The Antenatal Group

by Amy Bratley

Seven months pregnant, Mel is dumped by her partner and left stranded outside her first antenatal class. And so the expectant mother believes that she is about to face parenthood alone. Instead, Mel finds herself introduced to the world of pain relief and labour positions with a group of women who quickly become valuable friends in the terrifying new world of motherhood...

Katy, a rich and successful professional woman with the dream husband, has her birth designed to perfection but soon realises that nature doesn't always follow plans.

Lexi, loud and confident, is doing pregnancy alone, and coping well. Until the only man she has ever loved makes a reappearance at the most unexpected moment.

Rebecca, the youngest of the group, is an independent and strong-minded woman who is determined to hold onto her dreams.

Erin already seems to be an expert on babies, but her over-protective attitude towards her bump is hiding a tragic story from the past.

Each of these women has a different kind of complicated life, but as mums-to-be the five discover together that preparing for the birth of a baby is one time when every woman needs four new friends.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Amy Bratley works as a freelance journalist and lives in Dorset with her husband and two children. She also writes under the pseudonym Amy Miller.

Reviews

[Simoloverosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo non è un libro frivolo come la copertina vuole far sembrare è una storia che in modo molto veritiero parla di donne in attesa di incontrare finalmente il vero amore della loro vita ossia i loro figli.
Una profonda amicizia che nasce durante il corso preparto fra un gruppo di donne ognuna con le sua storia di vita e d'amore dietro. Il corso non solo sarà un momento di preparazione ma anche un momento di unione e condivisione della loro difficile e complicata vita soprattutto quella di Mel che è stata lasciata dal compagno poco prima di partorire in un momento delicato in cui grazie all'incontro con le altre future mamme è riuscita comunque ad affrontare e superare. Una bella storia che fa riflettere e ripercorrere per chi è già mamma quel periodo indimenticabile.

[The Weekly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Overall, I liked the book and it's message and it's really different than what I usually read so it was a nice change of pace. I really liked the 5 different story lines and that they were so different and yet they were all connected by the common experience. The ending was pretty good but not totally satisfying, but I think that was the author’s point that with something like motherhood it’s not always clear. I feel like there was so much of this book that could have been shortened in some way, it had so many storylines that I felt like some of them got lost in the overall story of the book. Like there were so many plots and I don’t really feel like they were all tied up. Like so are Katy and Anita good now? It’s not really made clear, in the end it felt like a plot point that was needed at one point and then the author decided to go a different way so she cut it. Also like Mel and Leo just didn’t make 100% sense to me, in that it just never really felt like she forgave him or at least we didn't really get to see that moment. Also Erin had a great story and I felt like she was on the back burner compared to everyone else like I really liked her and wish I had gotten more of her. And with Lexi I just feel like there was even more of an opportunity with her and Gary that could have been touched on but I really wanted this to be a romance and it really wasn’t. Also with Rebecca and Lenny like I liked their story line but I also felt like Lenny sucked and he changed a little but I just felt like Rebecca was too good for him. All in all 4 cups of tea. - HannahI received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Overall, I liked the book and it's message and it's really different than what I usually read so it was a nice change of pace. I really liked the 5 different story lines and that they were so different and yet they were all connected by the common experience. The ending was pretty good but not totally satisfying, but I think that was the author’s point that with something like motherhood it’s not always clear. I feel like there was so much of this book that could have been shortened in some way, it had so many storylines that I felt like some of them got lost in the overall story of the book. Like there were so many plots and I don’t really feel like they were all tied up. Like so are Katy and Anita good now? It’s not really made clear, in the end it felt like a plot point that was needed at one point and then the author decided to go a different way so she cut it. Also like Mel and Leo just didn’t make 100% sense to me, in that it just never really felt like she forgave him or at least we didn't really get to see that moment. Also Erin had a great story and I felt like she was on the back burner compared to everyone else like I really liked her and wish I had gotten more of her. And with Lexi I just feel like there was even more of an opportunity with her and Gary that could have been touched on but I really wanted this to be a romance and it really wasn’t. Also with Rebecca and Lenny like I liked their story line but I also felt like Lenny sucked and he changed a little but I just felt like Rebecca was too good for him. All in all 4 stars. - Hannah

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[Jonathan Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book, however I did feel that it was one of those books that would have benefitted from finishing sooner. The last 100 pages were a struggle, in contrast to the rest of the piece which I found delightful. I truly connected with the engaging characters, however my interest did begin to dwindle once all of the women had given birth. It felt forced, and I felt as though Bratley was struggling to churn out a credible storyline. However, overall, I would really recommend this book to people!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel gets dumped by her boyfriend on the steps to the clinic where they were going for antenatal classes. Mel, who was 8 months pregnant has no idea how she is going to cope with having a baby and being a new mom on her own. The other women she meets in the class seem like they would have nothing in common with each other, but as they get to know each other and as their due dates draw closer, they form some really close friendships.
This book was so good. I did not want to put it down. If you are a fan of books by Liane Moriarty, Beth Harbison and Jane Green then you will love this.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five women who, at first glance seem to have little in common, form a supportive group whilst attending The Antenatal Group. Although they all come from different walks of life, with different lifestyles they are all due to become mothers around the same time.

