Antenatal NCT vs NHS at the Countess

[biddyboop]

Hi, just looked at the cost of NCT and gulped! I want to meet people and learn things, but am wondering if it's really all that much better than the free NHS version. Any thoughts?

Hello! I did classes on NHS via my doctors in Chester (as it was done then) met some lovely ladies and in fact am going away with two of them next week more than 6 years later!

I only know one person who did NCT round here as the biggest problem was finding a space even if you were prepared to part with the cash. They ended up going to knutsford or somewhere like that. I think Tarporely has excellent NCT network if there were no places in Chester

My one regret not doing NCT was that breastfeeding support via NHS was worse that useless. I have not heard whether they have improved things over recent years, so perhaps that's one to discuss with midwife?

Met two great girlfriends through NCT in Great Budworth 10 years ago,however I could have met them at the countess as easily.

Biggest difference with NCT I think was the access to the teacher,I felt I could contact her at any time for advice if I needed to-I did'nt but just knowing I could was a real relief.

Def worth the extra money.

Thanks both for your updates.

I've had real problems trying to get to speak to anyone at NCT and their marketing literature does doesn't seem to justify the cost, so I've gone for the Countess version which apparently the NCT also contributes to. I'm doing the Weds evening classes starting 2nd March so hope to see some good folks there and will of course report back!:)

I did NCT classes in Farndon with a wonderful teacher;she also runs new mum classes which were a godsend at the time.

Hi. Have you thought about doing Daisy Birthing classes? I am a midwife and a daisy birthing teacher for the Wirral area and hold weekly classes at Hoylake community centre. A six week programme is £40 1hour 30 min each class. The class includes correct movement based on yoga style moves, suitable for pregnant women. We teach correct birth breathing, and bearing down breath for the second stage of labour., and meditation. The classes are really relaxing and will give you so much confidence about your upcoming birth. I am also holding a couples workshop at the end of July. www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk for more info see the website! Also if you are interested in a breastfeeding workshop I can do this in the comfort of your own home! email me on [email protected]

Just wanted to add that I did Daisy classes in Warrington and had an amazing birth with DS :)

Hi there

I've been having the exact same quandary - I'm originally from Chester and have moved back after eight years away. I'm expecting my third baby in April and was considering NCT classes really just to meet some Mums to pall around with when bambino arrives. But I too nearly choked at the cost and am now thinking the free classes are for me! It seems that we might well me due around the same time so it might be nice to get on the same course - I'll hunt out the leaflet tomorrow and see what the availability is. All I know is that I just cannot justify £240 quid!