Antenatal classes Kingston

[butterflygold]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for ante-natal classes in Kingston. The baby is not due to the end of the year, but I wondered if anyone had experience of the Kingston NCT classes or noobies, or would recommend anything else?

[azel]

Hi @butterflygold, I'm in the same position, giving birth at the end of the year, a bit confused at all the different types. I've heard of NCT from friends but Kingston seem to advertise noobies and birth and beyond. Is there anyone that could shed some light into a class that they could recommend?

[cardboard33]

Hey both,

I had my baby at Kingston and did NCT locally, if that helps. My first baby was born a few months ago. I'm happy to be contacted about it (and the hospital) .... Or just see me hanging around the JL cafe given it seems to be mummy central in there in the week!!

[butterflygold]

How did you get on at Kingston hospital, and with your NCT group? This is my first pregnancy, and I have just moved to Kingston, so it would be great to meet some people with children for when I am on mat leave

[cardboard33]

I had a very positive experience at Kingston, although I have nothing to compare it to given it's my first baby too. I had consultant led care due to a long standing medical issue and I wasn't really given the option of the Malden Suite, but it didn't bother me not having that choice and ironically I actually ended up having the only intervention free labour from our NCT group. If you want to breastfeed then there's extensive, unlimited support (much more so than other local hospitals, as our NCT group had experience of 4) and nothing was too much bother. I had my own en suite room on the post natal ward and my husband was able to stay 24/7, which is again different to other local hospitals.

My only niggle is that they were very reluctant to let me come in as they were busy and I'd only been in labour for a few hours, but I pushed them - we arrived at the hospital around 5am when I was 7cm, got into the labour room for 6am and my baby was born by 8:30am.

[butterflygold]

Thanks very much - that’s super helpful

[Colyflower]

I live in Worcester Park and my hospital is Kingston, due end of the year as well. I’m a little confused about the courses too so I emailed them and they responded with some options for me as I’m already booked into my local NCT classes and didn’t know what else I should be doing.

For me she suggested the active birth class which is a day course covering breathing, birthing positions, relaxation and mind-setting to prepare for childbirth. There is emphasis on the supporting partner.

I’m also doing pregnancy yoga with my existing yoga teacher and she also does a day class which includes my partner so they can learn the breathing techniques and positions etc.

I’m hoping this is enough but still feel I’m missing something as I’ve heard NCT isn’t always that informative, maybe it’s because most of the learning happens later on in pregnancy and right now (20 weeks) I feel a little in the dark.

[Homebird10]

Hi, I wondered which antenatal classes you decided on? I am due in June and cant decide if I should do the birth and beyond course, noobies, nct or bump and baby club! Too much choice!