Antenatal classes - dont knowwhat to expect!

[laura2323]

I am starting NHS antenatal classes tonight and just want to know what these classes involve and who normally runs them?!
Also do they include partners in the classes and answer their questions? Or just ignore them as my midwife does!

Tia x

When I did them with DC1 over 9 years ago they were run by midwives at the local hospital. The information was pretty much what you would get in a book about pregnancy/birth! With the advantage of being able to get answers to any questions you may have. Also quite hospital specific (as in the protocols etc at that particular hospital. Partners were very much included and could ask questions too. We also got a tour of the labour ward. To be honest, though, I didn't take much in. It may vary from area to area, as all things maternity seem to do

Ours were a talk with one of the community midwives in the local community hospital (which doesn't have a maternity unit). It was a bit pointless really because they couldn't tell us anything hospital specific (as there are several different hospitals in the area to chose from). I'd already had NCT classes (and googled) a lot by then so didn't learn anything new. There were partners there and they were allowed to ask questions! It wasn't very interactive though, more like a lecture or talk than classes.