Would you do ante-natal classes if you were having a scheduled C-section?

[emeraldgirl1]

Just wondering if it is worth paying for the classes (only NCT in my area and they are not cheap!) or if it just makes more sense to book up a class for after the birth instead?

I won't need all the info on birth and labour etc and tbh the main reason for doing the class is to meet other mums to be in the area (though even that is complicated as we MIGHT be moving area in which case it would be silly to make friends and then bugger off to somewhere where I know nobody!) The bf-ing info could be helpful although I don't particularly want the guilt-trip that a friend experienced with her NCT class about the evil that will happen if you can't bf...

The other thing I guess I need to know is what the hell to do with a newborn - I am clueless at the mo and don't even know when they need feeding, what they wear, how to change a nappy, how to bath them (Oh God I am going to screw up this motherhood thing, aren't I?) :( So do the NCT ante-natal classes help much with that or can I/should I just buy a good book?

Any opinions and advice very welcome, thank you v much!!

I had an elective c section and did nhs antenatal classes with a midwife who had retired and only did these classes was a waste of time was one evening class of 3hrs (which turned into 4hrs!!) and had 5mins of section at end which I had to be the patient (hate role play) and we had to guess who would be in theatre (being a paed nurse having worked in scbu think I p1ssed her off a little being nobby know all) and second session (care of baby) only women were allowed because golly gosh they were discussing breastfeeding (my sarcastic gasps and remarks of shocking that men should even look in the direction of a breast feeding women prob wasnt best!!) - anyway I went in order to meet other mums due at same time as me - but as always no-one talks to anyone and no one lives within half an hr of you (big city).

Anyway we met people at baby massage and baby yoga groups so money better spent here.

Also money you spend on NCT class could be better spent on a maternity nurse doing a 48hr home from hospital package for you many do them and roughly around £400 and will show you all baby care, help you get sorted at home, gives lots of advice as required and allow you to get some rest (doesnt have to be day you come out)

or a post natal doula - once husband back at work get someone in a few hrs a day - looking at £15 an hr

ps - I only had my baby 2yrs ago so goodness knows why such bizzare ante natal classes - only can guess it was the midwife delivering them hadnt moved with the times.

Find out what is on at your nearest Childrens Centre. They often have under ones groups, breastfeeding/ bottle feeding groups and early parenting classes. They might have things that are more relevant for you and are often free.