What is an NCT group?

[Saju1]

Everyone keeps going on about it.... What is it? And should I join one?

National Childbirth Trust. They do birthing classes and groups for new mums.
You've had your baby so go along to a mums' group and try it. Might not be right for you or you might enjoy it.

So there is the Antenatal classes but quite often they also do other groups such as baby and toddler, sling group, new baby groups (mostly around feeding), walks etc

I wasn't a fan of the Antenatal classes (just didn't really gel with the others and didn't like what some of the teacher was spouting) but did find their post birth drop in groups to be really helpful and friendly.

I did nct antenatal classes. It was comforting and useful. It was a safe space to ask birth related questions and meet other mums to be who were having a first baby at the same time.

I didn't have the calm, textbook 'breathe your baby out' labour that nct had assured me was possible, but by then it was too late to worry about it. 😀At least they taught me how to change a nappy and bathe a baby. When to head to A&E. And early breastfeeding technique.

I still have a friend from nct, 15 years later. And all those breathing exercises proved useful when dealing with obstinate toddlers.

It's a bit of a marmite experience. Some people find them unhelpful.