NHS & NCT classes

[WhereIsThisGoing]

Hi

We've been offered NHS classes to prepare, but they are on Monday afternoon and no where near our place of work, so would essentially require us to take 4 half days each, which I'd rather use once the baby is here.

We can get NCT classes where I am and they are in the evening. Happy to pay for these. My question is, if we do the NCT classes do we also need to do the NHS classes, or would it be okay to just do NCT?

For context, we're first time parents, and I'm not not British (been living is Scotland for 10 years though, so no language issues) and am a bit intimidated by the NHS approach to maternity (where I'm from maternity services are a lot more hands on with help before/after the birth), so feel like we should go an learn as much as possible.

Do we need both or will just NCT be fine?

Just NCT will be fine.

Just NCT is fine, they tell you everything you need to know so it would just be duplication to do the NHS ones. Might as well let someone else have the free place x

Thank you for that, we'll just do the NCT in that case!

The NHS ones can be helpful in giving you specific information about the local maternity services setup but you can probably arrange a tour of labour ward and find that out separately. NCT will give you all the other relevant information about the birth.

FWIW though, you are entitled to paid time off for any maternity appointments including antenatal classes - though sadly this doesn't extend to your partner.