Antenatal classes

[yellow]

I had my first antenatal class yesterday which was held at my local GP surgery and it was a joke. The class was so overcrowded as they did not pre organise who was coming as they just sent a general letter inviting everyone to attend. We were sharing mats there were so many people. Also we are not allowed to bring partners except on one special partners evening they do. They gave us the schedule as to what we will cover and we did not get through half as there was so many people. We didn't do any relaxtion techniques which was said would be done in every class and to be honest there is no way this will prepare me for the birth at all! I have looked in to other classes and have seen an Active Birth course which looks good but costs £150 and seems a bit excessive. I am happy to pay but perhaps not that much. Anyone had the same experience or know of any good classes local to Barnes (SW13)?

Can you get into an NCT one as they tend to be smaller groups and include partners?

Incidentally, NOTHING will prepare you for the birth so don't worry too much about that!!

Seriously though, it is good to go and at least find out about options so that at least you are informed PLUS, I made some great friends, one of whom I am sure will be life-long, at my NCT group so it's great for making friends for after the birth when you REALLY need the support!

Good luck!

have you tried your local NCT?
the NHS parentcraft classes aren't the best, not because of the midwife 'teaching' the class, but because its the NHS that does the organising. Often the midwife taking the class doesn't know until 5 minutes before the class should start, there is no room booked, etc etc. Don't know when your baby is due , but do try the NCT. I think most classes are around the £100 mark, but they are good.

I remember my first parentcraft class - the mw decided to talk about what might happen during the birth and gleefully starting producing forceps, ventouse devices etc from her bag!! The doll being pushed through the fake pelvis particularly freaked me out.

Hi Yellow, I've just booked up for an NCT course and it only cost £50 for both me and my partner. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Incidentally, I'm going to the parentcraft classes too....but only because I know the midwife and don't want to offend her!!!

I was very sceptical about doing an NCT class and really only signed on to meet other Mums. I have learnt a lot and met some lovely people. Did cost around £100 but worth every penny.

I have to say, I didn't really get on with the NCT. It seems like they are either made up of "earth mother" types, or very much non-earth mother types, dependent on area. Nothing wrong with either, but there is a problem if you end up with a non-compatible group to you as I did. Its then a bit like your first day at school/uni where you make friends that you really don't like all that much, just to get through the expereince.

Also, our teacher was really out of date, the classes were either at 9.00 in the morning (on a workday!) or 8.00 at night (not great when you're 8 months pregnant), they were scheduled so over half of us actually had a due date before the classes finished, partners were excluded from about half the classes, and they were right out in suburbia where NO buses or trains dare venture. Everyone was super-yummy and drove huge new cars (bit of prejudice creeping in, sorry).

You mention Active Birth-have you considered the Active Birth centre? I know it is in North London but maybe its not too far? Also, if you are at all into active birth etc you might meet people at things like yoga for pregnancy (a lot of teachers also do baby yoga) etc. Yoga really is meant to be helpful-it helped me have a 2 hour labour! (I'm an Earth Mummy type, I'm afraid)

Having said that, you're not in the same area as me, and I do know people from other areas who loved the NCT classes. I'd personally say have a back up way to meet a support network. A particular problem for me was that we didn't at the time have a car, and these people kept arranging to meet in various yummmy and far flown (and expensive) locations so I gradually lost touch.

Sorry-this has turned into an NCT rant. I guess I do think they are basically a dating service for middle class, married (EVERYONE in our class except us) 30 + mummies of one and I didn't fit most of that profile.

I will say that my parentcraft classes were fantastic. I think it is totally dependent on the team of midwifes.

But honestly, if you're just there to learn, not make friends, you can get it all off mumsnet! And I personally don't think relaxation helps much during labour. However, pethadine is excellent.