NCT or classes second time round?

[spydie]

Still very early days, but just found I'm expecting No.2 and already thinking ahead! With No.1 we didn't do NCT classes, only the NHS antenatal classes. After the birth I really struggled and suffered PND and didn't have any fellow mum friends. After quite a few months I started getting out and made some acquaintances through a local baby group. We haven't really stayed in touch though as I went back to work full time.

Now second time round I'm wondering if it's worth doing NCT classes purely for the network side of it. Has anyone else done this or is more aimed at first time mums?

Darn, title should read NCT not BUT!!!

Hi Spydie

We've edited this for you now!

Huge congratulations - hope you get some good advice soon.

I did NCT and I only really liked one couple in our group but I know others who have made lifelong friends. If you can afford it easily then it can’t hurt to go.

It is aimed quite a bit at first time parents, but there are 'refresher' courses which I think would allow you to get into a network of other parents who are having babies around the same time. We're having our 2nd. We did do NCT the first time and it was fab for that. But now everyone from my NCT group has pretty much already had their 2nds and is back to work (we have a 5 year age gap). I think though this time around for me at least it will be easier to just create a network. I know now where to look for other mums and know that everyone is looking to connect especially in the early days, so I think it will be a bit easier just to do it on my own. But yes, there are refresher NCT courses that you can do if you can find them in your area and if you don't mind the expense, it might be a good thing to try.

While the course is aimed information wise at first timers a lot of my group said they were there to make mum friends so I don’t think you’d be out of place.

I think if you do the refresher class, it is more likely to meet mums who are also having their second/third etc.
I did NCT and we were all first timers in my class.

I did NCT signature class first time and then currently doing refresher course for 2nd. Really wanted to meet people again and get tips for coping with two children

Thanks Ladies. Yes so think the refresher courses sound more appropriate. We don't seem to have though locally... there are some but then no more past April which is really too early. Hopefully some will be added!

Have you tried the app called Mush?

I originally didn't like it as I found too many people trying to sell stuff but they're banning that now so it's going back to its original purpose of putting mums/parents in touch for networking and friendships local to them.

NCT do an Early Days course aimed at new mothers once the baby is born. I’m doing it with my second and it’s useful to talk through how you’re doing whether it’s your first or not and I’ve met nice people.

Yes Icannever... I have and actually I've made a good friend in our tiny village through it. She's expecting her second too but 6 months ahead of me! But good point, I did have to revisit it.

Thanks lules I didn't realise NCT did a post birth course, I will definitely look into that.