To be nervous about attending antenatal/aquanatal classes

[Hopelass]

As the title says really; first baby due in 6ish weeks. I have just gone on maternity leave and although I want to make the most of the facilities available in my area (parentcraft classes on a Tuesday and aquanatal classes on a Wednesday) and desparately want to hopefully make friends who are also in the same boat, I am chronically shy. I find it really hard to strike up conversations and some might view me as being standoffish at first when I'm just really shy!! Has anyone any advice for me? TIA

I did the same, although I don't come over as shy I get very anxious about meeting new people.

They usually ask you to introduce yourself and say how many weeks you are. I then made a huge effort to talk to the others that were around the same weeks as me and started out by asking if they found out if they were having a boy or girl. Very boring question but its unlikely to offend and it gets things started.

Tbh I just had to take a deep breath and force myself. I didn't make any friends from these groups but I did bump into them at baby groups once my DD had been born and we've had coffee etc.

My first is due in two weeks and have had all of the same worries - also massively shy which is often misinterpreted as being standoffish (annoying isn't it?!)

I took the plunge and after antenatal classes sent an email around to the other 4 girls, this has resulted in 4 meet ups so far and, although I do struggle a bit it's starting to get easier from a shyness perspective. So I say just give it a go, if I can do it I'm sure you can!

And of course if you need a virtual new mum friend feel free to message me!!

Thanks ladies :) It's debilitating being this shy and, yes, very annoying! I have already made my mind up to take the plunge and force myself to go; what's the worst that can happen really!? I feel better though knowing I'm not the only one!

I still have a friend I met through aqua natal and our children are nearly two! I struggle with new people and making friends too and I literally just gritted my teeth and made myself speak to people, and it paid off, aside from my friend there are lots of people in my city with children of a similar age that I come across from time to time and can chat to and I have a bit of background with them, so if there are toddler groups or lunch meets or whatever that I go to/am invited to then I've got someone to talk to.

I second the poster who said ask boring but easy questions, how many weeks, boy/girl etc.

I met my very best friend at aquanatal/antenatal class. Her baby was due a week before mine and we discovered we both lived in the same small town. That was almost 23 years ago now!
I would urge you to go. You never know who you might meet and what friendships might be made.

YANBU - quite normal fears I think.

I felt the same. 9 years later two of my best friends are ones I met in antenatal class and it is lovely to see their kids grow up. All of the group are still in touch.

These things can be a bit cheesy and have a comedy image, but they are still mostly useful.

If you do end up with a group who aren't your type, don't worry, because loads of people are in the same boat and make friends with other parents in other ways.

Hope you enjoy your maternity leave!