Antentatal class help

[Charl2701]

Hey guys, just after a little bit of advice, I’m 29 weeks pregnant and need to look at antenatal classes. When I saw a midwife last week she said to go on to my hospital website and book the virtual classes on there, however they are all sold out (daytime, evening and weekend) until the end of November! Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?! X

Ours are all on Teams, so haven’t had an issue getting on them. Maybe email them?

I have paid for the positive birth company full package though (was on offer £50) which includes all the birth stuff, post natal, feeding, and a book too. I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s really detailed but kept my interest!

I've got the same problem. Super annoying as I called 3 times in lockdown to check I was on the list and that they hadn't reopened yet. They promised they would contact me as soon as they were available 🙄

We did NCT and there are also free nhs classes that are just online videos, I think they are called Solihull. Also positive birth company video pack is great to get into positive thinking before labour.
NHS also has free online breastfeeding consultation if you need help with this after birth.

This isn't meant rudely but I'm not quite sure how to say it so I apologise if it comes across as rude!

Why exactly do you 'need' antenatal classes?
What specifically is it you feel you require help/advice on?

Because I know very few people who benefited from antenatal classes, other than to make a few friends, and sometimes you're better off doing your own research that isn't biased in any way

You're lucky your hospital is running some. We've been given access to YouTube videos. No interactivity, no chance to ask questions or meet other mums in the local area.

So I've paid for NCT - it's expensive and will be over Zoom, but I think it will be worth it in lieu of the hospital providing a proper provision.

@ScarMatty

1. yep, making a few friends is pretty high on the agenda.

1. While I've done some research I'd like to have reassurance that I've covered the essentials and not missed something important!

1. It would be good to go to something interactive with my OH so that we both get the info and can discuss. I've tried to get him to do some reading and he has done a bit but he is extremely busy with work and we're mid house move so a course would be a great format for us.

I get your point that it probably isn't technically 'NEEDED' but it would help a lot and it should in theory be available to all parents.

@LoveSunshine01

I get you.

I just find antenatal classes very biased, aren't always honest and not as essential as some people think but each to their own

If it’s being run remotely I’d email and beg to be added!

@Charl2701 We have just done the course with The Baby Academy. It’s all done online and covers all aspects of baby care (nappy changing/bathing/safe sleep etc), feeding (breastfeeding and formula feeding), labour (pain relief/what to do and when/what to expect afterwards), and baby first aid.

We had been given a link to one through our NHS trust and if I’m honest it was horrendous 🙈 it was all about feelings and emotions etc, there was no actual practical information.

I would highly recommend The Baby Academy if you’re looking for practical info - I also felt it was really unbiased. They obviously mentioned things like the world health organisation advising exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months but then went on to say that as far as they were concerned as long as baby is fed and happy and whatever method you choose works for both mum and baby then that’s what’s important. Also found it really useful that they went through all the pain relief options for labour - when they can be used, when they can’t, risks and benefits of each etc.

@ScarMatty I think as a first time parent especially being pregnant throughout this whole pandemic it’s more of a reassurance and interactivity thing. Having only had my NHS scans alone without my partner and only seeing a midwife for the first time at my 28 week appointment I feel very alone in this whole new and daunting process.

I’d also like something for my partner to be involved in too. I completely get that you and others might feel they are unnecessary but they’re offered and clearly sold out for a reason. I know I can do my own research and I have to a certain degree but it is like a foreign language when you have no idea so some friendly faces and words of advice are all I’m after really 😊