Prenatal Classes

En groupe, Grossesse, In English, Individuel, Préparation à la naissance, Prestation

We are a team of midwives who are passionate about birth preparation. We train and meet regularly to share best practices and enrich one another to maintain a high-level of quality in our services.

Purpose of the prenatal classes through theory and practice

Through conversation and exercises (in groups or private lessons), we provide insights into each stage of the birth experience:

We help future parents feel more confident and prepared for the birth of their infant
We empower them to make informed choices
We support mothers-to-be to be aware of the wisdom of their bodies
We help refine birth plans by listening to individual needs
We strengthen parenting skills
We strengthen the roles of fathers-to-be or co-parents
We recommend attending the class after 32 weeks of pregnancy

Who are these prenatal classes designed for?

First time parents-to-be, including
- Heterosexual couples
- LGBTQI+ couples
- Single mothers-to-be
Parents who already have children but would like a refresher
Women wishing to give birth with or without an epidural
Parents who are well-informed but need clarification
Busy parents who have not yet had time to think about the birthing process

Next classes in english

Sunday October 13,20,27
09:45-13:15

Mirka Athanasi
078 331 73 58

420.-

Wednesday October 2, 9, 16, 30,
November 6
18:45-20:45

Valerie Poffet
078 642 96 76

420.-

Wednesday November 13, 20, 27,
December 4, 11
18:45-20:45

Valerie Poffet
078 642 96 76

420.-

Wednesday January 15, 22, 29,
February 5, 12
18:45-20:45

Valerie Poffet
078 642 96 76

420.-

Wednesday March 5, 12, 19, 26,
April 2
18:45-20:45

Valerie Poffet
078 642 96 76

420.-

Wednesday April 9, 16, 30
May 7, 14
18:45-20:45

Valerie Poffet
078 642 96 76

420.-

More information

The price of the class varies based on the number of people and the number of hours.
The basic insurance (LAMal) reimburses CHF150 for birth preparation. Additional reimbursements may be provided by complementary health insurance.
5-hour group classes cost CHF 350.- for a family.(the number of sessions varies depending on the class )
10-hour group classes cost CHF 420.- for a family (the number of sessions varies depending on the class).
Private lessons, at home or at the Arcade Sages-femmes, cost CHF120 per hour (1-3 sessions usually)

Private prenatal courses

Our private prenatal courses are tailored to your needs. They will take place at your home or at the Arcade Sages-femmes. Depending on your availability, topics covered, and bodywork preferences, private courses typically run for a total of 1 to 4 hours.

We will work with you to identify a midwife who can both lead your birth preparation course and ideally (based on availability) come to your home post-birth to provide postpartum care. Note: Basic insurance covers 16 home visits for 56 days after your infant is born.

For additional information about group or private lessons and registration please call us at:
+41 (0)22 329 05 55

Evening and weekend prenatal courses (9-10 hours)

Dear parents-to-be,

This prenatal class will allow us to go in-depth into a number of topics that concern pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period (the ‘golden month’ and ‘fourth trimester’).

We will discuss end of pregnancy experiences, preparing for labour and birth, and when and how to develop a birth plan. We will inform you about the differences between birthing locations (HUG Maternity, private clinics, birth centres, home birth) and types of birth.

We aim to prepare you for the birth you wish to have:

by presenting you with the different possible courses of action,
by giving you time and information to reflect on what is important to you,
by allowing you to experiment with breathing techniques and postures that help the woman through labour, that help the baby through the birth process, and that promote a smooth labour and birth.

We help the birth partner understand how important their role is and help them to acquire tools to assist in the birth process.

We will also discuss and help you to prepare for the highs and lows of the “fourth trimester,” a special but often intense period that lasts for several weeks after you baby is born.

We will share with you tips for preparing for labour, birthing highlights, and difficulties. We will also discuss and explore the rhythms of new born babies and their breastfeeding/nutritional needs.

About English-Speaking Evening and Weekend Prenatal Classes with Valerie and Mirka

Valerie Poffet is a mother of two and a midwife with over 20 years of experience in midwifery. She worked for 10 years at HUG Maternity and has worked as an independent midwife, as a member of Arcade Sages-femmes, for the past 12 years. To enhance her practice, Valerie has studied midwifery in Switzerland, the UK (Developmental Baby Massage), the US, Italy, and Spain (WATSU® practitioner diploma).

In her work with Arcade Sages-femmes, Valerie draws on her professional and lived experience to support and empower English-speaking future parents so that they can make the most of their birthing experience in Geneva.

Valerie’s five interactive evening prenatal group sessions will help future parents to:

Strengthen confidence and birthing/parenting skills
Make informed choices and express preferences about birth and the post-partum period
Gather relevant information about pregnancy and childbirth in Geneva
Anticipate administrative steps
Equip birthing partners with effective tools to support mother and baby

The groups are limited to 3 to 5 couples to allow everyone to ask questions, address concerns, and connect with other future parents. Groups are also open to single and adoptive future parents.

Future parents are welcome to attend with their partner/spouse or the person of their choice.

Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at the Arcade Sage-femme.

Mirka Athanasi is a registered UK midwife since 2010. Mirka did her midwifery training in the UK and worked in a large London hospital for 5 years before becoming an independent midwife. Mirka has moved to Geneva 4 years ago where she registered as a midwife and started working with the Arcade sage-femme organisation.

Mirka believes that antenatal classes are a great way to prepare you and your partner for the birth and life with your baby and to get to meet other parents-to-be.

Mirka’s interactive classes are designed to prepare you for the journey ahead, including pregnancy, birth, and life with baby. Classes will help you to make informed choices and answer your questions.

Mirka has been teaching antenatal classes to parents-to-be for 10 years and led many lectures targeted to student midwives and midwives on how to teach antenatal classes. My years of practical experience working on delivery suit, birth center, and community will bring the whole experience to life.

Mirka offers a set of 3 classes lasting 180 minutes each (9 hours in total) + 2 hour optional fourth class in a group.

Classes are held on Saturdays in the Arcade Sage-femme or in Bernex.