absolutely fuming

[samidolls]

I've been to my 31 week midwife appointment today and got told to chase up my antenatal classes as I hadn't heard anything yet.

I have asked about these at previous appointments but was told I wouldn't hear anything until around 32 weeks.

I was put in for a local class run by community midwives and sent off the application as soon as I got it after my 16 week appointment. (so almost 4 months ago)

When I finally managed to get a call back frommy healthcare advisor I was told the classes had taken place in October and that I was the 9th to apply and they only have space for 8 but that nobody bothered to get in touch with me. The next classes they have start on the 12th of January so only a week before my due date! I asked what they suggested I do and was told some other local clinics have classes but "you probably won't get a place as they have to give priority to people in their catchment area."

So I called my midwife and was told to book with the hospital, finally get through to them and they tell me I need to book online. First available class is 14/1/18. I'm due 19/1/18!!

I've looked at NCT classes but there aren't any classes close by- the nearest being a 40min drive, I've requested info about these just in case, and booked onto the 14th January class at the hospital.

I don't know what to do, I've followed the advice of the midwives and now I've just been left out on a limb with no help from anybody, I know women had babies without antenatal classes for thousands of years but it's got me panicking slightly, I just feel like crying!

Its a good job my boss has been out of the office today as I've spent a good portion of it on the phone trying to get sorted!

I just can't believe nobody got in touch with me to tell us we hadn't got on the course! They could have told us months ago and I could have sorted something else out, I'm usually super organised and like to have things arranged as soon as possible but this was out of my hands and now I don't know what to do!

Can anybody suggest where else I can look for antenatal classes (based in Leeds btw).

That's basically what happens

I experienced similar op, I'm in London and demand was just too high. I got onto a 2 day NHS course at 38 weeks and didn't find it massively helpful tbh so don't worry too much! Bumps and babies classes, yoga, any of the other things suggested on this thread would probably be better. But I know how easy it is to get worked up about these things especially when it's your first. I also couldn't get a 40 week mw appointment, I finally got squeezed in... but had to cancel as I was already in labour at 39 weeks. I remember being irrationality upset about that too!

Like several others, I thought the classes were pretty useless. I/We learnt nothing at all and there was nothing even vaguely relevant to the births I've had in any of the classes.

My classes were terrible too - really not worth the trouble, and quite honestly, you can get everything you want from the internet or a book!

YouTube!

I agree with pp that the best thing about the classes was making new friends. Also the post-natal classes - MUCH more useful.

I gave birth in America with no friends or family here when I was 21 yrs old. I knew nothing about babies so I bought a book. I still have it after over 40 years. Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care.

Don't waste your energy getting uptight...no good for you or baba...just turn up to the class as the bonus number 9 with a big smile on your face and say you've come to join the party...they are highly unlikely to chuck you out 😉!! Good luck ☺️Xx

I went to NHS classes, they were pretty rubbish. I did make a few friends which I didn't meet up with much as they never wanted to leave the house for the first 3 months. I ended up making some good friends in sure start and other baby classes. You'll be fine, but I totally understand why you would feel annoyed at being let down.

I would recommend going along to a baby group such as a breastfeeding group. Lots of good advice available and you’ll get to know lots of people and build a network before your baby arrives.
I also happen to know an excellent Independent midwife that runs antenatal classes.
sarah-flower.com/antenatal-classes/

The NHS classes I did in Leeds were absolutely pants!

My ante-natal classes didn't teach me anything that google hadn't already.... I really wouldn't worry too much!

More of the same here really. I went to NCT and NHS classes and learnt nothing useful, both banged on about how having a drug free birth is vital for the health of the baby. I had all the drugs and ended up with an emergency C.section. I now have a giant healthy 8 year old son. I did make some good friends from NCT but I met plenty more at a mother and baby group I went to after the birth. Try not to worry too much, it will all be ok whether you go to classes or not. Good luck x

I should say, I’m in Leeds

My city didnt even offer antenatal classes they just had videos on the hospital website.

Cheryl Mason Hypnobirthing in Leeds is amazing.
I wished I hadn’t gone on the NCT or NHS ones tbh as they focus on all the negative aspects of childbirth.
I made some great friends via NCT but as others have said there are other ways to do this at baby groups etc.
Mummy Social and your local Mumbler Facebook page are definitely worth following.

I'm not surprised you're annoyed - really disappointing.

A friend of mine who is a doula runs online courses - I'm sure she would be able to help you. Here is a link to her Birth Bundle of courses...

birth-and-baby-academy.teachable.com/p/birth-bundle

I never had any classes. I attended one breast is best thingy but it didn’t teach me anything really that basic common sense would. We don’t have any elder relatives to pick up tips from either so the first few months were parenting via Google and trusting your mum instincts. Worked out fine, try not to panic, I’m sure you’ll be a lovely mommy. Good luck

I didn't go to the NHS antenatal classes....and chose to pay to go to NCT. Wished I hadn't because my husband and I didn't like it unfortunately. It wasn't what we thought it was going to be - but I know that a lot of people really like them.

After looking online though I came across Daisy Birthing Classes thedaisyfoundation.com/daisy-birthing/
Would highly recommend them - might be worth having a look to see if there is anything near to you.

Good luck with everything :-)

Same here. Went to one and couldn’t be arsed after that. Too many dads trying to simulate labour and the panting and heavy breathing gave me the rage :-). When it’s your first (assuming?) everything seems so important and you worry about not ‘doing it right’ but please don’t stress about it.

Hi just to say this book really helped me, more than antenatal classes.
(Heard about it from someone on here!)
First time parent by Lucy Atkins
www.amazon.co.uk/First-Time-Parent-honest-brilliantly-staying/dp/0007269447?tag=mumsnetforum-21

The nhs classes I went to had people from all over so it wasn’t that easy to keep in touch and meet up when dd was born. Made more friends at a local church baby group.

All I remember from mine is breathing, misting a glass, blowing out a candle and panting like a dog. Apart from that I did meet up with other new mums after birth and kept in touch with a few. One thing to consider if you do need pain relief don't wait until 8-9cm dilated to ask for it as I did this and was told too late now I should have asked sooner.

Definitely go for the nct ones despite it being a bit of a drive. My nct friends were the people who kept me sane in the early days. Although our babies are now 5(!!) I see a couple of them regularly still and we all have an annual meet up in a joint party.
So worthwhile x

Find a good pregnancy yoga class and do the classes even if they’re late (they might be fresher in your mind that way anyway) - I did NCT and I did all the hospital antenatal classes quite late and couldn’t remember any of it once the baby came. If you are choosing to breastfeed you can go to your local children’s centre breastfeeding support groups from pregnancy onwards. You’ll get info on b’feeding and also I met lots of lovely people through that. Good luck! X

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