Antenatal classes, Are they worth it?

[Hopeitwontbebig]

Wanted to get some general opinions. I'm expecting my 3rd baby in September. My youngest child is 8 years old.

Do you think it would be worth attending these classes? I mentioned the classes to DH a couple of weeks ago and he thought it was a given that we weren't going to attend, because we've been there, done it etc...

Have things changed much in 8 years?

Dont know, but I've decided not to bother with them because, although my DS is now nearly 17, i can still remember how to feed/bath/change a baby's bum and dont really need any help on that front! Anything else that's different now to what it was all that time ago i will no doubt hear about from MN

i got some really nice friends out of it but that was about it.

in your position i would

socially will give you new contacts

and things may have changed wrt pain relief etc (or your hospital's policies) since your last ds

I would go anyway - but to an NHS one. Some areas do 'refresher' courses where they just run thru the 'basics' and any recent changes. It might be more suited to your needs - if you can find one.

a mate of mine is currently going.

Her DH was refused point blank to attend next week's session as apparenlty its a "bonding session" to bond with other members of the group

This is my second (DS is 3 yrs) - I'm going to a couple of my NHS ones but really only to meet some new people.

Hi - DH and I went to our first one yesterday evening and we both came out of it surprised. It was so informative and much better than either of us expected. I think lots has changed and you will probably enjoy it. But this is our first - and i am welcoming the advice from all quarters!

A mate went to local NCT refresher course - she was quite sceptical but came away raving about how much she'd learnt (her first was5 years ago) and how helpful it was. Mind you, she had a shit first labour and felt she needed to go back to the beginning. She did also say the course was tailored round the needs of the class a lot ...

Hmm food for thought. Maybe, I'll go along for first one and see ...