How early do people book their NCT classes?

[twelveyeargap]

Just been told there are no places left in the Haringey NCT classes for my due date of May 07. How early do people usually book? I was shocked. Am only 14 weeks, so just assumed this was pretty early to be booking classes?

Clearly I was mistaken! NCT have suggested I contact neighbouring boroughs, which I will, but was wondering if anyone else had this problem?

In Nottingham NCT don't accept bookings until women are 12 weeks and we advise people to book as early as possible. But there isn't the pressure on classes as there is in London.

Some NCT teachers teach privately too so it might be worth looking around to see what else is available in your area.

Try here

Thanks a million SueW. That's really helpful.

I had the same issue - I tried to book on the Islington NCT but they said that they couldn't book me in until I'd had my 12-14 week scan showing that everything was ok. I contacted them again the day of the scan and they told me they were full. I think they just don't have enough people. There are lots of other good classes about though and I would definitely go to the one offered by your hospital - it will be run by a midwife(s) and you'll get good solid info.

Unfortunately more and more hospitals are cutting antenatal classes from their services. That's why there are now midwives setting up private classes too. And not just midwives and NCT teachers, there are all sorts of people. One company is run by a life coach I think.

It is important to check what you want from classes and whether that matches what the company/organisation is offering because whoever is running them, the minimum headline price is likely to be GBP80+ for a course - and considerably more for some luxury weekend options e.g. GBP1570 for a getaway at Chewton Glen.