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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Antenatal classes - which ones and are they worth it?

54 replies

duffy · 01/10/2002 13:08

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?

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Tinker · 01/10/2002 23:09

Best bit about my ante-natal classes was getting out of work for a few hours each week. Found them pretty patronising really - these were NHS ones. The trouble, I suppose, is that people who attend them are already likely to be interested in birth/labour etc and will have done a bit of basic reading.

HATED the hospital visit since everyone had partners and I felt VERY alone and felt I was desperately trying to appear unconcerned about being alone!

Too much emphasis on how worried we all were about labour - I wasn't, more worried about coping afterwards.

When told to forget about the housework, felt midwives didn't quite grasp how totally lacking in domestic skills I was.

Plus, NO friendships were forged from it!

Willow2 · 01/10/2002 23:11

Duffy - Went to NCT (got in by the skin of my teeth as they'd had a cancellation) and GP's classes. Best thing about both were the friends I made - nearly three years on and I see four of the NCT lot regularly (and 2 of them practically every other day) and have just re-established friendships with a couple of the GP girlies.
Re the actual teaching - Yes, it does help to know roughly what to expect if this is your first time. I found NCT less scary than the GP classes - but in reality and IME the GP classes were more honest.

Azzie · 02/10/2002 09:21

I went to both NCT classes and those run by the community midwife when I was pg the first time - I made some friends (especially useful as I knew no one else who was pregnant or had small children) and the classes did give me some idea of what was likely to happen. Dh came to the NCT ones and says that he was really glad he did - it meant that when we were at the hospital he knew what the midwives were talking about. The visit to the maternity unit was also v. good.

SoupDragon · 02/10/2002 09:34

I'm glad DH came along to the NCT classes - it meant he had an understanding of my wishes for the delivery, he understood & agreed with my birthplan and was able to talk to the midwives about what was hapning/not going according to plan with some knowledge. He was the translator of my wishes when I was reduced to wimpering at the foot of the bed and unable to talk coherently!

I don't think he could have done this without having been to the classes.

Catt · 02/10/2002 11:18

NCT classes were definitely more useful & informative then the NHS ones - but so they should be at nearly a hundred quid or whatever it was they cost! Of course, the money is another reason why they are so 'middle class' - you can't see a single mum being able to stump up that kind of money for a few breathing exercises...

I agree that the focus of the NCT classes depends on what the group wants to discuss - and when it's your first baby you are obsessed with labour and how you'll get through the pain. Somehow, you don't seem to dwell too much on what you'll do once the baby actually arrives. It was only afterwards that I thought - God why didn't we talk a bit more about the first few weeks POST birth??

Another thing about the NCT was that there was a whole session devoted to breast feeding. In my NHS class, the midwife had to rush through this bit because of time, and so we covered breastfeeding in about 5 minutes. Thanks to the NCT class I knew a bit more about what to do when I got mastitis - boy am I glad I did!

SueW · 02/10/2002 11:58

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

bundle · 02/10/2002 12:44

SueW, mine in n.London were just over £100 for I think 8 weeks worth..including cups of tea & biscuits and a special women-only breastfeeding session. well worth the money

donnie · 02/10/2002 13:53

hi duffy, I completely support all the previous comments about the friendships made at antenatal classes.I went to my local hospital and although they weren't earth shattering they were pretty helpful.Almost a year on and I am still friends with a group of mums and we meet weekly.

pupuce · 02/10/2002 15:51

Bundle... it very much depends on the MW, the situation, the pg mum... but diplomacy is needed...

bundle · 02/10/2002 17:25

I'm sure
I was a bit scared of some of the MWs I met during appointments, and glad I didn't renew our acquaintance during labour

Willow2 · 02/10/2002 21:32

I too found some of the midwives scary - not because they were fierce but because I thought they were useless. I desperately hoped that one particular one would play no part in the birth of my ds - and she wouldn't have but for the fact I went through first one shift, then another and then, hey presto, she appeared. And yes, she was as useless as I thought. Moral of this story - if there is a midwife you don't like the look of let it be known you don't want her anywhere near you!

JulieF · 02/10/2002 22:37

I was quite disapointed by the antenatal classes I went to. They were at the hospital, ther were none run at my GPs and they did not include a tour of the facilities. I found them quite scary I think I am definately a person who does not need to know what is happening!

I was not given the information on how to arrange a waterbirth by either the classes or my midwife, well when I say my midwife I saw about 6 different ones through out my pregnancy, so I missed out.

I also felt a bit of a leper when at the breastfeeding session I was the only person there who did not put her hand up when asked who was going to breastfeed. I was taken to one side while the rest watched a video.

There were no reunions or potnatal groups at all in my area. In fact there was nothing at all for new mums to do and I ended up quite lonely.

I have now moved to a new area where things are much better though.

Janus · 03/10/2002 13:33

Has anyone done any of these classes when pregnant with number 2? I ask because I am about 14 weeks pregnant, have finally just moved house to a completely new area and it would be a good way to meet new people. However, can I take my (rather lively!!) 2 year old to these classes or would my partner have to stay home with her and I go on my own?

Twink · 03/10/2002 13:43

Ooh, how spooky Janus, I was just about to post a message to see how you were ! No help with your question though I'm afraid.

pamina · 03/10/2002 14:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bells2 · 03/10/2002 15:45

Have I missed something Pamina?? Is number 2 on the way?

pamina · 03/10/2002 15:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SoupDragon · 03/10/2002 15:59

I did the NCT evening refresher classes with no. 2 and DH stayed at home with DS 1 whilst I went. We got a baby sitter for one class (there were only 4) so that DH could come along too and have his memory refreshed!

bells2 · 03/10/2002 16:42

I missed that completely Pamina. Congratulations -that's lovely news.

SueW · 03/10/2002 21:25

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

SueW · 03/10/2002 21:25

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

CAM · 04/10/2002 11:23

suedonim your description of pre-NCT birth was totalyy accurate for the birth of dd1 in early 70's. Except dp was allowed in for some of the time, but completely gowned-up like a medic. Post NCT birth for dd2 in late 90's (yes I know I'm weird) was exact opposite - walked around throughout labour, gave birth standing up, no stitches, etc. The NCT classes I attended before that birth gave me the courage to decide what I wanted during labour. Where the NCT let me down was after the birth when the post-natal co-ordinator did not answer phone or set up promised meet-ups. I ended up as co-ordinator of my NCT coffee group for 2 years just so I could go to them!

Janus · 04/10/2002 13:00

Pamina, am finally in Wimbledon, about 10 days I think! In fact just went to Building Blocks Nursery for a look round and saw a Phoebe running around, is she blonde and cute??! Lovely nursery am seriously considering it (along with Crown Kindergarten as very relaxed there), still I digress...
Basically, can you go to an NCT refresher course if you didn't go to an NCT class the first time around??!! Sounds a stupid question I know but I definitely have to refresh myself on breathing techniques and when you should call the hospital, ie how many minutes between contractions and length of them. This sounds an excellent class to go to (is it shorter too?).
Thanks for thinking of me Twink, have been seriously bogged under with the move and finally can see some carpet in the house instead of just piles of boxes, wondering where all the remotes are, how the hell you connect up the video again (still not working!), where the nearest Sainsbury's is, etc. Getting there though. Hope life is treating you well!

pamina · 04/10/2002 17:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SoupDragon · 04/10/2002 17:17

No, you don't have to be a member for NCT classes and no, I don't think you need to have been before to go to refreshers. You've been through labour already, I think that's sufficient!

All the NCT services are open to members & non-members alike.

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