Some NCT classes questions...

[weeblueberry]

We're booked to start our NCT class next Monday and there are a couple of things I wondered. I know it varies by class but wondered if you could give me some feedback?

1. How many couples are normally in a class?
2. Does she spend the class going over a certain subject and then ask for questions or do you question the whole way through?
3. Do you find out what you'll be doing each week in the first week?
4. I'm pretty dead set on a natural birth but am not naive enough to think that I might not be up for it or something might happen that requires other options. As a result I'd like to at the very least hear about these options so I'm fully prepared if/when it does happen. Is she allowed to do this? I've read a couple of threads where people have said their leader wouldn't discuss it.
5. If I take a notepad to take notes on stuff am I going to come across as a twonk
6. Do most partners go too? I assumed they would but, again, have read a couple of threads where people have indicated their partner didn't go. I'd really like there to be guys there for DP to chat too. He's very very keen but don't want him to feel uncomfortable in a room full of women.
7. Do they spend anytime on Natal Hypnotherapy if requested? Is it a standard thing?
8. Will going make it more likely I'll get a spot in my local birthing centre? When I called to ask about a Hypnobirthing class the woman said that attending her class would make it more likely I'd get into the birthing centre as I'd already 'proved my commitment to a natural birth' I'm not sure how true this is or if she was just trying to make me pay for her class (I didn't in the end...)
9. Did you get shown around your local hospital? Because I see my midwife at my local GPs I literally won't have been in the hospital until I give birth otherwise. Or do I organise this myself?

Hmm I think that's it. Sorry for the millions of questions!!

I can't answer all your questions or know whether my experience is typical, but I will share my experience.

Couples go, one girl comes with her sister because her partner works away, my husband went alone this week as I am poorly. We have 8 couples in our class, I think they go up to a max of 10 or 12.

In the first week we were asked if there were things we wanted to cover or not cover and we went from there. We do lots of things in small groups and have discussions and it is a workshop environment more than a lecture, so we ask questions and asked for input the whole time.

We don't know the syllabus as such as she changes it if we don't cover things or if some people can't be there. She puts a rough lesson plan up at the beginning of the session.

No-one takes notes, but that doesn't mean they can't. we got handouts and the teacher gave us a set too. She also puts out books we can borrow too.

She is going to cover interventions, pain relief and sections, and has no issue with any of that. My teacher is an ex-nurse and ex-midwife so she is quite clued up.

My teacher does breathing techniques and massage at the end of each class, but we don't do natal hypnotherapy specifically.

My NCT classes have no connection with the NHS or the hospital, so there is nothing like labour ward tours or info about what is or isn't available there. We were advised to contact our MW to ask how that is organised.

Hi weeblueberry! DH and I are halfway through our NCT classes as we speak and loving it!

1. I read on the NCT website that they try to have no more than 10 couples to create a more intimate class. There are 8 couples in our class and it seems to work well, we're getting to know everyone really well.
2. There is a basic structure to the five sessions, but in the first session she gave us all the chance to write down all the things we wanted to know re: labour and birth, and life after birth. The first session focused on labour and how our bodies work during labour (very fascinating!), the second was about pain relief, types of birth, places of birth and trying out different positions etc. Third session was a breastfeeding session (NCT are very pro bf, but seem liberal on all other fronts). Fourth session will revolve around life after birth (recovery, how we might be feeling, visitors, baby's health and needs etc), and fifth session is taking place in our local hospital and maternity centre.
3. No, we had no clue, except for middle session being the BF session. Didn't bother me though, they've all been super informative and reassuring.
4. I think we've been lucky in that our leader was very much "We all want the best birth for our baby, but please remember that if you have an epidural or a cesearean then you HAVE NOT failed. It is still the only birth your baby will have and it will be special no matter what." She was very reassuring. The pain relief section does outline the health risks for things like epidurals and pethadine (there are lots!!), and I think some people might have taken this the wrong way - but IMO they are just stating the facts, if you don't like it then you're being extremely ignorant.
5. Yes Nobody in my group took notes, but trust me this stuff will stick in your head!! Esp. if you have your OH there with you.
6. Everyone in my group brought their partner. It was fairly obvious in the first session who was there by choice and who'd been dragged along, but by the end of the second session all the blokes were having a superb time and have a great laugh, and seem to be enjoying it. My DH thinks it's brilliant and has been setting up some meetings with the other couples outside of class already! From my POV I think it's a great time for dads to talk about their fears and worries without fear of being judged.
7. They probably won't spend time on hypnotherapy, unfortunately, as if a good proportion of the group doesn't want it, then it would be a waste of time for a lot of people IYSWIM - however, our course co-ordinator had TONS of info about hypnobirthing books, CDs, DVDs and courses and was happy to point some of us in that direction.
8. I have no idea if it makes it more likely... I bloody hope so but the thought had never occurred to me!!
9. Check your course schedule - ours said that our last session was at the hospital, yours may not depending on your area. If not, then ask your midwife to book you in for a tour - it's her who should arrange it for you.

