Panicking think I've fucked up

[Natnat29]

Im 23 wks preg with my first- am panicking as I've not booked any antenatal classes- I (stupidly) assumed the midwife sorted this out but don't think she does from what I've read elsewhere I should have done this by 20 weeks is that right?!

[AlisonDB]

If its worth anything I didn't do any anti natal classes, I survived the labour fine, my thinking was no one could tell me what my labour would be like as each one is so individual,
I didn't want to go into labour with preconceived ideals,
I went with a very open mind and listened and took the guidance from my MW, I also followed a bit of gut instinct, which really kicked in,

If you REALLY want to do a class though I would advise you sign up for one quickly.
Good luck x

[RobinSparkles]

Were you just intending to do the NHS ones or NCT? If NHS I imagine that you've got plenty of time to get booked on to them as they don't start until about 33 weeks, iirc.

I think NCT classes need to be booked well in advance as they get full.

I only bothered with NHS ones and TBH they didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know.

When I was pg with my first I watched lots of birthing programmes and read lots of MN. MN is a mine of information :o.

[BunnyLebowski]

I didn't attend a single ante-natal class.

Or a hospital tour.

I had my pregnancy and birth the way I wanted.

All the information you need is out there to read. Trust your own instinct rather than what you are "supposed" to do.

[Lora1982]

i looked at nct costs and resided myself to not having any because i found zero info on nhs ones so assumed my area didnt offer them however when i saw the midwife last wk she said to mention it at my next appointment (il be 28 wks then) to get booked in for some in december so they do still do them. just in secret! wait an speak to your lady

[CuriosityCola]

I moved house at 20 weeks pregnant and managed to book nct class...just. The nhs class was no problem at all.

Learned everything I needed at nhs.... well actually had my reading from mn confirmed. Have made amazing friends from nct class.

As long as you are attending appointments, don't worry.

[2kidsintow]

Our NHS midwife booked us in for her ante natal appts. It was a nice thing to go to. She was nice. They were free. It was an excuse to get an hour off work on a Monday afternoon. And most of all I met a lot of local ladies who went on to become friends who then attended the same baby/toddler groups etc.

I didn't start my classes til about 34 weeks and because they ran in 6 week blocks, you had to wait til the next block started. I was so late starting that I actually had my DD in the 4th week of the classes (I was 4 weeks early with both of my DDs) and the baby they bathed at the last class was mine.

I remember sitting there envious of them all with their neat bumps (I missed mine a bit) feeling unable to answer all of their questions about what it was like as I'd had a bit of a nightmare of a time.

[Natnat29]

Thanks all how much were the nct classes?

[Flisspaps]

I've had two babies and never been to an AN class. All the info you'll ever need is on MN anyway.

[Skellig]

OP, our NCT classes were about £170 I think, but there was a recent thread on here somewhere about free or discounted NCT classes - might be worth searching for. I'm enjoying our classes so far - as other posters have said, it's more about making friends than getting info, though.

[ZuleikaD]

I've had two babies and never been to a class. I asked around among friends whether they were worthwhile and most considered the NCT ones a complete waste of £180. The only thing they were good for was making contact with a few people to meet up with for coffee after everyone had had their babies.

[wentshopping]

I signed up for both NCT and NHS.... then dd arrived at 33 weeks, so I kept getting phone calls asking me why I hadn't turned up to the class - because i was in hospital with a newborn!! I went to the last few NCT classes with dd, to meet other mums.

[LonelyCloud]

I signed up for both NHS and NCT classes at about your stage of pregnancy, and got places on both.

And then, like with wentshopping, DS turned up early. So I only made the first NHS class. Although I did manage to get my money back from the NCT, on the grounds that DS had arrived before the classes started.

About booking NHS classes - in my area, you have to book the antenatal classes yourself through the Surestart centres. The midwife just gave me a leaflet with the number to call.

[cupcake78]

NHS ones are fine. NCT in my area do a coffee morning for new mums and soon to be mums. Cheaper way of meeting friends and good support for after baby. You might want to see it as an option.

Don't panic but get booked in now

[Natnat29]

Thanks all, both our local hosp ones aren't running at the moment and the local NCT one fully booked but found another one that looks fab so waiting for them to return my call fingers crossed

[zippey]

You dont need to do one of course, but Id like to reccomend them and say that they were good for the information to prepare for the birth and also a nice way of meeting other parents who will have children the same age as you.