NCT Waterbirth Course

[FLEUR21]

Hello, has anyone does an NCT water birth course? I am signed up to do the full antenatal one but I have the option to do a dedicated two hour waterbirth course as they say there is just a brief section on it on the full course. Has anyone done one? Did they find it useful? Thoughts and reviews appreciated! Many thanks

Personally I don't think its worth doing both. There is not that much to say about water birth really. In the normal course you will discuss pros and cons. You will discuss the benefits of good positions and relaxation. Not much else to say!

TBH I increasingly think things like this are there to fleece you. You have no idea how your 1st birth will go and whilst it's good to be prepared, there's only so much you can do!

Thanks for your feedback, not sure I'll bother! ; )

I wouldn't bother either. I've had two waterbirths and I honestly can't think what you'd talk about to fill two hours.

I think what might be more useful is to go to an active birth workshop or a hypnobirthing workshop.

I have heard about hypnobirthing from friends and they all rave about it so I will definitely getting some further info on that. Thanks.

I tried natal hypnotherapy, didn't suit me but others love it. I'd definitely recommend reading up on lots of techniques.

My hospital ran a 2 hour session in the evenings about water births which was excellent. It was free and ran through how it works in that particular hospital which was useful eg they reassured us that even though not all rooms have pools, you could usually get one if you wanted one. Maybe you could ask your midwife if there is something similar?

I ended up having most of my labour in the piil although I had to get out to deliver as my contractions slowed and I needed more monitoring- but it was great in the pool and I'd definitely recommend it!

Check your local hospital/midwife unit as I'm doing an NHS Waterbirth course, so of they offer the pool they may offer a course, and for free!

It's just birth, in water.

And you need to be pretty low risk on d-day for it to be an option. Paying for a course weeks before your due date could end up being a total waste.

My two waterbirths didn't even last that long, can't imagine what you'd talk about!
I'd highly recommend waterbirths though, just don't bother with the course!

We did the free one at the hospital as well having already done the NCT antenatal course. It was a good opportunity to see the facilities and chat to the midwives.

I started in the water with DC1 but didn't enjoy it. I thought I would love it! Anyway, I don't know how they would fill 2 hours!

I think doing Active Birthing would be better as it's also relevant out of the water, which you may not be able to do.
I did pregnancy yoga throughout my pregnancy and learned the moving and breathing techniques I used in the pool there.