Antenatal classes - which ones and are they worth it?

[duffy]

I was wondering about attending some antenatal classes to help prepare for birth and afterwards (if possible!). Do people recommend them? I've heard a few negative comments about both the NCT ones (too happy-clappy) and hospital ones - waste of time. Are they worth going to, do you find out anything more than you would from the books?

The best thing about ante-natal classes are the friends you make - invaluable for sharing information and good/bad times with post-birth. I couldn't join the local NCT as I would have had to book it as soon as conception took place IYKWIM, but my local GP's surgery classes were great & meant that all the other mums lived close by. Handy for coffees & restorative spritzers!
Didn't learn any more than from researching through the internet or books, but felt a lot less isolated.

I went to hospital ones the first time round and also for refresher classes with DS2. The most valuable part of the classes was the tour of the hospital delivery suite and meeting other mums to be. I didn't really feel prepared for the births, wasn't really taught enough about breathing and didn't have a clue what to do with the baby once I got it home (but you manage, don't you?).

It is nice to hear the midwives stories rather than just reading the facts in a book so they are worth going to even if you don't actually learn much.

I'll second bettys comment about making friends at the ante-natal classes. For this reason I'd suggest you go to the GP rather than the hospital as they tend to have more local people there. I went to GP ones and NCT ones (bit of a control freak) as I like to know as much as possible about everything before committing myself (perhaps I should have gone before the conception!). Anyway, my top tip is to be proactive about suggesting meeting up with the other mums for coffee etc before or after the classes, or even for excercise classes (I started going to aqua aerobics!). The help & friendship of the people I have met was worth far more than anything the midwives tell you!

I'd echo that. I went to the NCT ones. Tried the GP ones once but they seemed a bit basic - I'd read it all in books by then. The NCT ones were more informal with people talking about their fears and so on as well. Was a bit over-positive though and also so of the activities were really trite. However it was a natural progression from this to the coffee mornings and I'm still in touch with some of the mums now.

So I'd say it depends what you are looking for. There are loads of stories/ expereinces/ advice here on mumsnet if its the facts you want. You'll get more of a spread of viewpoints than in any class simply cos of the numbers involved. But it is fun going to the classes, meeting other bumps (and the attached mums) and making friends. After all with the best will in the world a cyber hug is not quite so comforting as a physical one of those mornings that you really need one

I'm still in touch with antenatal group, 2 yrs on. they are the best baby friends I made. our teacher was ex-NCT, and ran independent classes which although were heavily influenced by their philosophies she was pretty level-headed. where do you live duffy?

I've just started going to antenatal classes at the local m/w unit (being in the middle of nowhere the gp doesn't do them) and whilst they haven't yet told me anything I haven't found out from being a "discovery health" addict it's made me feel better and reinforced what I already know. It was also a good chance to have a good nose around the unit. Its "Dad's week" this week - I think he's more nervous about that than the actual birth!!!

Would agree with most of whats been said. Went to GP ones (ie led by community midwives and health visitors) but didn't really meet/keep in touch with anyone. But agree with PamT that the tour of the hospital helps you to get it in perspective, lets you know what to expect etc. Felt better for that.

I went to NCT classes when expecting my 4th, more to meet people than learn anything. I knew it all, didn't I, 4th baby and all?? But actually, NCT classes were incredibly informative, and helped me have a very positive experience which I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have had through NHS classes. I attended those as well, but they were so basic and the MW so obviously wished she was elsewhere.

NCT also run Postnatal courses in some areas. These are mother-focused rather than baby focused and can give new mums time and 'permission' to talk about themselves at a time when the baby is the star.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by NCT philosophies, Bundle but NCT's mission statement is this.
"The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We try to make sure that all our services, activities and membership are fully accessible to everyone."

You can find out more about NCT thinking here and learn about their classes and other services they have to offer.

SueDonim, by philosophies I mean their 'slant' on things...yes, the facts were presented about what happens/can happen during labour, but certain options were definitely 'favoured' (I've heard this from other mums too) ie the more 'natural' the better (which can be true). that may not be their intention, it's just the way they come across.

