Antal Natal Classes (UK)

[twinklestop]

Hi,

I am due baby number 1, 26th November

What are peoples thoughts on Antal Natal Classes are they worth going to?
I have been given some dates for some but they are all on Saturday's and last 5 hours each course, a total of 2 classes.

 

[blake12336]

Hi, I'm due 15th nov and have just booked onto my antenatal classes today. I am going to three, an active labour one, a breastfeeding one, and a first days with baby one. I'm unsure what to expect but these all last 2-3 hours long, however, are on weekdays.

 

[twinklestop]

I've only been offered 2 dates as all the other dates are after baby will be here, i had to ask my midwife for information as they havent been very forthcoming with any details on any courses and the only dates that would fit in are on saturdays.

 

[Charlie5]

Went to 2 before son arrived but tbh they scared the crap out of me, in fact made me worse and was nothing I didn't know so not worth going IMO but I am sure yours may be totally different.

First lesson started with pain relief and mw opened by saying "if at some point in labour someone offers to take the pain away but cutting your arm off, you'll happily agree...." great!! thanks for that mega shit scared now! lol (she was right BTW!) lol but I'd of rather stayed oblivious in my own world until the time came! lol

 

[twinklestop]

see I've been thinking even going along to one of the classes by the time the time comes I probably won't be thinking about the classes and what they have told me lol
I think as time is moving along now I am starting to think about these things and about birth plans.....

 

[Erised]

I never had mine in England, I had mine in Holland. It was a private 8 week (8 2 hour long classes) class for couples...

It was the biggest waste of money ever and I'm so glad I managed to claim it back on my health insurance. We actually skipped the last 3 classes as it was near and on my due date and I just couldn't be bothered.

I find that if you spend time on this forum, you'll know everything they tell you already any way. They're more aimed towards the mother who doesn't inform herself in any other way. They'll talk you through what happens to your body, the pain relief available, what to expect during labour, when to go to hospital etc. Ours also included breathing exercises and massage ... which were both very uncomfortable in front of a large group of people, and crap.

This time I'm not bothering.

 

[twinklestop]

I am thinking maybe I won't bother going to any..... i think what i learn from theses classes will be the last thing on my mind when the time comes lol

 

[Flutterly]

I just did the nct ones this weekend and it was fab!!! A lot of money but I thought it was worth it!! Met a lovely bunch of people as well to go for coffee with! Was a 2 day course and we have a 3 hour breast feeding workshop this Friday!!

 

[twinklestop]

a lot of people have mentioned the nct courses, i've just had a quick look and can't seem to find any in my area

 

[Sproglet]

I just had one of my antenatal classes- we get 2, 2 hr classes in my area. We looked at pain relief, what actually happens during labour (mechanics of pelvis opening and baby coming out, plus waters breaking, dilation etc) and how to make the birth environment more relaxing, hopefully leading to a relaxed birth. The midwives emphasised staying at home for as long as possible, and staying active and upright throughout labour if at all possible. They also touched on ways for your birth partner to help.

Next week we are supposed to be looking at after the birth- breastfeeding, and care of a newborn.

None of it was anything I hadn't already learned off here or google, though the midwives were knowledgable about the local hospital so if you have specific questions they may be able to help. And I think it was nice for OH to hear some of the info from a medical person- when I have spoken to him before about staying at home as long as possible, he was telling me 'no, if you're having contractions you're going to hospital and that's it!'.

 

[veryfondoftea]

I don't want to have to pay for classes, but I'll go to the NHS ones if they're at a convenient time. Mainly because I'm moving to a new area and it would be good to meet some fellow pregnant people.

The main problem I have with them is that they seem to be at times that don't take into consideration full time workers. It's fine for me as I get paid to have appointments, but my boyfriend is self employed and just can't afford to take time off for appointments :-/

 

[maidelyn]

In my area there was a choice or daytime, evening or saturday courses - we went for saturday which is 4-5hrs one time, the others were 2hrs on two weeks

 

[Kitty1979]

We are going to the hospital classes starting tomorroow night, will let you know how I get on. It's 4 3 hr classes, once a week.

 

[MrsRH]

I just did the nct ones this weekend and it was fab!!! A lot of money but I thought it was worth it!! Met a lovely bunch of people as well to go for coffee with! Was a 2 day course and we have a 3 hour breast feeding workshop this Friday!!

another vote for NCT weekends; we did one for our first LO and it was brilliant

still see all the ladies from the group 3 years on


x

 

[babyblueskye]

I didn't go to any classes before my 1st baby was born but i did read up alot online about what could happen, i honestly dont think anything can prepare you lol you just gotta relax and go with the flow xxx