First NCT class tonight - What to expect???

[MrsHuxtable]

I'm really nervous. I'm never good with new people, I'm quite shy but I have no pregant friends or friends with children, so this feels like it's my chance to meet someone in the same boat.

I'm driving myself nuts as I read somewhere they do roleplays at NCT classes. Is this true? I hate roleplays. Really thought I had grown out of that rubbish and now this...
Also I just developed 2 massive spots in the middle of my face and look like an idiot!

The session is 2.5 hours long, from 19:15 - 21:45. I'm usually starving at that time of night. I really really want to bring some snacks but realise that it would be a strange thing to do so won't.

Can anyone re-assure me it's not going to be so scary after all?

Bring drinks and snacks - I did (I have no shame) although there were tea and biscuits provided.

First night is a little bit cringy - have to introduce yourself but everyone else will feel the same. You only need to say name, when due etc.

There was only one role play I remember which was to show who would be present at a c-section. You also do some work with your partner on birthing positions but everyone does it so no need to get embarrassed.

I found them fun - you can meet some nice people and giggle about the classes afterwards. Just remember everyone is in the same boat. And if you do feel nervous, picture the other people having a poo on the toilet. Reduces them to normality

Def bring snacks. And Gaviscon if needed. (I used to swig from bottle!)
Dont expect to like everyone but there will probably be someone there you get on with.
JustineMN and CarrieMN met at NCT classes(!)

It's your luck of the draw whether you get like-minded people on your course. Try to give everyone a chance and remember there are lots of other opportunities to meet mums if you don't gel. Give it a decent chance though.

That's good to hear, best bit being that I can bring snacks. Will now ponder for the next hour what kid of snacks I will take . I like to think and talk about food these days...

We did the c-section role play too, I was a pediatrician . That bit came in especially useful as I ended up having an EMCS.

IIRC we introduced ourselves and then had to pair up with another person (not our DH/P's) and give some facts about ourselves. Everyone was nervous which helped. There were 7 couples in total. Late 20's to late 30's.

We had 6 classes in total, for one of them the mums stayed in the hall to chat about labour and go through relaxation exercises while the dads were sent to the pub.

I'm still friends with my class 5 years on.

Sounds very much like my experiences. I think the main reason most do NCT is to make friends (personally, I found the class material too academic and it didn't really help me during labour - but that's just me).

It's highly likely everyone will be feeling a little apprehensive about going, but just remember that there's no pressure for you to do anything you don't want to do. Try and take it at face value and enjoy meeting other pregnant people.