Bundle - although the NCT classes I went to did talk a lot about natural childbirth etc I think it was partly because thats what lots of the mums want to hear about. But we did cover all the other stuff as well and it was never played down. I think they talk a lot about choices and empowerment and I happen to agree with all that. The emphasis is on you getting the birth you want and I don't think its fair to say its all pushing for natural stuff. There were about 10 people in my group so you would be 10% - therefore if you want to put the emphasis on other stuff then you'd carry significant weight. If I remember correctly everyone wanted to know about EVERYTHING!

I agree everyone can influence the class equally (although some personalities did seem to dominate!) but the teacher is in control. I have no complaints about my classes, I heartily recommend them to all parents-to-be - but I topped up my knowledge myself, which I'm glad about because I ended up having an emergency c-section (covered briefly with lego people). as I said, even though we covered just about everything, the 'natural' route was still promoted. there was a bit too much grunting - never understood that..during labour I don't think anyone needed lessons in making a noise

just to repeat: I am NOT anti-NCT
just voicing my opinion/experiences

Definately do something Duffy - NCT isn't everyone's cup of tea, can be a bit 'middle-class' if you pardon the expression, for some. I tried in vain to do NCT classes but left it till I was ridiculously late on - like about 12 weeks to book and hey - full up! So I just did NHS ones and did a separate tour of the hospital. Hospital tour useful, as were most of classes, but midwife who ran them just kept saying on a soothing Irish accent 'Ach don't worry about it you'll be fine dear' - actually I wasn't fine and went through b**y hell, but that's another story.

My ante-natal group didn't really meet up much, but I did a postnatal course and exercise class (NCT - managed to get a place this time!) and still meet up every week with my group 4 years on. The children are all the best of friends too, and we all have 2nd children of similar ages.

Again did postnatal classes with ds (NHS this time) and again still meet up with this group 2 years on.

So, duffy, do something to meet people - antenatal classes are useful for coping strategies, but books maybe better, although the midwife who leads them will probably have a good knowledge of your hospital though so that can be useful. Post natal classes, exercise classes, aqua-natal, yoga - again good for meeting mums with very similar aged babies in your area, and for doing something for you, and for letting you know that you're not the only one who can't get out of the house before 11.00am (or whatever it is that you makes you feel like the only one who has that particular problem!). Remember pregnancy doesn't end with giving birth as everyone inevitably concentrates on - what happens afterwards is far more important, and it is much more important I think to get this bit of your life sorted out.

HTH Titchy

Ante-natal classes were ok but not outstanding and although we did meet for coffee post birth for a while we were quite a random mix of people that didn't really gel. Since this is no2 I just have one refresher session at the hospital so had been thinking about NCT this time round and I think comments here have persuaded me - hope I haven't left it too late with 14 weeks to go! It may seem odd to want more classes having done it once but the experience was so different from what I had anticipated (completely natural rather than filled to the eyeballs with every conceiveable method of pain relief) that I would like the reassurance that I can facilitate it being as natural as possible again. Does that make sense?

katherine, i forgot to say - I had a baby not a birth

My NCT ones were invaluable as I gained 4 really good friends from it - worth every penny in my mind. We're still meeting up and our babies were born in 1999! There are a few extra siblings added into the grup and they (and we) all have a great time when we meet up.

I never did the NHS ones, I just went along for the tour of the maternity area.

The NCT ones, just like the NHS ones, will depend on the teacher. The 2 NCT teachers I've had (1st time and then refresher casses) were both down to earth but I too have heard the "knit your own placenta" (or Happy Clappy) comments - from close friends who did their classes in a completely different branch. Then again, I've also heard of NHS ones that treat you like an idiot so I guess you take your chances!

In our NCT ones, we covered all forms of pain relief from breathing to epidural and saw rather more of the "intervention" equipment than we'd have liked! C-section was briefly discussed but I think you have to accept that not everything can be covered in short classes which need to be geared to everyone's needs & wishes. I think everything was covered sufficiently to enable us to make informed choices about how we wanted the birth to be.

Bundle: I didn't have a birth either - I had a * hard labour !! Don't worry, I know what you mean

Harrysmum : makes perfect sense - you want to make sure it wasn't just luck last time. I did refresher classes to find out how to avoid all the things that went "wrong" last time and I think they helped - 2nd time was better anyway Our course ran in the January when the babies were due in the March. Refreshers generally aren't as fully booked but this also means they don't run as often - at least that's how it is in my local branch.

