow and North Lanarkshire, supporting anxiety, low mood, depression, work-related stress, low self-esteem and addiction. She has a fresh, engaging approach and often uses visual aids to help clients understand their patterns. Find out more about SJ
Jenna Quinn, Clinical Psychotherapist offering CBT and EMDR therapy near Glasgow. Jenna has extensive experience supporting people with PTSD, birth trauma and other trauma-related difficulties. If a previous birth was difficult, or you're carrying worries about the next one, it's reassuring to know that specialist birth trauma support is under the same roof. Find out more about Jenna
Stacey Gray, Ace Holistics and Wellness: massage, holistic therapies and nails in North Lanarkshire. Stacey offers deeply relaxing, restorative treatments for busy lives and tired minds that need to slow down and reset. I've just had my nails done by Stacey and they're lovely, and I'm really looking forward to booking in for a massage soon. Find out more about Stacey here.
Jennifer Brodie, Wellness in Menopause: menopause support and massage in Glasgow. Jennie is a Registered Nurse with more than 25 years of clinical experience. She combines her nursing expertise with holistic therapies, including menopause massage, to help women manage symptoms, reduce stress and regain confidence. Find out more about Jennie here.
Stacey Tierney, Holistic Reiki and Hypnotherapist Practitioner, Stacey has spent over 20 years in the wellbeing industry helping people feel better in their bodies and their minds. Find out more about Stacey here.
Yes, there are three Stacey's!
I'm a midwife, not a therapist, and I always point people towards the right support when they need it. Having that support so close, and knowing the people providing it, is something I'm really proud of.
Why I keep my antenatal classes small?
This was the first decision I made.
I've worked in maternity care for a long time, and I know what happens in a room of twenty. People stay quiet. The questions that really matter, the slightly embarrassing ones, the ones you only think of at 2am, never get asked. With small numbers (4-5 couples max), you can ask anything. You get to know each other. I get to know you, your worries, your plans and your hopes for the birth, and I can shape the sessions around the people actually in the room.
Small groups also tend to turn into friendships. Some of the best things that come out of my classes are the WhatsApp groups that keep going long after the babies arrive.
The benefits of antenatal classes
Most people come to antenatal classes thinking they'll learn about labour. You will, but there's much more to it than that. Here's what a good antenatal class can give you:
Confidence going into birth. Knowing what the stages of labour look like, what your options are and what questions to ask your midwife makes the whole thing feel less like walking into the unknown.
A proper role for your birth partner. Partners often feel like spectators. I'll show yours how to actually help, practically and emotionally. If you don't have a birth partner, that's okay too - there is lots of support available for individual circumstances and I've got lots of recommendations I can provide.
Clear information on pain relief and birth choices. Balanced, honest and non-judgemental, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Preparation for the first weeks with your baby. Feeding, sleep, newborn care and what's normal. This is the bit people tell me they wish they'd learned more about.
Looking after your own recovery and mental health. Becoming a parent is a huge transition, and it deserves some attention, not just the birth day itself.
Meeting other local parents. Having people nearby who are at exactly the same stage as you makes a big difference.
I also teach hypnobirthing, if calm, breathing and relaxation techniques are something you'd like to explore as part of your preparation.
What midwife-led really means
I'm a Registered Midwife and Health Visitor, so I've supported families through pregnancy, birth, the postnatal period and the early weeks and months at home. That means you're getting current, practical, evidence-based information from someone who has been with families at every stage, not a script. I created my own antenatal programme "Pregnancy to Parenthood Course" as i didn't want to be restricted to promoting other people's courses when I've got all my experience organically from the "shop floor" working with families for years.
My approach is warm, relaxed and completely non-judgemental. However you plan to give birth and however you plan to feed your baby, you'll be supported.
Antenatal classes at Chryston Therapy Rooms: easy to reach from Glasgow, Stirling and across North Lanarkshire.
Chryston Therapy Rooms is on Cloverhill Place in Chryston, about eight miles from Glasgow city centre. It's a calm, welcoming space with plenty of natural light, a dedicated waiting area, secure buzzer access and, something that really matters when you're heavily pregnant, on-site parking right outside.
Getting here is simple:
From Glasgow: around eight miles from the city centre, with the M8 and M80 connecting you straight through.
From Stirling and Falkirk: the M80 brings you almost to the door, so Stirling couples can get here without a complicated drive.
From across North Lanarkshire: Cumbernauld, Moodiesburn, Muirhead, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Lenzie, Auchinloch and Kirkintilloch and surrounding areas are all a short drive away.
By public transport: Stepps and Lenzie train station and regular bus routes are nearby.
If you're looking for antenatal classes near Glasgow without the city centre traffic and parking stress, this is a lovely option.
Antenatal classes in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire: your questions answered
How many couples are in each class? A maximum of five. I keep groups small so everyone can ask questions and feel comfortable.
When should I book antenatal classes? After you have had your 20 week scan. Most people come beginning of 3rd trimester. Booking early means you get the dates that suit you, as spaces are limited with such small groups.
Do I need to bring a partner? Your birth partner is very welcome and I'd encourage it, whether that's your husband, wife, partner, mum, sister or friend. If you'd like to come on your own, just get in touch.
Is this a first-time parent class only? Not at all. If it's your second or third baby, a refresher can be really helpful, especially if it's been a few years or your last experience wasn't what you hoped for.
Is there parking? Yes, there's on-site parking right outside the building.
Do you offer hypnobirthing? Yes. I offer midwife-led antenatal classes, hypnobirthing, infant feeding and baby care preparation.
Learn more about the course here https://www.storkbeginnings.co.uk/antenatalcourse
Book your antenatal class in Chryston
If you're looking for antenatal classes in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire or within easy reach of Stirling, I'd love to meet you. Spaces are limited to four couples per course.
To book or ask a question, email info@storkbeginnings.co.uk or visit www.storkbeginnings.co.uk.
I can't wait to welcome you.
Louise Stork Beginnings, Chryston Therapy Rooms, Office 2, Chryston House, Cloverhill Place, Chryston, Glasgow G69 9DQ
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