NCT antenatal classes

[MissSazra]

Hi!

I know it's early (but I don't want to miss out), but has anyone booked these, or thinking about booking them?

I'm in two minds as to whether to go for it or not, as I feel it's a such a lot of money that could go on the baby when it's here, but as a first timer, I'm sure there will be things I haven't thought of but might need to know.
18 hours seems like a lot of time to spend on the course, but I know that the NHS ones are only a couple of sessions, and that's if I'll even be able to get a place.

Part of me also wonders if I'll even remember what I've been told when it comes to the birth.

Any ideas gratefully received!

Thanks! Xx

 

[Pielette]

We've booked ourselves onto an NCT course - my best friend raved about them, both for the information and support they got and because she made some fantastic friends out of it. It isn't cheap but I think if all the good press I've read about it is true it'll be well worth it!
If you do want to do it I'd advise booking fairly soon cos it does book up quickly.

Ps - nothing back from Wembley yet!

 

[MissSazra]

We've got places reserved and I just got the information pack today, so I need to make my decision pretty soon. I think we'll end up doing it, just hate that it costs so much that could be for the baby!

I think we'll try and head to Wembley early so I can have a good choice of where to go, but once I get there I know I won't want to sit! lol

 

[cucumber]

Same here, seems like so much to spend out. DW and I are contemplating what to do so will wait and see what everyone says to this thread!

 

[MegGriffin]

I'm 17w+2d and we booked our NCT classes a couple weeks ago to get the dates we wanted (weekends so husband can attend also). It was £314 for 5 courses + membership, but have heard rave reviews from alot of people about them. x

 

[MissSazra]

I think my husband is more keen on going than me, even though the times are pretty dreadful for us as he works Saturdays. So have said if he can't do the 2 Saturday sessions then we definitely won't go, as I don't fancy 8 hours on my own there!

 

[JZW]

I was looking up the courses today as well. Was a bit shocked at the prices but most of the courses are pretty long so I guess it is worth it. Will discuss with the hubby and see what he thinks. He is so laid back I'm sure he will be like "it's fine, it's only a baby, we'll cope". Think it will probably hit him just how inexperienced we are when she is actually born or when I'm crying and screaming during the birth and he has no idea what to do

 

[Pielette]

Well you don't have to get the NCT membership, I took that off so we paid £159. Didn't see the point in being a member really, I could be wrong but all I was after was the course.

 

[clairealfie]

We've heard so many rave reviews from friends and family that I think we'll do one. The only thing is the one they recommend for my due date is only a month before. What happens if I go into early labour before then!

 

[MissSazra]

We've heard so many rave reviews from friends and family that I think we'll do one. The only thing is the one they recommend for my due date is only a month before. What happens if I go into early labour before then!

The one's we've seen run through all of September so we have a good 2 months before the birth. Are there no others you could go for?



We won't be getting the membership if we do go for it, they'll be getting enough of our money as it is! lol

 

[Beany1982]

We've heard so many rave reviews from friends and family that I think we'll do one. The only thing is the one they recommend for my due date is only a month before. What happens if I go into early labour before then!

We're booked onto a course where the first session starts when I am 34 weeks! The course I wanted was fully booked and although this one is really for late sept/early oct babies, I decided I'd book so as not to completely miss out... cant remember exactly what the cancellation policy was but I think there was something in there about refunds if baby is early & arrives before the course starts?

 

[lovelea]

We start our NCT classes on 11th June. We have paid £157 for 8 2 hour sessions, one of those is a specific breast feeding session by an specialist person. I booked our place when I was 19 weeks as my friends who have done the classes say they book up very quickly. I booked the class going by the dates for the course specified on the NCT website. So out last session is on 1st August and then I only have a month till my due date so hopefully we'll remember everything we have learned.

I thought about booking on the NHS ones but was told by a few people that they were not worht it and were not very detailed so as firs ttime parents I felt it was best to go on a recommended course, even though expensive to ensure we were as prepared as we could be. I paid in installments which helped with the expense.

I also chose the NCt classes because there are less couples on the course. i believe there will be 6 couples on our course and my friends said you get to know the people quite well, whereas I think there are a lot of poeple in the NHS ones. All my friends who did NCT are still in touch and regularly meet up with the women from their class, one 2 years after having her baby. I like meeting moms to be in the same situation as me and I think that will benefit me when I'm on maternity and not being near my family knowing I have friends who I can meet up and chat to about the progress of our babies.

 

[sallymuffin]

I've booked us onto these, my doctor recommended them for information and for meeting mums-to-be etc in the area. We start them on the 20th June for 8 weeks, plus a specific breast feeding session for ladies only that is for 6 hours I think. Can't wait for them to begin, means it's all getting so much closer

 

[Ol1vertwist]

Yes, I booked us onto the Antenatal course very early on, around 7 weeks, classes start in September, (due in Nov) paying for them monthly.

One of my friends has a whole new circle of friends though NCT which I am hoping for for myself and OH.

 

[MissSazra]

I think I have made up my mind then, and we shall go for them. It'll be great to meet people, just a shame we're moving August 2012!

Also just booked my waterbirth class for July, good thing is that it's free!!! Yay

 

[Pielette]

Waterbirth class? That's intriguing, what's the deal with that?

 

[bluehorse]

I didn't bother first time round... thought the free NHS ones would be ok but, tbh, they weren't great and certainly didn't give any opportunities for chatting/ getting to know other mums to be.

After serious consideration and so many positive reviews from others, I've decided to book the NCT ones this time round. I may well be the only 2nd time parent there, but there's always more to learn and I'd really appreciate making some local mummy mates, as due to a variety of circumstances I didn't really get a chance to make any first time round.

 

[MissSazra]

Waterbirth class? That's intriguing, what's the deal with that?

The local hospital runs waterbirth classes to give you an idea of what to expect. It's something I'm really keen to try so I hope the classes confirm my choice. I figured if I'm not totally sold on the idea after the July class I'll still have plenty of time to re-evaluate my plans. It's just a one off, 2 hour session and I can go back again in October if I want a refresher.

 

[mrspjlover]

Me and DH have just signed up for one after my SIL raved about it, she said you meet loads of friends and they have a meet up after everyone has their baby and seen as we live away from our familys i thought it'd be a good idea to have some other mummy friends, I am the first out of my friends to have a child and dont want to feel isolated.

DH only attends 3 out of 5 of the classes so i think it will be beneficial as we are first time parents.

 

[Rabbittchild]

We booked our NCT classes at 13-14 weeks as DH was desperate to do NCT as he'd heard good things about NCT from friends and as our NHS classes are just 4 hours on one day.

I like the idea of lots of sessions so I can get to know ppl and hopefully make some friends and I didn't think I would get this from our NHS classes esp as I only moved to this area 3 years ago and my old friends and family are far away. I think ours cost £250 which included membership.