Antenatal Classes

[Chramy]

Hi All

I'm torn between choosing antenatal classes with Bump & Baby or NCT, as it stands the NCT ones will be in person as it starts on the 22nd May for my delivery date. My main driver for going to Antenatal is to learn everything I need to know about birth and looking after a newborn, if I meet people then that's a bonus. I have read mixed reports on the NCT classes with some people saying they are only good for the social aspect but not so much for the learning. The other thing is the cost of NCT classes which is much higher than other Antenatal classes so I'm wondering what I get for the additional cost.

The bump and baby club seems to have very similar content to NCT and it's £100 less. The only issue is this will probably be virtual with the final 2 classes in person due to the dates.

I would also like to do a hypnobirthing group class but neither offer this, you do get access to the online hypnobirthing pack with bump and baby, but if I pay for hypnobirthing on top of NCT then it's going to get costly.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on whether NCT is worth it or if Bump and Baby is just as good.

Thanks

I liked NCT. It covered lots but I don’t know what Bump and baby covers so it may be that it is the same.

I'm currently doing virtual NCT and have previously done in person NCT. I'm finding the content this time very anti-medication, anti-c-section, anti-intervention, which has been a bit off putting.

However, the couples we've met have all been lovely. There's only 5 couples in total which has meant it's been really easy to get to know everyone. And even though it's all been on zoom, we've bonded very well and have had our own zoom catch ups, and chat regularly on whatsapp.

One of the couples in our group is also doing bump&baby and she's said that the course material so far has been very similar but there's actually 11 couples in the group so it's been harder to get to know everyone.

I'm glad I chose NCT for the people I've met, but if budget is a concern then go for the alternative. All anti natal classes are mostly about the people you meet, you won't really learn anything that you couldn't have read online or from a book.

I chose a video antenatal course (it was from a mother place - look on Instagram at the last who runs it if you want to get a feel for it) as it was inexpensive and I was only interested in the info rather than anything social. Of our group of friends 5 of us have had babies in the last year so the friendship side or anything in person wasn't really what I needed. I found the videos and downloads were excellent info. Could be a way to then free up money for a hypnobirthing course

I would really recommend Daisy Birthing workshops if you have any in your area. Online at the moment but for your dates it might be back to face to face. The classes are a mixture of pregnancy yoga, breathing and hypnobirthing techniques and then an education section where you learn about the birth. I've loved it and am doing it again with my 2nd pregnancy. You also get your own WhatsApp group with the other mums so there is still a social element too. Prices are really reasonable IMO.