National Childbirth Trust

[finallypregnant]

I registered for some classes and it took them 3 weeks to write with the dates for me. Turns out I can't do 2 of the 3 Saturday mornings allocated. I called them on Monday to see about different dates and no one has called me back. Left another message today.

I know they are a charity so don't want to hassle them but has anyone had similar problems or should it be easier!

I am in Fife, Scotland.

I had similar probs with the admin side of NCT, so keep trying - the classes are absolutely worth the effort, as are all the other benefits such as the breastfeeding support line, coffee groups, nearly new sales... I would have hated to be without them! It may just be that they focus on delivering the services and the admin side is not quite so on the ball?

The admin is not great. On the 2 occasions I called the breastfeeding line, I had to leave messsages and didn't get the calls returned until 3-4 days later. Luckily I found other places for help or I would have given up.
Sorry, but I think I'm in the minority of people left exasperated by them, although I do appreciate the hard work they do in campaigning etc.

It's not just that the NCT isa charity, its that all administration on classes etc. is run by volunteers. Women (generally) who have small children, often have jobs and support the NCT in their (little) spare time.

I don't know about the breastfeeding line however.

I appreciate it's frustrating, but keep trying because the classes really are excellent.

For breastfeeding I went to BFN support group and it was completely brilliant.
Here's the link www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/supporterline.html

Yup, it can take a while - as littlefish says, the person doing the organising for the classes is (almost certainly) a volunteer - doing the 'job' round kids/work/life etc. The NCT is starting to make it a paid role, which should improve things, but it's on a slow roll-out, I imagine (knowing all things NCT & organisational )

Appreciate that it is blardy annoying when you want to get things sorted, though.

I think the demand for classes outstrips their capacity. I am on 2 waiting lists and unlikely to get into classes in London. I've heard really good things but should have registered the minute I found out I was pg to stand any chance of getting a course place. I canceled my membership which they were very good about, but I am disappointed not to get the chance to meet other Mum's through them. Especially as I still have 4 months to go.

Cityofangels

You can go along to any of their events e.g. bumps and babes group, without being a member. Bumps and babes are designed for all pregnant women and babies up to a year. Contact the person who books the ante-natal classes and ask who to speak to in the branch.

I did classes in one area, but then made all my friends though the NCT in another area as we live on the border.

city angel

where in London are you? When I had difficuly getting onto a NCT class in hackney/islington I found quite a few private classes were available so have a look at the

www.thebabymoon.co.uk

www.birthclass.co.uk/london.htm

I booked classes with Jessica James who also does antenatal yoga which have been great so far.

good luck I am sure you will find something in time

sorry finally pregnant don't know about classes in Scotland but am sure there are some private teachers around good luck

Thanks littlefish and glitterbird very helpful ideas

They finally came back to me and that's the only classes on offer so take it or leave it - no NCT for me.