Antenatal classes

crazybunnyladyy · 2022-09-12T09:35:29+00:00

FTM due in January 2023 and very overwhelmed. I felt comforted in the fact that I would be invited to Antenatal classes with the NHS just to cover basic things I may have overlooked. I was taken back when my midwife told me that all classes from the NHS were cancelled due to Covid- nothing was introduced online and nothing has been brought back in yet. Has anyone any advice on classes online that may be worth it? They can be pretty pricey and want to make sure they're worth our time and money. Money is already tight saving for the baby! We, unfortunately, fall just above the threshold of qualifying for any help financially. Thanks in advance :)

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

MrsD2021 · 12/09/2022 11:09

My local hospital has just restarted their antenatal classes. They have to be booked directly with the maternity department reception so I’d double check with them in case the midwife isn’t as up to date with her info. Also check with your local council’s family/children’s center in case they’re running any. Ours still did virtual classes during covid, now they’re in person, but they’re not very good at advertising them.

The Baby Academy run a free virtual baby care class, I found that quite helpful. Try googling ‘free baby class’ and see what comes up on google. There’s lots of different companies that do similar things.

NCT was great for making friends but very expensive! I don’t feel like I learnt much information that I couldn’t find for free online, but still felt it was worth it personally for me because I made some mum friends.

I found a whole load of NHS playlists on YouTube during covid. Search ‘NHS maternity’ on YouTube and you’ll find a lot of hospitals made their own free virtual classes during lockdown when they couldn’t do anything in-person. I’d say these will probably cover most of the information you need to be honest (although I think NHS feeding classes could be a lot better but they’re limited in what they’re ‘allowed’ to talk about).

The only class I’d recommended paying out for if money is tight is The Postive Birthing Company hypnobirthing pack. They sometimes put it on sale for £15 so keep an eye out. I paid the regular price of £40 but still think it’s worth every penny even at full price. It’s not all about medication/breathing etc, a lot of it is based on science, statistics and common sense. I absolutely credit my great birth experience to hypnobirthing. Would recommend this class as early on in pregnancy as possible because it really does give a great framework for decision making and asking questions during pregnancy.

Instagram is also an amazing resource for information. The Honest Midwife on Instagram is great and has loads of Q&As on her reels that I like to put on in the background as I’m washing up etc. If you’re looking for breastfeeding information I really like Olivialactationconsultant.
This time around I’m going to put some money aside for a private IBCLC in case breastfeeding is challenging for us, but I think there’s plenty of amazing accounts on Instagram that’s a great starting point during pregnancy.

Sorry I’ve rambled! Hope this helps x

Original poster

crazybunnyladyy · 12/09/2022 11:11

MrsD2021 · 12/09/2022 11:09

My local hospital has just restarted their antenatal classes. They have to be booked directly with the maternity department reception so I’d double check with them in case the midwife isn’t as up to date with her info. Also check with your local council’s family/children’s center in case they’re running any. Ours still did virtual classes during covid, now they’re in person, but they’re not very good at advertising them.

The Baby Academy run a free virtual baby care class, I found that quite helpful. Try googling ‘free baby class’ and see what comes up on google. There’s lots of different companies that do similar things.

NCT was great for making friends but very expensive! I don’t feel like I learnt much information that I couldn’t find for free online, but still felt it was worth it personally for me because I made some mum friends.

I found a whole load of NHS playlists on YouTube during covid. Search ‘NHS maternity’ on YouTube and you’ll find a lot of hospitals made their own free virtual classes during lockdown when they couldn’t do anything in-person. I’d say these will probably cover most of the information you need to be honest (although I think NHS feeding classes could be a lot better but they’re limited in what they’re ‘allowed’ to talk about).

The only class I’d recommended paying out for if money is tight is The Postive Birthing Company hypnobirthing pack. They sometimes put it on sale for £15 so keep an eye out. I paid the regular price of £40 but still think it’s worth every penny even at full price. It’s not all about medication/breathing etc, a lot of it is based on science, statistics and common sense. I absolutely credit my great birth experience to hypnobirthing. Would recommend this class as early on in pregnancy as possible because it really does give a great framework for decision making and asking questions during pregnancy.

Instagram is also an amazing resource for information. The Honest Midwife on Instagram is great and has loads of Q&As on her reels that I like to put on in the background as I’m washing up etc. If you’re looking for breastfeeding information I really like Olivialactationconsultant.
This time around I’m going to put some money aside for a private IBCLC in case breastfeeding is challenging for us, but I think there’s plenty of amazing accounts on Instagram that’s a great starting point during pregnancy.

Sorry I’ve rambled! Hope this helps x

This is really helpful- thank you so much :)

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