I think I've waffled enough!

soupdragon..I too went to a couple of NHS ones...some of the women there really DID need basic stuff..and IKWYM about the labour...it's just a shame when I heard recently a male colleague talking about his partner being disappointed by her birth (lots of intervention in hospital, following failure to progress at lovely midwife-led centre) and him feeling a bit let down too. they have a lovely baby boy

Went to NHS classes, run by MW, HV and student; HV became my HV so a good intro before ds was born. Again, I went to them mainly to meet local people and a couple of us are very good friends. We were a very small group but this made it easier to get to know each other. Knew most of the stuff already from books etc. but we were encouraged as a group to have 'discussions' aout various topics and you always find out something you didn't know! Also had a separate hospital tour which is worth it just to familiarise yourself and partner.

Bundle : the slant thing will always happen wherever you go... Everything can be presented one way or the other... In the labour ward I often hear MW answer a question in a way which I think is biased... I am sure they feel my answer is biased too.
This is probably not the right thread for this discussion but believe me there are not THAT many natural births (without any pain killers and drugs) and anyone trying to explain to a woman what is a natural birth and why she should opt for one is usually percieved as too natural, hippie-like, ect
IMO we have medicalised birth so much it's very sad (nothing against medicalisation when it is needed but often it is induced by a whole lot of things....)

Other good thing was classes that DH came to. Because yes I knew everything (near enough) from reading, the net etc DH was not so well-informed and rather than me lecturing him he came to classes and learned from an outside source.

Okay, I get you now, Bundle. As Soupdragon says, it does depend on the teacher. Most teachers try to take their lead from the class and discuss whatever the group feel is important to them. (One teacher I know said that one couple obsessed every week about which type of cot mattress to buy!!) My classes covered cs in depth, I must say.

Titchy, I guess the popularity of NCT classes is proven by the fact you need to be several months pre-pregnant to get a place!! They're a victim of their own success. But NCT really is very aware that not everyone who would like to, can get onto a course and they are trying very hard to address that. Teachers sometimes travel quite long distances to run courses, there are weekend courses and 'Labour days' and they may offer a one-to-one course in some places.

NCT is also tackling the 'middle class' image by combining with other agencies, offering their services to teenage mums, ethnic minorites and so on. They are increasingly called upon by the govt to take part in matters concerned with maternity issues as well as looking into research in various areas. There really is a lot going on behnd the headlines, some of which you can find out about on their website.

As an older mum, I'm very aware that if it wasn't for NCT we'd still have no choice about giving birth flat on our backs, would have no DH or DP present, and would be suffering the indignities of being shaved and having an enema shoved up where the sun don't shine.

Re visits to the labour ward. Am I the only one who was terrified witless by this?? After the first time I said never again. It didn't bother me in the least later on that I didn't know the hospital. I was so self-centred during labour that I could have been on the central reservation of the M1 for all I cared.

And finally, for longevity, I think an acquaintance of mine takes the prize for still meeting regularly with her AN class. Their children are all in their 20's now!!!!!

SueDonim, good news about all the NCT is doing to improve access - not everyone is lucky like us lot having Mumsnet complete with on-site advice from leese & mears. love the bit about the cot mattress

pupuce, do you feel able to intervene if you hear a midwife explaining something badly? quite a difficult situation, politically as you're on 'their' territory, but invited there by the pg woman...

Bozza - did your DH enjoy going to the classes? I went to NHS classes (felt I learned very little) and partners were expected to attend & my DH loathed them; because of the nature of his work he was genuinely only able to attend a couple, one being the hospital visit which was good; but the image of him sitting in a community centre doing 'quizzes' on 'how you know when you are in labour' will last for ever!! He found another DH to discuss football with! I personally would have much preferred 'women only' classes - but I suppose that is considered politically incorrect.

Our classes were very much into 'natural' stuff & the MWs were very disappointed when 7 out of 10 of us had to have CSs!!

Agree the best this about it was making friends.

Only 4 of the classes were "with partner" Lindy and that included the hospital visit - which I think he was pleased to gain a brief familiarity with the territory. I think he felt duty bound to attend the others! One was early in pregnancy (what to/not to buy), one was on babycare and the other was on the dreaded labour/birth!!! He certainly wasn't too into the discussion side of things. I remember we had to discuss the relative merits of bottle and breast feeding - men together and women together. We had both already independently decided and subsequently agreed that we were going to aim for breast so it wasn't very helpful anyway. And of course the men got sidetracked onto football.....