Preparation for parenthood - advice on education / classes available, please

[CanKiFri]

Hi all! This is my first post! I'm not a parent, but did fall pregnant last year and although the timing was wrong, it was life-changing as it did jolt me into realizing a) how much I want to be a parent, and b) how ill prepared I am to become one.

I'm new to the UK (I live in Scotland) and am looking for courses, or even book recommendations , on anything that could help prepare to be a parent, particularly:

1. Budgeting for a child's healthcare, education, and living costs
2. Preparing for a pregnancy (this is not so much about fertility, as it is about maternal health - I've given up smoking, drinking, meat 5 days of the week, started running and doing yoga since Oct last year - what else can I do to ensure good mental and physical health? The pregnancy was absolutely horrific - the depression, the nausea, the constant pain - I never want to go through that again!)
3. Very practical advice on everything from changing a nappy to dealing with crying
4. Infant and child first aid
5. Child psychology books for the layman

I'm a sort-of only child (my sibling was 2 decades my senior), I have never been AROUND children as an adult (no-one close to me, family or friend, has children), and I've spent my whole life declaring that "I'll never have kids!" (I'm 27 - so much for that!). I also do not have a mother (she passed away) and all my remaining female relatives are childless spinsters, so I'm truly without any women to turn to for advice.

Wow - that's a lot of big questions

Firstly - relax! Honestly, people have children. You don't need to 'train' like you do for a marathon or something

1. Yes, general fitness is good. Not carrying a lot of weight is good. Definitely right to not be drinking, smoking or taking drugs whilst pregnant / trying to conceive. Taking folic Acid was certainly recommended when I was having my dc but don't rely on me for that advice as that was over 20 years ago.... others on here will be able to advise on that (There is a whole topic about trying to conceive if you want to look for that).

1. Budgeting - we are very fortunate in the UK to have free healthcare and free education so, in terms of costs, the main thing is either loss of earnings if you stay at home to look after the child, or cost of childcare if you go back to work. Other than that, babies cost very little...... though they do start to 'cost' a bit more as they get older..... clothes, food, holidays, hobbies... etc.
2. You will be shown those things in either ante natal classes or in hospital once the child arrives. Things you don't know / don't remember, you ask on here for advice. You will usually have the chance to go to groups with other new Mums to share worries and advice with each other.
3. You see Child and Infant First Aid courses advertised every now and then - I've notice 2 in my Facebook feed in the last couple of months. Childrens Centres might have information on them, or you could contact St Johns Ambulance or the Red Cross to ask if they know of any near you.
4. No idea, sorry.

on point 2, there are no guarantees for any pregnancy and its effect on you, sorry

Thanks so much BackForGood :) Such a considerate answer - I really appreciate it! Phwoar - feeling a lot less stressed already.

I'm definitely going to give the Red Cross a ring - they are down the road from where I live, so that would be fab! Will also bear that in mind - that there are classes available in the UK for new mums - I didn't even think of that! Wow! Free healthcare and education are amazing! Those are the two biggest challenges in my home country, for adults - never mind for children :(

Thanks again - feel like I've been brought back down to earth xx

Thanks arbrighton. I was overweight and generally very unhealthy before the pregnancy. Hoping that better lifestyle choices would make it easier the next time around. As you say though, one can't wholly predict the effects...

Dr Laura Markham is a psychologist and I find her advice is very helpful - she does an online course and I constantly find myself recommending the advice on her website ahaparenting.com I've heard good things about the Babycalm/Toddlercalm workshops.