Hope this all helps! I really hope you enjoy your course as much as I'm loving mine :)

My experience of NCT is very similar to sundae's.

We had nine couples and all the dads came to each class, including the one specifically on breast feeding.

I wouldn't worry about taking notes, we got lots of email handouts after every class.

We were given tons of info in the classes on all types of pain relief and c-sections and our teacher didn't 'push' one way over another.

Hypno birthing wasn't covered at all.

I would arrange your own tour of where you want to give birth as NCT won't have any influence over this.

Enjoy it! I've made some lovely friends there, hope you do too

Hi

I've just finished my NCT class but know that my experience is probably very relative to the area (Bedfordshire):

1. Seven couples in our class, which was 'full'.
2. She had an idea of what each session would contain and we discussed this at the beginning of the day/evening, however if people wanted to cover certain topics in more detail/other subjects she was happy to do so.
3. We were given an idea of what would be covered in each session, and which would be the breastfeeding session at the outset.
4. We talked about pain relief options and interventions, and what to expect.
5. One of the guys on our course used an ipad to record one of the sessions his partner couldn't attend! I don't think you'll look like a twonk, however I didn't feel the need to take notes because it wasn't a lecture - our sessions were more open discussions on matters, and I already know the facts of things, just needed to have those discussions with my partner/others to help form my own approach.
6. We were all couples, and the men attended all sessions.
7. She mentioned Natal Hypnotherapy and I know would have gone into it in more detail if anyone had suggested, but she didn't promote that or any other product.
8. Our NCT is independent from any hospital. There is no relationship with them and any hospital which will allow/deny you into a midwife led centre. But our midwife led centres are open to all and very large so there would be no battle getting in.
9. One of our guest tutors offered to show any woman who wanted to around the closest hospital but only two women were using that one - I don't know what her relationship was with the hospital to be able to do so. It's easier to organise a tour yourself directly with your delivery unit/midwife led centre from what I can tell.

Hope that helps!!

1. There were 6 couples in total in my class
2. I did an intensive course (only 3 sessions, one of which was exclusively on breastfeeding) and she had a general outline of what she wanted to discuss, but also at the beginning asked us what we wanted to know about specifically (and wrote it on a board, to refer back to). It was quite an informal atmosphere where you could ask questions as you were going along (it's not like a lecture or something where you just sit and listen the whole time)
3. Roughly yes, but that made sense as it was only 3 sessions.
4. We covered all the pain relief options and also discussed the different types of intervention that were possible.
5. No, it's very helpful as it's hard to retain hours worth of information.
6. All partners went to all sessions (apart from one or two if they had work commitments), also the breastfeeding one
7. Not standard, no. I think it will depend on who is conducting your sessions and whether they have any experience. We did spend some time focussing on our breathing, but when it came to labour I didn't feel that had been useful at all.
8. I sure hope not! It should be entirely your decision whether you want to go to the birthing centre. Some pain relief options are available if you give birth at the birthing centre, although what is available may differ depending on your particular one.
9. No. Each couple in my group planned to give birth in a different hospital (and I had planned a home birth). However, you might be able to go have a look around your hospital/birthing centre by contacting them direct.

Thank you so so much everyone for your feedback. I won't take notes.