I likedreading about their different worlds (although having two of the dads with names beginning with'l' confused me occasionally!) All in all it was a light enjoyable read, thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Alessandra Angelini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una lettura veloce e, a tratti divertente, che punto l'obiettivo sulla maternità nelle sue paure, nelle ansie ma anche i momenti per cui vale la pena viverla

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never went to an antenatal group and it was a choice I made deliberately. I felt no fear at all when I thought about the day I would give birth. I was calm and I did not want to hear any horror stories. Maybe I was hiding my head in the sand, but it worked for me. I guess it also helped that I had a pregnancy I wish for everybody and I was somehow convinced giving birth would also be like a walk in the park. I had not prepared my case either because I had a tour planned in the hospital and they were going to provide me with a list of all the things I should bring. But… my son decided that enough was enough and came 3 weeks early. Conclusion: I had not packed anything yet and I certainly did not have time to start worrying. I was home alone, of course, when the contractions started and me, waiting for an ambulance to take me to the hospital, only gave me time to pick up my purse, a pen and a booklet with word puzzles…. 🙂

I do understand that people feel the need to go to this group and they can make friends for life there too. That’s a choice everybody is free to make.

Having a loving partner who has your back during and after the pregnancy is a joy, but when you cannot count on them and they only add to your problems, maybe sometimes it’s better to do it alone and prevent the extra stress.

Getting pregnant is a big thing. You are responsible for a new human being and it brings worries but also a lot of joy and love.

I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked the way pregnancy and babies brings people together and can be the foundation of a solid friendship even between people who would normally not bond at all. These women found a support group within a support gourp and they will be tied forever together through their little ones.

Babies are wonderful little wizzards. They can fix wilting relationship between lovers and family and solidify them for ever. 5 stars

Thank you

[Molly Luck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about five ladies who meet for the first time at an Antenatal class. Katy, Lexi, Erin, Rebecca and Mel.
It tells the story of each lady during pregnancy. They all become friends and this is the story of their lives with a baby and how everything happens differently.

I really enjoyed this story, there was a lot going on with five different stories but they all come together. I loved it

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up in a charity shop recently as part of a deal. I didn’t expect much in all honesty and it’s not my usual genre, however I could resonate with the characters as new mums.

I quite liked the characters and the plot moved along nicely - nothing life changing or earth shattering but a decent wee read! Would read more from the author.

[Heather Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming story of making friends and how life feels after having a baby. A really realistic account of different responses to having a baby, not just the usual ‘love at first sight and making it seem easy’

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, I do think the last 100 pages were unnecessary though and I started to lose interest after this point. I would recommend this if you like the film “what to expect when you’re expecting”.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettura piacevole e scorrevole, che vi terrà incollati alle pagine di questo libro.
5 donne, completamente diverse, che però diventano amiche dandosi forza l'una con l'altra in un momento delicato della loro vita.

[MusokaSakebi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino... ti fa sentire come potrebbe essere la tua gravidanza, con i dubbi e le paure

[Jenny Mynett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that all new parents can relate to this.

[Grace Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I loved all of the characters and their stories. Some of it was so relatable ! Highly recommend x

[Debbie lost in a world of books. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, took me back to my first pregnancy.

[Caitlin King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really moving and heartwarming as a recent mother to my first baby

[Teguan Harris]

DNF

[Joanne Bolam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and light hearted

[Aylen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really entertaining and wholesome. I loved and connected with each character.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five women in different circumstances all meet at their Antenatal group in the month or so before their due dates. With the exception of one woman, they are all in their first pregnancy, some with partners, others without: all excited and not a little frightened and excited for the changes to come. From the spectacular entrance of Mel, just discovering her partner ‘can’t do it” before he leaves her at the doorstep of the class, to the uptight and rather judgmental Katy with her older partner and a “plan’ in which her baby will just fit, to the young couple comprised of Rebecca and Lenny – the group is disparate and has, on the initial view, little to bring it together.

But surprisingly (or perhaps not so) it is the common elements that bring them together – the last discomforts during the last months of pregnancy, discovering that one of their number has previously had an unsuccessful pregnancy, struggles with parents and partners, or coping with loneliness, making birth plans and discovering that things are not progressing according to plan. From quick and reasonably easy births and babies, to the unexpected struggles of post-natal depression, lack of sleep, struggles with schedules and finding the little being wholly dependent on them – it’s an honest story about late pregnancy, struggles with birth and newborns, and clearly describes the upheaval that one little eight pound dictator can throw into a previously well-ordered (or at least organized chaotic) life.

