Antenatal classes

9 replies

Zoero · 11/09/2011 12:32

Hi all,
I have asked two different midwives recently about antenatal classes, but they keep saying "just wait until later on in your pregnancy". I'm really worried because a friend of mine said she missed the booking of her antenatal classes and so had to pay a lot of money to go to private antenatal classes. I'm 19 weeks now and basically I just want to know 1) when we need to book them 2) when they actually start. I have asked the midwives but they keep saying "don't worry, it'll happen later" which makes me feel like I am worrying too much. But I really just want to know what to expect so that I'm prepared (and stop worrying and asking about them!) and I don't think this is too much to ask of a midwife but the ones in my area seem to be a little rubbish!!

Thanks for any info!

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LikeACandleButNotQuite · 11/09/2011 12:43

Argh, no! I hope you dont have to book them early? Ill be 28 weeks at my next appt. and havent even mentioned them to her yet. Best make myself a note.

LDNmummy · 11/09/2011 13:10

I think it depends where you are, but usually it would be towards the end of your pregnancy. I am in London and they are just drop in classes at my hospital.

I finally went to one after 35 weeks and it was only the last of four as the fourth one included the tour of the facilities. I was right to miss the others IMO as those who had attended them to finally get to the tour left straight after the tour before the actual class started. They actually requested for the tour to start first instead of after the class. Apparently Ante Natal classes are really only worth the time if you really, really, really do not know what you are doing or need some reassurance.

Just letting you know so you don't panic if you do miss one.

Anything you learn there, you can learn or discuss with your normal midwife from what I understand, or you will just pick up during your pregnancy at some point anyway.

You really do not need to be going at 19 weeks, wait till further down the line.

melliebobs · 11/09/2011 13:35

It depends where u live. I got sent the application for nhs classes with my pregnancy notes a couple of weeks before bookin appointment. I've filled it in just not sent it yet. At my 16wk check on Friday midwife saw them still indent and told mento sort it ASAP cos they fill up fast and that I'm cutting it fine :s

benne81 · 11/09/2011 13:36

Hi I'm also based in London (St thomas's) and I think you could book on the classes after 24 weeks. They provided 2 full days of classes - one morning breastfeeding, afternoon parenting and a full day of labour - I would definitely recommed and don't worry I didn't do mine until 36 weeks so you have plenty of time to arrnage.

I'm a medic so I've seen loads of labours and so I wasn't sure how much I was going to get out of the classes as I do know the facts but I found the sessions really helpful for both me and my partner to put us in the right mindset about whats going to happen, when to ring (and also I think in this situation it is sometimes best to forget your a doctor!)

I know others who have gone to other NHS antenatal classes and not found them very useful so it is a bit luck of the draw. Have a look in your antenatal book it might say in there how to book or look on the hospital website - thats how I booked onto ours. Or just ring the antenatal clinic at the hospital and ask to get put through to the education dept.

licoriceGreen · 11/09/2011 13:42

In Nottingham you have to book them at 20 weeks, If you look at the website for your hospital in the maternity section you might find a bit more info on when and how to book.

kiki22 · 11/09/2011 13:44

I got a slip at my 1st scan to send in to the hospital in glasgow which i did and didn't hear anything for 7 weeks so phoned the physio number in my preg record to ask how long it should take she booked my classes there and then starting in Oct for 4 weeks also advised me the best class for first timers as the midwife didn't mention the evening classes are no good if it's your first time which i picked without any info if i didn't phone i would have been booked to a useless class. Might be worth phoning them directly worked for me.

cowboylover · 11/09/2011 13:47

Same as Kiki here, I had to phone the hospital to get a firm answer from mine!

They are well worth going so I'm sure they will make sure you can go to some.

MissRee · 11/09/2011 13:48

We had to book via the childrens centre the midwife is based at and was told to book ASAP after 12 wk booking appt to make sure I got a space! My classes start at 34 weeks.

Ria x

milkyways · 11/09/2011 14:23

I'm in Oxford, and was told to wait until 20 weeks to book at the JR.....when I phoned to book at the hospital they were fully booked in November!!! I wish I had booked them earlier now, because it's obvious women just book the classes as soon as they find out they're pregnant, but I couldn't do that as I was unsure if the pregnancy would progress. I've been offered a full one day class at a children's centre now, in October, and I'll only be 28 weeks along and it's a bit further away than I would have liked and on the weekend which isn't very good as I'll need to arrange a baby sitter for 4 hours for DD on a Saturday.

I recommend phoning first thing tomorrow morning and booking them!

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