Pregnant during lockdown, no classes

[kedooo]

Hi so me and my OH are expecting in Sept, both first time parents. Obviously with the lockdown there will be no antenatal classes, less appointments with midwife, can we learn everything we need to know from books/YouTube videos? It's not ideal but I feel so unprepared and clueless!

Nct are doing online classes. Lots of the hypnobirthing and other antenatal groups are doing online classes too. Mostly via zoom.

My facebook feed is swamped with antenatal class recommendations!

We have done an NCT class over zoom. It was discounted but we really enjoyed it and got a lot from it. It was nice to be able to sit on our own sofa, move about if I was uncomfortable etc. I don't think we have missed out by not attending a class.

I’ve had 2 babies and never went to one ante natal class
I appreciate that some people want to and find them useful but don’t panic if you can’t go, it will still be fine

Also have been doing pregnancy yoga via Lucy Flow (before lockdown due to work commitments) and will be signing up to the positive birth company hypnobirthing online classes.

I am in the same position, FTM due in Aug and absolutely clueless!
I've been told that the nhs are doing free virtual classes so going to have a look at booking them if they're still doing them in june/July. They recommend doing the classes from.28 weeks onwards

I didn't go to any classes for my first as my local ones became fully booked before I was told about them and the others all started too late for me to join. I just did lots of googling, YouTubing and bought what to expect in the first year book. I have seen some places offering virtual classes so you can always try those. My midwife told me that they cover pretty much everything in their appointments that you get in NCT so you shouldn't miss out on much apart from making friends.

Would also recommend 'wonder weeks' either the app or the book for when the baby is here. It tells you when leaps are due to happen which might explain why your baby may suddenly become very fussy or behave differently to usual.

My overwhelming memory of NCT classes was how bloody uncomfortable the chairs were in the classes and how knackered I was after a full day at work going to them! Good to meet people though - but zoom seems like a good compromise!

Absolutely you can and your body will know what to do when the time comes. I did not do any classes, just read up on some general informAtion and forums such as this to read personal experiences.

I’m doing the Positive Birth Company online pack, have a look. I’d probably have done that regardless

I've been looking into online stuff today - I feel like lots that are currently free might not be free if lockdown is lifted by the time I feel ready to do them (only due in October) so I may have to get some motivation earlier than I wanted to!

I went to one and it was in no way helpful. I don't think you can really plan for birth much. You just have to see how bad it is and decide what you want in the moment. You can read experiences online here to see how varied everyone's will be. I had a fast labour with my first so there were no choices to be made. This time around my goal will be to make it to hospital and that's about it

I never bothered, first time round had twins and most the classes weren't geared towards that so I joined our local twin club on Facebook and asked a few questions there but we winged it and they turned out ok!
When DC3 came along I felt like there was no point.

Congratulations to you! So many online offerings out there, but if you are going to join one, think about your local ones, so you have a friendship group there ready for you, plus you are helping a local small business stay afloat in these difficult times.
With a September due date, you should think about getting booked soon as some people take a break over summer.
Good Luck!

thedaisyfoundation.com/

They were rare when I had my children; I had a little paperback called You and Your Baby which explained what was happening throughout pregnancy and labour, and Dr. Spock.

Suffolk Babies are running online Antenatal classes and they are ruddy amazing people, I cannot recommend them enough. Marvellously during lockdown you don't need to be in Suffolk to join in.

I didn't find the classes useful. Can find everything you need to know via Google and mumsnet!

Thanks everyone, I'm not on Facebook and don't really like doing video chat so will prob try watching videos and books. As I'm off work now just thought I could use this time productively in case I get called back to work soon

The maternity collective are doing a free online course for the next 2 months. It is all videos so no video chat - just sit back and watch.
It is made by an NHS Dr and Midwife and explains latter pregnancy, birth, post birth and some videos on feeding and baby care.
www.thematernitycollective.online

Thank you, that sounds great I'll check it out!

I went to 3/5 antenatal classes at the back end of last year because I couldn't bear to finish them. They're all different and if they work for people that's great, but I found them too long (uncomfortable!), awkward because our group wouldn't speak and the content to be quite basic/not covering what was planned.

I read First Time Parent plus lots of NHS/Bounty/Emma's Diary articles online and found they covered everything. I'd never looked after properly a baby beforehand - you'll be surprised what you just seem to pick up ☺️

I’m pregnant with DC5 and never attended a class. They’re all still alive so I’ve done something right . Honestly, you’ll be absolutely fine.

Southampton maternity service are posting videos weekly on their Facebook page in place of the classes, I have found them really helpful and intresting!

Blossom antenatal are doing free antenatal classes via zoom.