Had to sign up for NCT classes as it meant that DH and I could get it over and done with in two weekend days, as opposed to committing to once a week for 6 weeks with our local NHS ones (we'd never get out of work on time).
After weeks of patronising generic emails, with helpful hints such as suggesting that I take a nap if I'm tired in the day (okay, will just pass that one onto my manager at work), we've had an email from the course organiser.
I'm expected to bring items to create a 'birthing nest'. Suggested nesting items apparently include homeopathy oils and baby scans to focus on. Is this normal? Not sure DH and I are going to get on with this...
In all seriousness, what did non-woo people take along to create their 'birth nest' with?!
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Are NCT classes going to be as awful as I'm expecting?
SpecialStains · 14/06/2016 22:31
Hello, had my first class today. It was quite good and all the other couples there seemed really nice. Range of ages 25-40, most in their early 30s. Class wasn't woo at all, and I got a lot out of it. Particularly, found breathing and birthing positions useful. The only downside was that the course leader seemed to think that everyone can have a completely natural birth, and wouldn't really go into what happens when you need intervention.
Still, next week we'll cover breastfeeding and newborn care, which I'm sure will be very useful.
Thanks for all the comments. 
I did nct classes and I am as bewildered as you as to a birthing nest. FFS.
Each teacher will be different... you could ask if there's an alternative course with a different leader?
Ours was very down to earth, covered c sections and bottle feeding etc. Also advocated a meet up post births with lots of wine. We're still doing those 9.5 years later
Our classes were great and not at all woo, we even had a CS role play.
As for your questions:
Breastfeeding: not really, but as they get older they can sometimes become quite reliant on boobs to get them back to sleep (I'm looking at you DS 
)
Hot/cold: feel the back of their necks. DS screamed the place down when he got overheated. As a rule, one more layer than you in winter, one less in summer. Check regularly.
Wees: not just likely, inevitable. I have been wee-d on more times than I care to mention. With girls it tends to puddle underneath instead. We used to call it a DS special when he needed a dirty nappy changing, wee-d as soon as you got the nappy off and then puked within 30 seconds of getting a clean baby gro and vest on. He was a very sicky baby.
It all sounds awful, but bear in mind I'm now 28 weeks with dc2 and I sorted out all the vests etc the other week. I looked back on those sick stained vests with misty eyes 
Best of luck, it sounds like you'll do just fine.
Micah we did NHS ones which also had its share of crazies!
One man wanted reassurance that, when his wife was in labour and therefore lost the ability to make decisions (!) the midwives would listen to him about things like whether or not she needed a Caesarean. The very patient midwife running the class first explained that "a woman's brain does not fall out when she is having a baby" (said in her very clipped German accent) then that it would be a clinical decision whether she needed intervention.
Later on, we had a talk about cord donation. It was explained that it was an international program. Another man, with his Australian wife, said they would only sign up if it could be guaranteed that the cord blood would remain in the UK because "we already give enough to the rest of the world" 
my NCT was also the weekend type setup as DH works evenings. The content wasn't too woo (the few bits mentioned we were all equally incredulous and about!) and as there were only 4 couples it was easier to get to know each other. Would definitely recommend trying the course.
OP just a thought - I attended NHS courses using antenatal leave from work? I treated it similar to midwife appointments...might be worth broaching with work?
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