Ivana Poku Becoming a mum is one of the most life-changing experiences you’ll ever go through. But here’s the thing no one tells you – antenatal classes only prepare you for birth.
But they don’t prepare you for motherhood.
They don’t prepare you for life after baby – the sleepless nights, the emotional rollercoaster, or the silent worries that creep in at 2 a.m.
I know this because when I was pregnant with my twins, I attended a popular local prenatal class.
While it covered useful information about labour and delivery, I felt frustrated.
No one was answering the questions that kept me awake at night – the ones I was too scared to ask out loud:
- Am I going to be a good mum?
- Is it normal to feel sad or lonely?
- Will I ever feel like myself again?
- How will my relationship with my partner change?
- Am I allowed to miss my old life?
Most prenatal classes stop short of discussing these raw, emotional topics.
And that’s where so many mums feel unprepared – and sometimes, vulnerable to postnatal depression (PPD).
In this post, I share what antenatal classes don’t teach you and how you can truly prepare for life after baby – emotionally, mentally, and practically.
But first, hello!
My name is Ivana, and I run MumsJourney, a blog dedicated to supporting mums through every stage of their motherhood journey. I’m also the author of Motherhood: The Unspoken and an award-winning maternal mental health advocate and mentor.
After giving birth to my twins in 2016, I experienced severe PPD. It was the hardest time of my life, but it also showed me how much there is to motherhood people don’t talk about and how many mums don’t get the support they need.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help other mums feel heard, supported, and less alone.
In this post, I cover:
-
Why antenatal classes leave mums unprepared for motherhood
-
An online course that bridges the gap between birth prep and life after baby
- How to protect your mental wellbeing from day one
Why I Created Happy Motherhood Journey
I wanted to create the course I desperately needed back then – something that bridges the gap between expectations and reality, answers the questions antenatal classes don’t, and helps mums protect their mental health from day one.
That’s why I launched Happy Motherhood Journey, an online course designed to help new and expectant mums feel confident, supported, and prepared for the realities of motherhood – not just the birth.
In the process, it also helps them prevent postnatal depression.
I talk more about postnatal depression here:
- 15 things mums need to know about postnatal depression
- Are antenatal classes contributing to postnatal depression?
- My honest PPD story (and how I recovered)
What Makes This Course Different?
Unlike most prenatal classes, this course goes deeper. You’ll discover:
- How to protect your mental health and avoid postnatal depression
- What no one tells you about postpartum recovery (physically and emotionally)
- How to navigate relationship changes with your partner after baby arrives
- Real-life advice from my husband on how to get your partner involved and feeling useful
- How to handle overwhelming advice from well-meaning friends and family without losing your mind
- Practical tips for surviving the first sleepless weeks and where to find free help
- Evidence-backed strategies to build confidence as a new mum – without guilt or pressure
Give Your Baby – and Yourself – the Most Beautiful Beginning
Motherhood doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, lonely, or scary.
With the right tools, you can step into this chapter with confidence, clarity, and calm.
Join the Happy Motherhood Journey and discover how to care for your baby – without forgetting to care for yourself.
Click HERE for more details.
FAQs About the Course
Is Happy Motherhood Journey Right for You?
This course is perfect if you are:
- Pregnant and want to feel prepared for motherhood (not just birth)
- A new mum feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what’s normal
- Someone who wants to avoid postnatal depression and stay mentally strong
- A mum who feels antenatal classes left out the real talk about life after baby
1. Is this course only for first-time mums?
No. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, every motherhood journey is different.
This course supports mums at any stage who want to feel more confident, prepared, and emotionally strong.
2. Can postnatal depression really be prevented?
While no course can guarantee prevention, learning how to spot early signs, protect your mental health, and have a strong support plan dramatically lowers your risk.
3. Do I need to complete the course before my baby arrives?
Not at all. Many mums start during pregnancy, but others find it just as valuable once baby is here. The tools and tips apply at any stage.