Friendships, truths, healing and hope all emerge as the group finds ways to bond and support one another – with some hard truths and a well-presented case of depression, the overwhelming moments, and the joys that come along with a baby – and the moments that, although we never should be, are afraid to share because of judgments and it not being the “ideal’ that is in every commercial and image that you held in your head from the beginning of the process. With laughter, tears, fears and above all, friendships all clearly presented – this is a story that is well written, and comes to life with situations that you know, will experience, or remember from years gone by/

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a publisher in exchange for a review.
To be totally honest about this book I think I wouldn't have been interested in it if I was not pregnant and had a baby myself. I was not so much baby obsessed and I guess I wouldn't have liked it as much as I liked it now.
Actually no, I loved this book. From the very first to the very last page.
It is a book about - surprise, surprise:) - women that meet at the ante - natal classes and stay friends. We are taken on a journey through the last weeks of their pregnancies, a journey full of private problems, not only the ones related to the pregnancies. And there are a lot of problems when one is pregnant, oh yes. I have cried reading this book, I have smiled, I have kept my fingers crossed, I was nodding my head with agreement, I felt this book was in a way also about me. I felt like in my ante - natal classes again, I felt like I know all the girls from the book as if they were my friends, I could pat them on their backs and say that I really, really understand.
Although it was a book about pregnancies, and there were some details that only pregnant women or mum can find interesting, this book was not boring at all, the proportions between the pregnancy problems and everyday life were very balanced and I didn't feel overwhelmed with too many details.
What I like about the book too is the fact that it didn't end after the babies were born. It continued and showed us how all the girls were coping with their new lives and with their babies, and what was nice it didn't show only positives. No, it coped with post - natal depression, with fears and angst and uncertainty. I have laughed when Mel and Leo didn't know what's going on in the night and instead of trying the easiest way, ie. feeding the baby, read a book, looked for illness symptoms. I laughed, because it was so typical and normal for new parents. I have seen myself being portrayed on these pages.
I have liked some of the girls more, some less but I have felt for them and wanted everything to end good for them.
This book is exactly good as a pregnancy bibles:) It's real, it's shows the real feelings, it's about you and me. I think people who are not so much into babies wouldn't enjoy the book but it's just my personal feelings. I loved it.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ttps://ahavenforbooklovers.wordpress.com/

Amy Miller’s Antenatal Group is so wonderful and realistically portrayed. I love the fact that each character has a different back story. We had married ladies, pregnant girlfriends and even the single moms by choice. I loved all their differences because this is exactly something that you’d find in a real-life antenatal group.

The character development was so well done. Each of the women felt like people I could be friends with. I loved Mel and her quirkiness. I also like the fact that she provided so many laughs in the story but also helped us delve into complexities of relationships. I also really liked Erin and Lexi. Due to their ages, I could kinda relate with them more. Katy broke my heart a couple of times but I loved her. Rebecca was another character who I could sympathize with. These women found their way into my heart and I love that each of them had something that I could identify with.

This was an entertaining read but I love the fact that it was informative too. It made me think about giving birth and the entire delivery process. It also helped me get over the idea of a perfect birth plan. I have had this idea that I will be this proper lady who will endure labor pains without making a sound or even having any facial expressions then I’ll push and voila…my baby will be here. Now I know better. Things don’t always go as planned and it seems you can’t really foretell how everything will go. It caught me off guard when one of the characters had her water break in a bus… yeah, in a bus. All the delivery stories had an impact on me. I was so anxious for each of the moms yet very excited for them too.

This book made me smile, laugh, cry and think about motherhood. Some of the ladies’ experiences had me giggling because they were so relatable. I kept saying out loud, ‘yeah, that happens to me too’. There were number emotional scenes too, both sad and happy ones. I also enjoyed the range of themes from friendship to motherhood to postpartum depression. The Antenatal Group by Amy Miller is a wonderful, powerful, well-written book with characters who most women (and men too) will identify with.

