to consider giving NCT antenatal classes a miss and go on a spa day instead??

[pinkfizzle]

ok I am pregnant with first baby.

I think I have left it too late to book nct classes, a few weeks into trimester 3.

I have also been a bit shocked at the price.

I am thinking that I could just put the money towards a lovely spa treatment or two? Or a weekend away with DH to relax?

A lengthy period of time sitting listening and learning seems a great deal of effort. Moving from my living room to my bedroom sometimes seems like a great deal of effort.

I am also considering a post birth doula or breast feeding counsellor instead.

I am pretty chilled out about everything and have a very supportive Dh who suggested I put this question to you lot.

I have been physically sick throughout this pregnancy - so don't want to exert too much effort outside work.

I have been to a birth type work shop which I found good. I might also try hospital classes, if they are not cancelled due to swine flu fears.

Any feedback welcome, either positive or negative on antenatal classes. Did they help? With the benefit of hindsight what would you do?

spa spa spa!

Just popped back quickly to say that I met all of my "mummy" friends though post-natal group arranged through local health service/coucil or whatever it is that does that stuff.

Is miles easier to get to know people when you have the actual babies to coo over, and all the conversation about how much sleep you;re getting etc.

Would thoroughly recommend looking into if they do that in your area - and if they do - do spa and post-natal group job done!

Thank you again for your posts .
I answered the collective call to to the spa.

I thought I would seize the moment before my body seized up. I urgently called around for some last minute spa treatments for today.

A 5-star London hotel turned up trumps, I had an eye brow tidy (as that was all they had left for today) but in booking for an additional supplement I was able to use their pools and health club.

This included spa, water therapy and swimming pools for most of the glorious day and it did not break the bank. I also took a face treatment from superdrug with me.

The therapist was fantastic, amazing what some personal grooming does for you!

Swanning around in a fluffy robe, reading, floating around, all of it was bliss. There were other mums to be with their bumps too!

I came home to a lovely surprise bouquet of flowers from dh plus a lovely dinner. Dh also read some of my birthing books and has also downloaded some antenatal type podcasts for me on my ipod.

I can face my commute and work tomorrow.

Oh and I really hope I have not made anyone or especially any pregnant ladies puke after reading the above, especially if they are having a tough time of it, not having the most supportive partner, or are sleep deprived with kids. I hope by posting this i'm saying there is hope out there.

I left home frazzled and have returned so much more relaxed.

I will look up local groups and all the tips and I am going to make sure I book another spa day before the baby arrives.

Sounds wonderful

I think you have made the right choice!

Sounds good!

You could also check out postnatal courses run by the NCT called Early Days. They are designed to help you feel confident and supported in your new life as a mum and are another way to meet up with mums in your area whilst discussing issues important to you. They are also not as expensive as NCT antenatal classes.

There may be some good NHS postnatal groups too in your area, or NCT led courses in the children centres.

YANBU You can find out everything you need to know on the internet.
Your spa sounds like it was great.

cor pinkfizzle that sounds fab...

and IMO you can find a lot of what you need (sharing experiences, advice, venting spleen, larffs and downright feeeelth) right here on mn...

unless you're ever after ((((((((hugs)))))) in which case you should prob look closer to home!

Be lucky!

...sorry. IME!