Antenatal Classes

I'm not due until end of January but am trying to figure out antenatal classes now as I've heard they book up early.  What experience do you all have with classes in the UK?  I am planning on doing the free NHS classes offered through the hospital but am also considering the NCT classes - but those aren't cheap.  Does anyone have experience with either the NHS or NCT or any other classes?  What gets covered in the classes?  I'd love to hear about any experiences.  Thanks!

I'm not gonna lie here, we shelled out over £200 for an NCT birthing course and got a bit fat nothing out of it. It was super duper basic and I knew everything going into it, although I will admit that I did some serious research while I was pregnant. I did rather enjoy the relaxation bit at the end of each session, but I assume I could have gotten the same thing from a pregnancy yoga class People seem to indicate that you should go to these things because you make friends with the people in your group but DH and I were just very different from the others in the class and although they still get together sometimes they don't even invite us anymore. I don't think I have ever felt more 'weirdo-foreigner' anywhere than at that birthing class.

Anyway! I'd really rather have the £200 back. Take the NHS class. When we had all delivered we got together with the teacher one last time so we could coo at each other's babies and the teacher even said to us that these classes are much more suited for second-time mothers because it is much more likely that you will need some kind of medical intervention during labour with your first (of the 8 of us, there were 4 forceps and 2 c-sections). I hope you can find a class that you're happy with!

Hi I did both nct and nhs.  I made one good friend out of the nct
Group and found the breastfeeding infO interesting. After having
My baby I met up with the girls a bit but was so tired and found
That my way of parenting was quite different so instead of comparing
All the time I tried local childrens centres which had music groups and baby
Groups for free!  My friend skipped nct and went tO an nct group at a church after birth
And met all her mum friends there. I would probably go to an
Nct group all over again just for the experience and birthing info it was an exciting time being pregnant. I don't feel like anything can totally prepare u for your baby and birthing experience if u r worried about
Meeting mums there are plenty of opportunities after birth   Nct groups can be seen
As a bit cliquey. I feel that u will learn your own way of parenting. Happy baby preparation!

I have said it before on here, but I loved my NCT group. 3.5 years later and we are all still in touch.  We moved to the US and one of the families is coming to stay with us next weekend.  It was a huge support system for me during the first year.

Like the PP said, nothing will 100% prepare you for birth, but it's got some good info.  If info is all your after, I am sure the NHS one will be great.  I know a friend of mine kept in touch with her NHS group too.  If you are looking to make friends, be the one that suggests meeting up for coffee during everyone's last few weeks of being pregnant.  Most of the women in my group stopped working a few weeks before their due date. 

I personally think the NCT classes probably a waste of money, do the NHS onces, I still have friends that I met in my NHS class 7 years ago. Baby groups and playgroup were the best way to make the most amazing friends. Good luck!

I'd have to agree.  I know people who loved their NCT classes, but there were so many things I could put that much money towards.  I did the NHS classes and was fine and have made friends in babygroups and other places.  I felt much the same way about getting expensive 4D scans.  I'd have loved it, but really there were better ways for me personally to use the money as I was getting ready for my baby to arrive.

We went to the NHS classes for our hospital in 2008 and they were crap. 

Speaking as an NCT member who has served as a Support Mum for antenatal classes in my branch, they are good.  Ours at least, the parents and teacher have a list of things they want to cover that is up on the wall and makes sure that the parents get the information they want as well as the stuff they need.  Contact your local branch and ask to speak to an antenatal teacher would be my recommendation. 

http://www.nct.org.uk/branches

Well no wonder I've not heard of these classes - they have nothing for the highlands.

Well no wonder I've not heard of these classes - they have nothing for the highlands.

That's a shame, it's a great organisation. They do so much more for parents apart from the antenatal classes.  I've loved being involved with them these last four years and have made great friends (along with getting some killer bargains at the Nearly New Sales).

Thanks for the advice everyone.  It was so difficult to decide but we decided to book the NCT classes.  Partly because I will be delivering in a hospital that is not near where we will be living (we're moving soon but I'm planning to stay at the same hospital) so I would like the opportunity to make friends in our new area.  I hope they are worth it!  The NCT does seem like a good organisation and I'll also probably try to get involved in some of their meet-ups after the baby is born.  I'll be working until then and all the pregnant mum meet-ups in the area seem to be on weekdays so that will have to wait!

Thanks again for all the advice!  It's so nerve-wrecking being pregnant for the first time and also getting used to differences in the NHS vs the care I've seen friends and family get in the US.  The NHS has been great so far though.  It's so nice to have people to talk to who have been through it here.  :-)

Leisa - if the parents in your local branch are as great as the ones in mine you'll make loads of friends. I didn't do the classes myself but got involved after shopping at a few Nearly New Sales - four years later I'm running the Christmas Party and co-leading the Birth Choices group LOL