Joining the NCT

Rich and I joined the NCT a few months ago as well as signing up for the birthing classes (They fill up really quickly, we got the last spot in our town)  I noticed in the newsletter that they have meet-ups every few weeks close by for bumps and babies.  Anyone ever been to one?  What was it like?  I want to go, but as usual I am afraid that they will all know each other already and I will feel weird about it all.  Should I wait for my classes to start at the end of March and see what the ladies there are doing?

Any experiences with the NCT, did you like it, hate it, any comments please.

I know it's not for everybody, but the NCT was a Godsend for me.  It really helped me meet people in my area and gave me a support system.  Things may have changed but then meet ups were fairly freindly events.   There were always new members so I wouldn't worry too much about everyone knowing everybody.  Go on.  You'll be fine!

Thank you Mindy.  I will go.  My friend I saw today had joined and loved it.  She laughed when I said I was nervous to go.  Told me I'm one of the friendliest outgoing (I wouldn't go that far) people she knew and I needed to go.

Pardon me for being dumb, but can someone explain what NCT is?

http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/

National Childbirth Trust

(You beat me!  Here is what it stands for FYI)

i had a horrible experience with the NCT when Calvin was 4 months old. (this was in dunstable, bedfordshire).
i went to my first mom/baby group. and sat there. ignored for 45 minutes. and when i got the courage to talk to someone, she got up mid-conversation and left.
perhaps it was just bad coordinating on behalf of the group planners, but it was enough to put me off the NCT.

not to mention, when i consulted the NCT for breastfeeding advice, they were VERY militant about it. and when i mentioned giving some formula too, i was told, "oh no, you don't want to do that." and so on and so forth.

its worked for some people i know though....

Crap Lunar, that sucks!!!  I hope it's not as bad here!

I have heard stories about them being militant about breastfeeding as well but on the other hand they probably give you lots of support with it too.  I guess it depends who the people are in your group.  It can't hurt to go to the ante natal classes anyhow and who knows you may meet some great people. I would have done except they were all full up in my area

Well considering how much they cost, I have to go, we already paid.  Should I go to the hospitals ante natal classes too do you think, or is that just overkill?

You don't realy need to unless they cover something the NCT doesn't.  They ,ight have somehting that is specific to what goes on in your hospital but it's pretty unlikely. But then I am not the best person to ask since I only ever had one ante natal class because the hospital ones got cancelled and by then the NCT was, as I said, full up.   

i've had a few people recommend going. most of the people that recommended did so for after the birth; meet other first time mums type thing.

i'm really confused about what to do b/c i think i'm planning on moving, trying to buy a house in a new area. i know i should register but don't want to register in london if i'm [hopefully] going to be moving soon.... not really sure what to do..... how fast do these things fill up?

The ante-natal might be too late anyway for you.  But just to join there is no limit to the members, it's a separate price to the classes.  If you are moving wait, or email and ask if the payment is transferable.

The ante-natal might be too late anyway for you.  But just to join there is no limit to the members, it's a separate price to the classes.  If you are moving wait, or email and ask if the payment is transferable.

yeah, i think contacting them would be a good thing to do.

so do hospitals/midwives provide the antenatal info that NCT provides as well or am i destined to remain ignorant of the birthing process?!

Talk to your midwife, all hospitals are different, but from what I understand they do have ante natal classes. (Though not very reliable as Britwife has said)