Navigating pregnancy in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the best ways to feel confident and prepared for birth is by attending prenatal classes—especially if your native language isn’t German.
Here’s a curated list of in-person and online prenatal class options in English for expectant parents in the Canton of Zurich and Aargau, with details on upcoming sessions in 2025.
1. LilyBee — Antenatal Classes in Zurich
- Format: In-person prenatal and childbirth education classes (weekend intensives, evening sessions, and private formats), as well as an online course.
- Course Topics: Pregnancy anatomy, labor stages, pain management techniques (medical and natural), birth preferences, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and babywearing. Includes helpful workbooks and illustrated guides.
- Pricing: CHF 560 per couple for standard in-person group classes; CHF 490 for private in-person sessions; participants may be eligible for partial reimbursement through supplementary insurance via QualiCert.
- Recommendation: Ideal for moms-to-be looking for empowering, well-rounded prenatal preparation with English-speaking instructors in Zurich
Read more here: LilyBee Antenatal Course in English
2. Universitätsspital Zürich — Antenatal Weekend Course
- Format: Weekend weekend prenatal class led by specially trained midwives. Conducted in small group settings.
- Course Content: Includes breathing and relaxation techniques, perineal massage, pain management, labor stages, partner support, hospital admission procedures, and postpartum care. A short visit to the birth unit may be included (depending on availability).
- Pricing: CHF 195 for individuals; CHF 390 for couples (includes handout and lunch).
- Insurance Note: Participants are typically responsible for the cost.
- Recommendation: Great for couples seeking a comprehensive, medically-grounded prenatal workshop in Zurich, led by hospital midwives.
Read more here: University Hospital Zurich Prenatal Course (English)
3. Prenatal Weekend Course, Spital Zollikerberg (English)
- Location: Zollikerberg near Zurich
- Details: Two-day class for couples, in English, hosted in a welcoming hospital environment
- Upcoming Dates 2025:
- 25 October
- 8 November
- 6 December
- 10 January 2026
- Contact: infoanlass@spitalzollikerberg.ch
Read more here: Zollikerberg Prenatal English Courses for Couples
4. Prenatal Classes at Spital Männedorf (English)
- Location: Männedorf, near Zurich
- Format: Weekend English prenatal class for moms and partners
- Content: What to expect in labor, newborn care basics, breastfeeding support, and postpartum care
- Dates:
- 27–28 September 2025
- Cost: CHF 310 (individual) or CHF 440 (couple), with CHF 150 often covered by insurance
Read more here: Spital Männedorf Prenatal Classes in English
5. City Midwives (Stadt-Hebammen)—Private English Classes
- Service: Private antenatal classes in your home by qualified midwives
- Rates: CHF 120/hr, with flat reimbursement of CHF 150 from basic health insurance
- Includes: Personalized sessions covering pregnancy, birth processes, partner roles, and postpartum care
Read more here: Stadt-Hebammen
6. Kiely’s Birth Preparation Courses (English, Zurich)
2025 Schedule: Held approximately once a month. Check [birthprep.ch] for details and registrationLilyBee — Antenatal Classes in Zurich
Location: Privatklinik Bethanien, Zurich
Style: Weekend intensive courses in English, limited to small groups (~7 couples)
Topics Covered: Physiology of birth, labor/emergency signs, pain relief techniques, breastfeeding, postpartum support, newborn care, and accessing English resources in Switzerland
When to Join: Around 32nd week
Read more here: Kiely’s Birth Prep Course
7. Privatklinik Bethanien—Birth Preparation for Couples (English)
- Location: Toblerstrasse 51, Zurich
- Format: Weekend course for English-speaking parents
- Content: Breathing and relaxation techniques, partner support role, birth confidence, with coffee breaks and birth ward tours
- 2025 Dates:
- 16–17 August
- 13–14 September
- 1–2 November
- 6–7 December
- Fees: CHF 450 per couple—CHF 150 reimbursement often covered by supplementary insurance
Read more here: Privatklinik Bethanien Birth Prep Course
Group & Immigrant-Friendly Options
For expat moms, access to culturally sensitive support is key:
- Mamamundo: Offers antenatal courses for migrant women in various Swiss regions, including Zurich–especially those not fluent in local languages
hallo-aargau.chMamamundo - Aargau Canton Services: Local hospitals and midwives offer classes and parent groups, with immigrant-specific offerings; check the “Elternbildung Aargau” and “Mütter-/Väterberatung” for local English support
Read more: Mamamundo or Canton Aargau Website
Final Thoughts
Attending prenatal classes can make pregnancy feel less uncertain and more empowering—especially when language and cultural nuances add complexity. Whether you prefer group learning or private sessions, there’s an English-speaking option available near Zurich and Aargau that fit your needs. Early registration is recommended as weekends fill up fast!