Herne Hill NCT

[BoftheP]

Anyone been to any NCT classes in Herne Hill? Do you have any opinions, good or bad? Are there any alternatives, private teachers for example anyone can reccommend, I fear I wont get a place on the NHS one so am looking into all alternative. Thanks

We went on an NCT class in Herne Hill. It was certainly useful, we learnt lots and met some nice people. The NHS one was also useful, but with lots of people and less time we didn't cover as much, in as much detail - nor did we have the opportunity to get to know the other people so well.

Part of going on the courses is to find a ready-made group of people who will all be having a baby at about the same time as you. An instant support network!

We went on the intensive weekend course and I think with hindsight we should have got out act together earlier and got a place on the evening course.

Good luck!

NCT is great as thomsc says for the instant support network in weeks leading up to, during and for around a year after the birth. Once you've been through "the NCT experience", you see these large groups of mothers-and-babies in every park you go to!
However once babies are ca. 1 year old, things kind of peter out, as the differences between members (income, interests, age etc) submerged during the "crisis" period come to the fore again & you'll be lucky if you end up with one lasting friend.
That anyway was my experience. Because NCT classes are fairly expensive (I suppose) don't expect either to meet the 10 or whatever women who live closest to you due to give birth at the same time. What you will meet are the 10 poshest women (very broadly speaking), spread over a rather wide area! Not so handy for dropping round for tea with baby, if you yourself are not posh enough to own a car!
So the NCT has a mixed review from me, really. But I repeat it was invaluable during those first months. Plus the jumble sales are great!

I'm really glad we did NCT. Out of our group of 5 couples, we made good friends with 2 of them. 1 couple lives opposite us & has become really, really good friends. I think of it as an expensive dating service!

Expensive dating service! ha! Thanks for the advice. We got onto the free NHS course, I was more intrested in the preparation for labour advice than the making friends aspect so this is probably the best option for me from the sounds of it. Will deal with the making friends part once I've dealt with the whole business of getting the baby out and learning how to look after her