Bump and Baby Class vs NCT

[ilovethesmellofthesea]

Hi! Just wondering if anyone who has experience of the Bump and Baby club class or NCT done virtually would mind letting me know their thoughts? I'm leaning towards BaB because I want something less preachy - I've heard NCT is very no drugs, all natural etc - and I'm considering a planned C section - don't want to be shunned by the group when it would be so so nice to make a mum friend! But virtually I know that's going to be much harder anyway and the social aspect is a huge part of why I want to do a class so almost wondering whether I shouldn't bother with either! Thanks in advance!

It really doesn’t matter, and that’s a good thing. I did NCT. How preachy/useful/whatever else the class will be depends a lot on the teacher. I imagine that’s the case with any other programme too. I’d go with whichever one is at a more convenient time, a location closest to you (this is the critical factor for early mum friendships ime - proximity) and cost.

My NCT was not like that at all, the teacher spoke all about different options and it really did put my mind at ease about the labour process. i would have liked a bit more information on the baby stage but overall my exptwas very positive and have met some lovely people.

My experience*

My experience of NCT was great.

It was online but a WhatsApp group was started before the first call and used to interact between classes.

The teacher we had was fun, lively and she made the classes balanced by covering all topics but involving us plenty so time flew by every session.

The other couples are all from the area and we've since already had 3 social distances park and pubs meet-ups. The support has been invaluable already, before the babies arrive.

In my view it will entirely depend on the teacher and the other couples attending what the outcome of the whole experience is - personally for us NCT was great as we've now got the network locally we wanted to have.

My NCT experience was absolutely dire. Nice group of women but the ‘leader’ was poor and the content was dated and often incorrect. Absolutely would not recommend.

We did a B&B type set of classes too, and they were much better in terms of content. Really inclusive group, and real emphasis on up to date information so you can make an informed choice to increase your chances of a positive (note, not necessarily ‘natural’) birth.

Oh and I forgot to add -

Our teacher provided us with relevant, new and current info on the hospitals we would be using. She was very informed about what was happening now.

In terms of birth we covered everything from natural to c sections and she was pro-choice rather than pushing any particular path.

I'd say inform yourself about the teacher in advance - you can always enquire and request what their background is - and go from there.

Thanks everyone! I'm going to enquire about the course leaders.

@ilovethesmellofthesea

We just had our virtual Bump & Baby sessions during August (first baby and no experience of NCT). It was a shame it had to be online, but we were really impressed with both of the midwives who led our sessions (normally it would just be one but they had to switch instructors at short notice).

They covered all sorts of birth scenarios and nothing felt at all judgemental - they just wanted you to have all the facts to make informed decisions.

We chose B&BC for similar reasons to you, also added bonus being it was about £100 cheaper and you got a Gail's afternoon tea at the end of the course

@sunshinefordays the difference in cost really surprised me! I've booked bump and baby very excited!