31 weeks, first pregnancy, still haven't had an antenatal class aaargh!!!

[chunkypudding]

I keep reading about people having had several classes by now - I still haven't managed to get on an NCT course with my partner (even though I signed up in August..)

and the NHS are only offering one labour/pain relief (which dp can come to) and one breastfeeding class, and a couple od hour-long physio appointments (one of which dp can come to.)

These start a bit later this month but I have to say I'm feeling really unprepared and slightly freaked out!

Is anyone else in the same position with classes? at the moment it feels like i'll give birth before I even have an idea on breathing, how to get my little breech monkey to turn etc etc - its not the same reading it in a book!

Sure it will all be okay in the end - feeling especially rubbish at the mo as coming down with an evil cold and crazy busy ar work....

My MF only just mentioned classes to me and I'm 31 weeks too. Must admit I'm not overly keen on the idea of going to them if I'm honest

Think it would be better if I was a little more prepared but just the idea of going makes me nervous. I wouldn't say I'm a particually shy person tho so I'm not sure where these feeling come from?!

Hope you get your classes sorted soon - it's obviuosly something that will help you feel more prepared and probably more comfortable once you know more about what to expect. Good luck.

When I was pregnant with my first I was anxious to attend all the classes. I thought if I missed one then I'd be missing a vital bit of info. This wasn't the case.

It is useful to know the different types of pain reliefs, and have a bit of info on breast feeding but you don't need to attend the classes to find out this info. I think in some ways the classes set you up for an ideal birth, and give you a false sense of security. You leave thinking I'm going to have this/do that etc. The reality isn't necessary like that. I think what is important is you have an idea of what type of birth you would like etc and then mentally prepare yourself that it may not happen, but that it would be okay.

From speaking to friends the shock that they didn't get a natural birth which they were expecting and suddenly being rushed for a CS knocked them for six. Realising that they couldn't breast feed made them feel inadequate etc. The classes didn't prepare them for any of these emotional things.

I hope your baby turns soon and you get the birth you want. Please don't worry about missing any of the classes. I'm yet to find a friend who thought they were essential.

Thanks for that Journey, really interesting and I guess reassuring to know!

I've got a scan at 34 weeks to check if my low placents has moved, if not may well have to have CS anyway... will be a good time to see if he's actually considering turning at all too!

I think that a lot of the reason I was hoping to attend classes was to meet some other parents-to-be round where we live, as not many of our friends have kids... guess this will happen eventually anyway.

Think I'm just having a stressy day, have so much on at the mo with work, moving/rebuilding house etc etc... sorry for the whinge!

Thanks Kelix too. You sound more chilled out than I feel today!

I've totally decided not to do the classes. I understand that they are helpful to many people, but I think just as many come away thinking they were a waste of time. I plan on reading up a lot, taking advice from people that have given birth; some of whom didn't have the straightforward birth they expected and of course checking out Mumsnet regularly knowing I will get a full frank and honest answer to anything I might query!

30 weeks and haven't had one either. Mine don't start until the end of this month so I'll be 34 weeks. Just have to hope that nothing happens in the meantime!