Antenatal Classes

[abbs1]

When are you offered antenatal classes if they are done in your area. I into my 29th week and my midwife so far hasn't mentioned it to me. It's my first baby and would like some advice etc on breastfeeding and preparing for birth etc. I cant afford to go private for NCT ones but people keep telling me I will be offered NHS classes??

I doubt you will be "offered" NHS classes. You need to ask your midwife/Google what's available in your area. For example, in my area the local hospital runs free classes that happen once a month and is a walk in on first-come-first-accepted basis.

Btw, NCT is not the only company offering classes and depending on your income you might be able to get them at a discount.

I was told about them at my 16 weeks appointment and was advised when to go on them ect this is my 2nd so the only ones am interested in is the breastfeeding and weaning really I thought NHS offers them to everyone especially 1st time mums but maybe am wrong x

In my area my contact info was given to a MCA who rang me and arranged an appointment with me, I think it was termed as health promotion or something. I had to go to a hospital to meet her for my appointment and she just went through the health side of things e.g what I'm eating, do I smoke, the baby box and am I doing pelvic floors.
She mentioned antenatal classes to me at this and booked it all in for me, wasn't done through my midwife although at far later appointments they started asking if I'd been to them.

To be honest, I did 3 out of the 5 offered and gave up by the end. The group was only small and really quiet so it was always awkward feeling and there was never any interaction or much questioning.
I also found it really uncomfortable to sit on the chair for 2 hours! I didn't find there was anything mentioned in the classes that I couldn't find out through the Internet, books or MN and it seemed to lack structure at times or they'd say we'd be discussing something, then not. So not for me but if you feel you want them, chase it up definitely

I’m 35 weeks and have been booked on a course by my midwife when I’ll be 38 weeks. Which is ironically when my OBGYN is planning to arrange my C Section (breech, back to back baby boy and I’m totally against EVC). I’m hoping I’m not going to miss out on any good info!

I was never offered them the first time around, and didn't ask.

I know people who swear by them though.

I was asked if I had anything booked by my midwife at 28 weeks (was booked onto NCT) and she said 'great, you don't need information about the NHS ones then' so I assume if you ask your midwife she'll be able to provide details.

I think it varies by area we dont have antenatal classes where I am but have 2 separate workshops on breastfeeding and birth that we can book onto.

I saw my midwife today and she said that there is a one full day antenatal course run by the NHS at my local hospital. The only thing is that it costs £100. Seems a bit expensive for 1 day and not sure exactly what you get for that. My husband isn't keen on it and not sure we can really afford it.

At my 16 week appt I was told about the local free NHS antenatal classes and recommended to book on to them with advance notice because they quickly fill up.
I booked quite far in advance to attend one at 32 weeks and it was really helpful.
The local partnership where I am was called "Bump, Birth and Baby Stuff" and it offered 1 full day, or 3 x 1/2 day, clinics to all expectant parents for free.

I was told about the free NHS classes around the 23rd week. I attended the Active Birthing Class last week which will be followed by a physio class in February, and I'm also signed up for the Infant Feeding Workshop in a few weeks. I guess it all depends on the area.

I personally found them pretty useless, I sat (uncomfortably at 34 weeks) through a 2 hour breastfeeding workshop and didn't learn any of the useful stuff such as how to manage cluster feeding, engorgement, how to position yourself with stitches down below etc. YouTube was my saviour there are so many amazing informative videos showing close ups of baby latching etc.

My midwife never stopped banging on about them so I eventually went to them at the end of my pregnancy, I think they were absolutely useless though and I spent the entire time starving wondering why I was even there. My local hospital also offered a one day a month thing where you could ask for advice, see demonstrations and get in touch with local groups and charities so I found this a little more helpful but still seemed like a waste of time.

Honestly I think the Internet, especially YouTube videos of mums giving advice is your best bet on anything you want to know as that’s where you get your brutal honesty, not what’s recommended or people are too polite to say/don’t want to scare you. I found everything I wanted/needed to know from the internet apart from after birth which seems a little taboo. Watch a lot of ‘my birth story’ and birth videos as well. There’s lots of breastfeeding advice on there but there might be a local breastfeeding group set up near you that might be of some help, and midwives will help you with breastfeeding as well and put you in touch with a lactation nurse if you’re having issues.

I'm 29 weeks and was told today for the first time about antenatal classes and to go along from 34 weeks but the thought of being stuck in a hot stuffy room at the hospital all day with strangers and not knowing if there will be toilet breaks etc and what is actually going to be covered I'd rather read a book or as suggested YouTube etc. I dont understand how it can be NHS yet charge that much or charge at all. I will just tell my midwife I cant afford it which I cant and do my own research. I think i would rather also not know everything about labour and birth as it will scare and stress me out. 😂

If you can't afford it that's fine, and there may be assistance available if you tell the midwife that is the case. However I think it is ill-advised to not look into labour and birth so that you know what to expect (approximately), who to contact, what your options and rights are.

P.s. you will definitely be allowed to go to the toilet during your antenatal classes - they are designed for pregnant women!

I went to NCT classes before Christmas and am currently going to NHS antenatal classes. Very different in tone & feel, but I am getting something out of these classes even if a lot of it is stuff I know or have already heard. But it’s just the way I like to get info - hate watching videos if there’s something I could read or someone I could talk to instead. So it depends whether the idea appeals to you, it seems like it does? If you can’t afford it then fair enough, but worth checking with your midwife that there are no discounts available.