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Original poster

NCT classes for second timers?

12 replies

notoasthere · 31/07/2014 13:41

Are nct classes worth it for the social aspect for second timers? I'm having an elcs and doubt oh will want to come! Just thought it might be sensible to a support network of mums with newborns? I've already forgotten what it was like and ds is only 20 months

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flipflopsonfifthavenue · 31/07/2014 14:42

I was wondering about this and posted a smiliar thread. most people replied to say they didn't do them, as they hadn't found them useful the first time round...

are you in touch with your NCT peers from the first time? are any of them having their second DC too? Have you moved area?

Original poster

notoasthere · 31/07/2014 15:13

I have a good group of mums from various classes that I see weekly and socialise with child free - the second wave of babies has started with 8 due between now and Christmas. I'm not due till next year though so while I don't need nct classes, I thought it was worth an ask anyway. Maybe I'm over thinking it - it's not like I will get to enjoy peaceful coffee dates while our babies sleep with ds in tow!

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ElephantsNeverForgive · 31/07/2014 15:28

I did classes the second time round because I'd moved areas and knew almost no one.

Made a great bunch of DFs who didn't fade away until DD was 7/8, mostly because several have moved away and everyone except me have gone back to work.

But I was always slightly the outsider as they went on to have DCs 2 & some DC3 and my older DD was always slightly the interloper.

If you already have friends from first time round I wouldn't worry.

MrsCakesPremonition · 31/07/2014 15:36

The NCT offers refresher classes for people who've already had a baby. A shorter course, less expensive and people in a similar position. Some of the refresher courses run at a weekend.
However, you could probably start a similar support network by starting to go along to a Bumps and Babies group and socialising with new mums.

Redling · 31/07/2014 15:49

Do you have a Sure Start centre near you? They do baby and you classes and stay and play, and baby massage etc so it's a good way of meeting mums post birth. And they are free, and wonderful places (I work with Sure Start and I find that so many people go to paid classes for advice, socialising and play when this wonderful free resource is there!)

weeblueberry · 31/07/2014 16:01

I found it really valuable last time but probably won't do another. I'm a lot more confident this time going along to toddler groups so don't need the social aspect and the information I gained last time seems to have stuck!

PickleMyster · 31/07/2014 16:26

We've booked them again. With DC1 we made some great friends, who I will always have fond memories of. There will be an almost 6 yr age gap and DP more than me wanted a refresher but I think it will be good for both of us. Last year we moved areas so I don't really know anyone, I don't get to go to toddler group as DS is in school. Unfortunately our area didn't have any 'refresher' courses listed so we've gone for the whole shebang. I am a bit concerned that the leader, knowing we've done it before will ask us a lot more questions and the others in the group will think we are know I talks. Just have to wait and see.

Original poster

notoasthere · 31/07/2014 18:03

No sure start, and no one to mind ds while I go to bumps and babies. I volunteer for nct though, run a breastfeeding group, and go to three playgroups so not short on stuff to do - I don't know, maybe I have a very glossy, rose tinted view of nct friendship groups and fancied extending my circle. Maybe I should just be thankful that my current mum chums are all amazing and not push my luck too much - there's always the chance I'd meet a horror or two

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MrsCakesPremonition · 31/07/2014 22:09

Surely DS can go to Bumps and babies too? Our group had lots of older siblings.

Original poster

notoasthere · 01/08/2014 05:36

Not in our group unfortunately - it's under one's only.

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WhatTheHellDoWeCallThisBaby · 01/08/2014 05:44

I found the refresher course really disappointing. Everything I'd heard about the first-time course which sounded appealing simply wasn't there. I was particularly disappointed that our group was so small - only four couples. We live in a rural county and two couples live quite far from the main city, so meet-ups will be difficult. Also - and I know this can't be predicted! - one couple were really domineering and tedious, which would be ok in a larger group (the first-time NCT groups seem to be much bigger, like 8-9 couples) but in such a small number they really affected the atmosphere.

We only did the course to try and meet new parents to see occasionally, so I wasn't expecting it to revolutionise my life or anything, but it was a massive waste of £80.

SweetPeaPods · 01/08/2014 06:17

I'm in a similar position. Ds slightly younger.
I thought about taking them both to the NCT bumps& babies but ours is under 1 too....

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