[Eleonora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le vacanze natalizie, ahimè, non sono state molto proficue dal punto di vista delle letture. Per sbloccarmi da questa fase di pigrizia mentale ho deciso di dedicarmi ad un romanzo leggerissimo scritto da un’autrice che, in passato, avevo trovato assai gradevole: Amy Bratley. Come si intuisce dalla giovane donna con pancione in copertina il tema che lega le protagoniste del romanzo è la gravidanza. Arrivate al settimo mese di gravidanza cinque donne, molto diverse tra loro, si ritrovano insieme ad un corso preparto. Mel non vede l’ora di diventare madre ma subisce all’improvviso l’abbandono del suo compagno di vita; Katy è una donna in carriera che ama organizzare la propria vita nei minimi dettagli e non sopporta i cambi di programma e gli imprevisti; Lexi è una donna single che ha deciso di rivolgersi a un donatore di sperma per coronare il suo desiderio di maternità; Erin appare fredda e distaccata dal resto del gruppo ma presto si scoprirà che questo atteggiamento è frutto di un trauma recente non ancora superato; Rebecca è giovane e spensierata ma dimostra, con i suoi tempi, di sapersi assumere le proprie responsabilità. Gli incontri al corso preparto diventano l’occasione per scambiarsi consigli e per condividere le proprie paure e aspettative. Dopo un inizio un po’ prolisso ci si ritrova a seguire con piacere le avventure delle future mamme che, tra intoppi e momenti di esitazione, solcano fiere le vie di Brighton. Un libro scritto bene, senza troppe pretese, che tratta il tema della gravidanza ma ancor più quello della donna nelle sue numerose sfaccettature: amica, amante, mamma e compagna. Una piacevole compagnia che si accompagna perfettamente con una bella tisana e un caldo plaid.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to me in ebook form by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. As always with NetGalley, the cover and description are what really drew me to this book!

I've read other books by this author, but this one is my absolute favorite so far. If you've followed my reviews for a while, you'll know I love dual point-of-view books and this one was perfect. There are five women in total, and even though I admit I was a little confused in the beginning, their individual personalities quickly showed through.

I've personally never been pregnant, but it was interesting to see how pregnancy changed each of the women in different ways. I also enjoyed reading about their different backgrounds, struggles, and triumphs, all while they drew closer together after the birth of their children.

Common themes in this novel were hope and friendship. This novel made me laugh and cry, happy and sad, but overall I feel it laid out what life could truly be like if I were ever pregnant and realistically (I think) showed pregnancy from five different viewpoints. Overall, I would recommend this book to others and it's definitely one I'll be buying to add to my bookshelf.

P.S. The end of chapter thirty-three wrecked me. :(

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me straight back to the early days of my own motherhood. As the ladies in this book did, I joined a mother and baby group and we met on a regular basis, with nothing much in common except having babies at around the same time. We definitely bonded and I am glad that I got to know them all, they were absolutely my rocks and my biggest supports at that time.

I liked this book very much, although it took me a little while to get into. The characters didn't become fully formed for me until around half-way through and then I started to get emotionally involved.

These women, like new mothers everywhere, have a lot of contend with but somehow or another, they get through it, with the help of their friends and family. Having a baby is a huge change in your life, even though quite often people close to you just don't understand it. I had a few wry chuckles along the way, whilst reading this. I really could relate!

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Antenatal Group, Amy Bratley tells the story of a group of women brought together in last weeks of their pregnancies -- and that is the sole unifying link between them: they are all about to give birth. From free-spirited to uptight successful, the women are as different in ages, backgrounds, and expectations as they can be and yet, in Bratley's deft hands, each woman becomes as real as anyone you know. Their lives intertwine as they support and cheer one another on through the challenges, joys, and exhaustion of giving birth and taking care of an infant. I treasured the opportunity to spend time with this group in a gripping, life-affirming, and wonderfully written story. Thanks to the publisher, the writer, and NetGalley for making this delightful read possible in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Ellen-Arwen Tristram · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of five very different women, drawn together only by the proximity of their due dates. There's the beautiful young mum with an irresponsible boyfriend; the older mum with miscarriage behind her; the single thirties woman who went through sperm donor as her last chance to be a mother; the busy high-powered office worker who seems to have it all sussed; and the women whose partner ran off when things began to get difficult.

Then, it all gets complicated.

Borrowed from a friend, this was a gently enjoyable book. Some convincing characterisation saved it from pure cheesiness, although it was still incredibly predictable. I'm sure it would be a lovely read for mums-to-be - it certainly makes the idea of antenatal groups very attractive!

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently had my first child this book appealed to me & didn't disappoint. The group, like my own, is made up of women who are united solely by being pregnant & the initial bond that provides. The friendships forged are true to life, not always easy, but held together by their experiences with their newborns & the support they can offer one another. I'm not sure this book would appeal to anyone who isn't in a similar situation themselves as I found a lot of the enjoyment came from recognising myself & my friends in the characters & the situations they found themselves in.

[Chantelle Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got into this book right away and couldn't put it down. I really looked forward to picking it up at the end of the day and relaxing in the bath or in bed with it! My children are older now, but it bought back lots of memories of that special time, when you are expecting your first child and really have no idea how your life is going to change or how you will cope. I won't say too much so i don't spoil it, but it had me in tears as well as laughter, and I think all women of any age would love it!