The Margate Antenatal Retreat
3rd and 4th October 2026
Because birth is just the beginning...
Preparing for a baby can feel like an endless list of things to learn:
What happens in labour. What pain relief is available. What to pack. How to feed your baby. What happens afterwards.
And yes, knowing those things matters.
But there's something else that matters just as much - knowing you're not doing it alone.
The Margate Antenatal Retreat was created because I wanted to bring those two things together: genuinely excellent antenatal education AND the feeling of being part of a village.
It is a weekend where you can learn, ask questions, eat really good food, slow down, laugh, breathe, meet other expectant parents and begin building the community you'll need when your baby arrives.
Come for the birth preparation. Leave with so much more.
"Frances made us feel so at ease about what we were going through during pregnancy and we now feel excited about the birth itself - something I NEVER thought I'd feel."
- Alexandra and Gabriel -
Birth & Physiology
Understand what's happening in your body during labour and birth, the function of hormones and how to work with your physiology.
Hypnobirthing
Combining mindset work and practical tools for an inner calm, confidence and feeling grounded throughout your labour and birth experience.
Your Choices
Honest, evidence-based conversations about interventions, pain relief, surgical birth and navigating current maternity care.
Feeding & Newborns
Realistic preparation for feeding a baby, normal newborn behaviour and how to find as many wins as you can in those early days.
Movement &
Wellbeing
Time to connect with your body and explore gentle bump-safe movement to support your pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond.
Expert Support
Specialist guests bringing additional knowledge, practical skills and nourishment to your weekend.
Antenatal Education, Reimagined
The Village
Find your village before you need it
There's something about sharing a table that makes people talk, so food is at the heart of this retreat.
We'll eat together, sit together, learn together and laugh together because some of the most valuable conversations won't happen during a workshop. They'll happen over lunch, or coffee or while you're waiting for others to come in. The magic is when someone says, "I'm feeling exactly the same."
This isn't about leaving with a collection of Instagram followers who happen to be pregnant at the same time - it's about beginning to build your people.
"Frances taught us so much that we would never have even thought about. She has extensive knowledge, is friendly and made us laugh. We felt much more confident going into the birth."
- Rosalind -
The Venue
(a little bit of Margate magic)
"It is seeing the sea the second you step out of the station. It is where I plan to be for many years."
- Harry Baker, poet -
We'll spend the weekend at CloudZen, a beautiful light-filled space in Margate designed for gathering, movement, conversation and connection.
As you come in, you will be welcomed into a beautiful living space - think cosy sofas and a gorgeous spot to enjoy your morning coffee. This is where we will gather together for food and nourishment, chats around the table and spending time together.
Downstairs, there's a spacious studio where our sessions will take place. Forget the fluorescent lights, rows of hard plastic chairs and death-by-powerpoint. There's just a beautiful space, good food and a table with a seat waiting for you.
And the food: food isn't an afterthought here. Sharing a meal is one of the simplest ways we know of to bring people together, so we've made it part of the experience. Expect delicious, nourishing food, good coffee, plenty of tea and a table designed for conversation, because sometimes the best bit of antenatal education happens when you're passing the bread.
Who is this for?
This is for you if...
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You're expecting a baby and want more than a traditional antenatal course.
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You want evidence-based information without fearmongering.
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You'd like to feel genuinely prepared for birth and early parenthood.
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You're looking for practical tools as well as honest conversations.
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You want your partner to feel involved and confident too.
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You're craving connection with other expectant parents.
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You'd love to start building your village before your baby arrives.
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You appreciate beautiful surroundings, good food and thoughtful details.
"Mind blown with all the information - I couldn't have asked for a better education. This isn't your average class, this is so much more."
- Alex and Laura -
The Practical Stuff
When
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October 2026
Where
CloudZen, Margate
Who
A small group of expectant couples
Accommodation
This is a non-residential retreat. Your ticket includes the full two-day experience, but accommodation isn't included.
Cost
Founding Couples special offer:£299 per couple
Because this is the very first retreat. Limited to the first 4 couples.
Standard price: £349 per couple
Your place includes:
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Two full days at the retreat
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All antenatal education
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Hypnobirthing
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Expert-led sessions
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Practical workshops
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All food and refreshments
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Your retreat materials
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Time and space to connect with your village
This is the first ever Margate Antenatal Retreat, so our founding couples are being invited to join us at a special introductory price.
FAQ's
Because questions are always welcome
Do I need to be local to Margate?
No. But you'll need to make your own way to/from the venue.
What if I'm planning a caesarean birth?
This retreat is about
understanding birth, choices and the transition into parenthood, and is relevant for all types and places of birth.
Is accommodation included?
No, this is a non-residential retreat. If you need
recommendations please let me know.
What if I don't want to breastfeed?
Feeding your baby is a personal choice, but it is essential to have information to make an informed choice. No judgement here!
How pregnant do I have to be?
You can do this at any gestation, but you're likely to get the most out of it between 24-34 weeks. However, do it when it feels right for you.
Is this suitable for second-time parents?
Yes. This is suitable for all pregnancies: first, fifth or anything in between!
How to Book
Numbers will never be big, to keep it intentionally small and personal.
Founding places are available now
1. Complete your booking form
2. Secure your place with payment
3. Receive your welcome information
4. Start getting excited!
