Antenatal classes....to do or not to do?!

[WickerHearts]

Just wondering if any of you lovely ladies that have had previous babies have been to any antenatal classes, any if so, did you find them helpful?
First baby here and undecided whether to do Daisy Foundation Birthing classes?!
Thank you in advance :) xx

I did with my first, not with second. Was quite useful, and I did a whole day course, rather than a few hrs a week, don't know if they offer that near you? Congratulations

Daisy birthing was brilliant. I also done nct and felt that daisy prepared me for birth. Currently 40+1 and looking forward to implementing the techniques

Yes with my first I did Nct and the hospital one. Nct was great for meeting other mum's and we continued to meet up long after the babies were born. It was great for dh too. And we covered all aspects of birth. The hospital ones were ok but it was a big group so we didn't meet anyone and it wasn't very personal. But it was useful as they gave us lots of info about what they expected, when to go in etc.

I certainly found actually talking to other people much more useful than reading a book.

Thank you for your replies ladies!
Am quite anxious about labour and giving birth, was wondering if something like the Daisy Birthing classes may help me to deal with it a bit better.
Inwaiting approx how many ladies were on your course?xx

I've signed up for NCT. Wondering whether to try Daisy Birthing too- does anyone know if it's women only?

It is women only but they do partner prep. I found it really useful to prepare for the birth. Lots of breathing techniques and positions to consider

There were 8. I done two courses so met 16 lovely women and we are all in touch and meet regularly xxx

Thanks Inwaiting!

When I went to Daisy Birthing classes my group was tiny! I think another group nearby had ten or more though. It was nice and friendly, and though I didn't fancy using all the techniques for my DC's birth the breathing and positions were really useful. Each session covered some practical things alongside the relaxation and breathing etc. too so they definitely helped me feel more prepared.

I did NCT classes and they were invaluable. I can't imagine why you'd want to go through something so important as childbirth without arming yourself with some knowledge and techniques. They also taught breastfeeding.

They are also great for meeting others in the same position as you! 17 years on, I'm still friends with three people I met through NCT classes.

I found the NHS ones most useful,and they're free. Definitely do some, you might meet nice people.

I did the free NHS ones, my DH came to all of them (though we missed the last two as I was in hospital giving birth )

There were bits that were useful, other bits were a bit more common sense, but to be honest I've found going to them has helped more after having DD as four of us have all stayed in contact and meet up with our babies regularly, which has been a lifesaver while on mat leave.

I didn't do any classes and massively regretted it in late pregnancy, through labour and then again at my post natal group when everyone had already formed friendships and there wasn't enough room for me
I would say do the class

I went to them and ended up with some great friendships more than anything

I'm just doing a hypnobirthing one (ftm mum too), I don't want to know all the horrible stuff until it happens. Its been pit luck for ny friends who have done nct, some have found good friends other not. Some people have said that what you learn you could learn online so all depends on what kind of person you are. Reality is women have been having babies doe millions of years without antenatal classes so its not like you aren't going to be able to give birth if you don't so them. I'm only.doing hypnobirthing as think it will help with keeping me calm and relaxed.

My midwife (during labour) gave me a less than impressed look when I said I hadn't gone to any. She was quite judgy about it as if it was somehow my fault that my labour ended in an emergency c-section

I wouldn't be too bothered about birthing classes as that kind of happens to you IMO - you can't really control it!

I would do some kind of newborn care class just to meet other mums. Unless you already have a ready made network of mum friends mat leave can be quite lonely and it is easier to make friends in pregnancy than afterwards as you're all in the same boat.

NHS ones do vary. Mine was two hours and involved talking about gas and air, breastfeeding, natural unassisted births and a polo neck jumper. I didn't speak to anyone.

I did both antenatal and postnatal nct groups and made good friends doing so - it really is useful to meet other women going through the same thing at the same time as you! It's nice to be able to meet up during maternity leave for coffee / walks etc.

To be honest most of the birth preparation stuff I could have found online or in a pregnancy book but I still found it useful.

Thank you ladies for your replies, I think you have all given me the push I needed to book them :)
Hoping they will make me feel a bit more relaxed about it all xx