Antenatal classes - hypnobirthing vs NCT vs both

[birdseed]

Anyone have any recommendations for antenatal classes?

I am keen on trying hypnobirthing, but as it is my first I feel that I would benefit from the general info at the NCT classes.
We are moving to cambridge and dh works 1 1/2 hours from there (commuting) and so could only come to one set with me.

I am also keen to meet other mums to be and am not sure if I would get that at hypnobirthing course.

Has anyone done a hypnobirthing course? If so, do you need to do other antenatal classes to get the rest of the info you need for delivery and dealing with a new baby.

I am only 7 weeks, so I am a bit early thinking about this but I have read that you can book at 12 weeks or after your first scan and that classes book up quickly.

Any experienced ones out there with any advice?!

Thank you muminfife - appreciated!

anyone else got any advice?
...the more the merrier!
and as many different opinions as possible would be gratefully appreciated!

Hypnobirthing won't cover anything other than how to use the hypno techniques so I would recommend a NCT or NHS antenatal class too

I found the NCT classes very good, informative and good for meeting other mums to be

I did hypnobirthing for no2 but didn't really use it to the full as we didn't get a chance to practice the techniques. You need to do your homework to get the benefit

NCT also do evening classes..this is why we inititally went with them as my DH works away and couldnt make day classes. Could your DH make more classes in an evening??

Still in touch with my NCT friends, was a great way to meet other new mums.

birdessed,

have you done a google search for antenatal classes in your area? there are other options apart from nct/nhs or hypno totally.

have you thought about some private one-one classes that will cover what YOU want to know totally, and that are tailormade for you?

cx

sounds as though people are coming down in favour of NCT, so I think that I will go with that. It also seems a good idea as I will need to meet other mums before the baby is born (fingers crossed that I get that far!)

birdseed, I really benefited from hypnobirthing and had 2 really quick home births which I partly attribute to doing hypno every day. Also did yoga, really helpful. But I do think for your 1st baby, you should also attend NCT classes for the practical support and info, and any bfing workshops available, if you want to bf.

HI Birdseed
I'm 34 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and have just completed a hypnobirthing course...I have found it really, really helpful and inspiring, and have high hopes for using a lot of the techniques during my labour at home. The hypnobirthing particularly works for me because it helped to air fears and concerns I had about pregnancy/labour and replace them with positive, empowering thoughts and beliefs. You'd be surprised what's lurking inside the mind! I'm a big advocate of the idea that our mind and thinking state can influence our body and emotional state, so by learning to relax, be calm, and by using visualisation, I can encourage the right hormones in labour, encourage my body to stay relaxed and open and make the labour experience more manageable for myself - and hopefully more peaceful for the baby too. I know that the birth could go any which way and I may surprise myself (!) but whatever, there is a fantastic foundation there, and it's really helped promote relaxation throughout my pregnancy. There is homework to do - so you have to practice to get the most out of it.
As an add on, we have also signed up for NCT classes (2 Saturdays). Heard lots of good feedback about these courses, but mostly hoping I'll meet other local mums to be. I've not bothered with the NHS courses.
Hope this helps.

Slightly an aside, but where abouts would I find out classes that are on offer locally? Is there any sort of 'central database' type thing, or is it just a case of googling?

I'm going for both - I've enrolled on NCT classes and I've bought a set of CD's from Natal Hypnotherapy

You can start using the CD's from 6 weeks and they're great for relaxation. You start the Birth Preparation CD from 32 weeks.

I opted for the Natal Hypnotherapy CD's as the Hypnobirthing course in my area just seemed a bit pricey (the CD's were about £50 for a set of 4). Obviously they are different approaches and you probably get more from actually attending a Hypnobirthing class but for me it seemed like a good substitute.

However, if you'd like to meet other people, the classes are probably a good idea. What about prenatal yoga? If there's a class in your area that's another good way to meet other mums-to-be. I started prenatal yoga at about 7-8 weeks and always felt very inferior as I had no bump whatsoever to speak of! It's definitely been worthwhile though.

Good luck.

Hypnobirthing all the way!

wg,

you can google, or try the nct website if thats what you are after, or ask your mw about the nhs ones, or look on doula uk as afew of us doulas run an classes.

cx

Birdseed, I would recommend NCT classes, as much for the social side as for the information they will give you. I went to NCT classes before the birth of my first child 2 years ago and I still meet all the mums from that class every week for tea! It is a real bonding experience to learn about birth for the first time with lots of other women at the same stage as you.

Never tried hypnobirthing but I would give it a try, but as well as, not instead of, NCT if you can.