I did ask the woman who called if it was possible to look around our birthing centre and she said it wasn't common but if I popped along they may be able to let me see round. I just would like to see it if possible before I'm actually in labour and stressing to the max (or not if the Nasal Hypotherapy CD I bought works )

Natal....not nasal

I could use some nasal hypnotherapy right about now, DS1 has given me his stinking cold!

I've just finished my NCT classes and thought they were excellent. Here's my experience:

1. We had six couples in ours
2. We chatted and asked questions all the way through
3. The first thing the instructor did was ask us to think about what we'd like to cover, so she could make sure her course included any specifics that somebody wanted to go over.
4. We had a very full discussion of pain relief options, Caesareans and other interventions. I didn't feel like there was any bias towards avoiding pain relief etc.
5. One of the men in my group took notes. My partner quite often took photos of completed flip charts, notes etc: apparently this is quite common.
6. All the partners came to most classes. One time just the husband of one couple came as the wife couldn't make it.
7. We didn't do hypnotherapy but I think the instructor did mention she had a DVD about it.
8. No idea
9. No, our local hospital doesn't do tours.

Hope you enjoy it!

I just wanted to say thanks again for everyone's feedback. First class is tonight and I'm looking forward to it. I think you just hear so many scare stories about NCT classes that I have no idea what to expect. Things I've heard include:

1. I'll be glared at because DP and I aren't married.
2. As above because we're young (I'm 28...)
3. If you even mention anything other than breastfeeding or an entirely natural birth you are shunned
4. For the meetups afterwards unless you're in blatently 'NCT' type clothes (ie dressed all in Joules clothes and wearing Hunter wellie boots) you're shunned

Basically lots of things I've read have indicated we're 'not NCT material' lol. I suspect this won't be the case though

I did NCT in 2011 before birth of DC1 (now pregnant with DC2), so we've had plenty of chances to meet up, and I think if anyone turned up in Hunter's, I'd snigger them out of the room!

We had a group of 5 couples, we were/are all married, but that makes no difference to the group. What mattered was that we were all equally clueless about everything, and we were/are all friendly people. Yes we have occasional clashes of personality, but so do all groups of friends.

One mum was definite from day one that she was having an epidural and our instructor had only had c-sections, so we covered all the interventions (with a general slant towards avoiding them!).

I also did the NHS antenatal classes to get familiar with the hospital and get the tour, and that was far more judgemental! I suggested that a good reason for breastfeeding was the fact it was free, and the midwife laughed at me! (I'd seen her once before for my 16 week app, and she wound me up then too with stupid comments!)

Please don't be worried!! DH and I were worried because he already has 2 children from his first marriage and thought that might raise a few eyebrows, but honestly everyone has been lovely!! I think in our group half the couples are married, half not but it never came up - the talk revolves around baby, not you two! Unless you bring it up during social/break times.

Also there was a huge diversity between ages in my class, from 24 to 41, and it doesn't seem to matter a jot because we're all in the same place. Pregnancy is a great equaliser!

My class was fine with interventions, but quite naturally pointed out the risks and limitations - I think more so we can make an informed choice rather than be pressured by others. The only thing I will say is that they are very pro breast feeding. Not an issue for me as that's what I want ideally, but there was one mum in my group mumbling about not wanting to feel like a "milk machine". Bit awkward. But that session was with a breast feeding counsellor and not our usual tutor, and none of us liked her much! She was very left wing and we were all glad to see our regular tutor back the next week!!

PS, at my last session I wore a bright rainbow hoodie and jogging bottoms and nobody flinched - don't cast aspersions as it may be great and you make friends for life!

How did it go weeblueberry?

It was lovely! Thank you so much for asking.

Unfortunately DP couldn't go because he's full of the lurgy and didn't want to infect lots of pregnant ladies!

But I went by myself and really enjoyed it. The leader is going to cover all manner of things including non breastfeeding options, c sections and epidurals. We all sat in wee groups at the beginning to see what we wanted to cover and every single group said something like they didn't want to be judged for any choices they might make during or after the birth which was a big relief! We all seemed to get along really well too which was great. Looking forward to next week now.