NCT Course Online not Face to Face

[Colinthecaterpillar35]

Hi all

My NCT course was due to start tomorrow but due to the teacher having to have an emergency operation it has now been moved to being delivered on line instead of face to face. I specifically booked an in person course because I thought it would be more beneficial and also allow for more group interaction to build that network of new mums that everyone talks about.

I'm now in two minds as to whether to still do the course as it's a lot of money to spend on an online training course. I've seen cheaper options offered online (e.g. Bump to Baby Chapter) but specifically picked NCT to try and build a local network of new mums.

Has anyone done their NCT classes online? And if so, did you still find them worthwhile from a networking/support perspective?

Thanks in advance!

I’m not convinced I found NCT worth the money in person, so I wouldn’t be impressed to do it online.

It was good for meeting a few other parents but there are probably cheaper ways to do that.

Have a look for an antenatal yoga class or something instead.

Do you get the option of getting your money back? I'm booked onto one in 3 weeks time that's face to face. I wouldnt be happy with online either

We booked NCT for the same reason as you and were really disappointed when it was moved online, not least because it still consisted of 2 days 10am-4:30pm which is a really long time sat on Zoom! We cancelled and got a full refund with no problems and sort of forgot about antenatal classes in the end, until someone recommended The Honest Midwife sessions (via letstalkbirthandbaby.co.uk).

We did 4 2 hour ish sessions, which included 2 on labour and birth including induction, c section, instrumental delivery etc, 1 on feeding and 1 on newborn care. I found the sessions really engaging considering it was on Zoom and although the groups are big, she will answer any questions you have and even offered to speak to people privately afterwards who had more specific concerns/questions. The first one is free so worth a try if you're not sure!

I work for a charity that does affordable antenatal courses and have been doing them online i have to admit they arent popular despite the fact our midwife is fantastic at delivering it and making sure parents get time to chat with each other etc. We dont do full days we do 6 sessions over 2 weeks. I get why they arent popular im not sure id be interested in doing them especially not at NCT prices (we charge £60). We have one last online course in November then we are moving back to face to face from the new year.

I wouldn't do NCT online for the reasons you gave, it's a long time face to face as well but that's a benefit when you're wanting to build up a network. Plus we did quite a bit of practical stuff. Ours was good, balanced and most of us are still in touch two years on so it was worth it in the 'proper' format but I don't think online would have been anywhere near as good. Better than nothing in lockdown, sure, but not now.

NHS antental on the other hand was only 90 mins and much more Q&A so I'd have gone for that, plus free of course!

I definitely wouldn't be paying full whack for an online NCT course, I hope they've offered you options?

I did NCT online over the summer during covid and although it wasn't quite the same, we started a WhatsApp group and I've made a big effort to see the other mums by inviting them out. We've managed to make friends but it took a lot more effort from my side!

I can't really help. I've not done any courses, I refused to pay the extortionate NCT prices when I needed so much baby stuff.

I did comment to my neighbour about lack of classes, as like you, I was hoping to meet people and she said (which I thought was great advice) - everyone goes to these classes with their partner, so they spend time with their partner and don't really talk to anyone else, you are far better going to a baby class once baby is born to meet people.

Thanks everyone for the responses, we made the decision to cancel the course altogether... I'll look for some more (cheaper) online courses and also, as someone suggested, look to join some baby groups after birth to meet local mums!

Thanks for your help