ToniWol it was non-NCT, the ordinary hospital one. And it wasn't like that at all!
Actually I found it a bit overwhelming, though everyone was very nice. (And every mother in her thirties! fascinating!)
The midwife basically talked us through the stages of labour. It was interesting. And showed us what to pack in our bags, which was good. We got a tour of the labour ward and a look at the birthing pool and the birthing balls and she talked us through all of that and all the machines, and what gas and air is, and so on.
But I was staring at that bed with the disposable sheets on it and I suddenly got a bit scared! Its going to happen to me! I don't feel ready at all. Hopefully I will by the time it comes.
I didn't like looking at all those machines at all. Totally ridiculous considering I'm a flipping nurse for Gods sake. I'm just so scared at the thoughts of loss of control.
She kept saying things like "We might recommend...." And I know that means "say yes to our suggestions" and the thoughts of all these "recommendations" coming at me thick and fast when I'm in the midst of a contraction makes me feel very anxious.
Oh and she said next week we'd be talking about Epidurals, and there would be an anaesthatist there giving the talk (obviously) and he would have Consents for us to sign to save time!! Now she said it was to spare us all that when we were in Labour - and realistically I know they'd have to still ask you on the day (they're not gonna creep up behind you and whack it in!) but I didn't like that AT ALL.
So am going to decline to sign it next week. I'll be in Labour, I won't be braindead! They can have a chat about Consent on the bloody day!