Is NCT worth it at the moment?

[Grumpetvoluntary]

We are thinking of trying for baby number 2 and my plan was always to join NCT second time round as we have moved to a new area.

The main pull of NCT for us is making new friends but now that everything is online I just don't see how the experience of joining NCT for antenatal support can possibly be as good.

Has anyone joined NCT in the last year? Have any groups managed to work well online and have any strong friendships blossomed?

Nct is a very first time parent thing though. I used the mum apps with my first (as well as nct) and they worked fine for meeting people. Sorry, haven't tried the online classes to comment on that aspect.

They do a course for second time parents which is more of a refresher and they say they still put you in touch with other locals in a similar situation so I was think of going for that.

I just really don't want to waste time and money on online things that don't actually turn into anything beneficial for real life. My NCT group first time round were amazing and I've made such good friends but unfortunately we are far away from each other now I've moved.

If you're thinking of trying now wouldn't that mean that you'd likely join the NCT class in 6 months + time? It may well not be online by the time you do the classes.

I've almost finished NCT classes (zoom), and it has been absolutely amazing for a first time parent. Also bonded with five other couples all in my neighbourhood. It's put everything at ease and see the bigger picture. X

NCT isn’t just for a first time parent. I did a course for my second child several years ago, because I had moved area, and made some of my best friends.

I think that generally the main bit of the NCT course is the WhatsApp group you create afterwards and in a pandemic, your chances of meeting other new mums will be much more limited. I would do it and hope they were a group I got on with.

Oh sorry, I didn't realise. What do they actually talk about in the classes, second time round?