AnteNatal Classes NCT vs NHS

[smurf]

I was just wondering what antenatal classes have you booked are you going with your local NHS midwife run courses or paying for NCT.

If you've already been on them which would you recommend.

 

[topbird]

I am going on NCT ones, as they are in the evening so DH can come and more indepth etc.. Our hospital one was only 2 hours, where as NCT you get 16 hours and the support network is really good in our area. They organise loads of events etc... my sister was out and about all the time when she was on maternity leave!

 

[Marijana FC]

This is a really good topic. I was wondering about it myself. Don't have direct experience with either of them (yet) but a friend of my went only to NHS classes and although they were OK, she is now sorry she didn't go to NCT too.
Btw, when should I be thinking about booking any of these? I am sure it is still too early for me but...?

 

[mayday]

I contacted the NCT last month and was told I had left it way too late to book with them - in our area they have a 7 and a 1/2 month waiting list . The lady I spoke to said (I kid you not) you have to know your ovulation date, wee on a stick asap, tell OH then ring NCT to stand a chance of getting on a course. They have turned away a lot more people than they have given places to.

Of course I could always just cross my legs and wait my turn.....

 

[Sabrina]

I intend to go to the local NHS classes. I rang a few weeks ago and was told to call again at 28weeks. Apparently they run for 3 sessions, once a week, but only if there is a demand

So I might end up having to wait a month to go. I'm not worried too much as this is my 2nd child but it's OH's first and he wanted to go.

 

[Nicola]

I've opted and paid for the NCT classes. I booked at 6 weeks pregnant and start classes in June. £120 for the classes, smaller groups, longer sessions etc and highly recommended. I was advised to book mega early too as they fill up fast.

I was told by my midwife that the NHS classes are 14 couples (28 people!!) and 2 instructors - 30 people in total. Can you imagine if everyone had one question each you'd take up half the lesson. Too many people for my liking doing something so personal and intimate.

I have been told though that the NCT classes don't really cover pain relief but to be honest I'm planning a home birth anyway so will only have gas and air option if something is wanted.

 

[cloud9]

I went to the NHS one...It was two hours which included the tour...personally I have learnt more from my m/w than the class..I think if i had my time over again I would of gone to the NCT.

 

[MissThing]

I had my first midwife appointment today and almoust the first thing she told me was to book NHS clases (what I did).

They wanted to book me on those, which starts in the middle of September, with the last one on 17.09 and my due date is 23! (would be quite fun being a living example how to go throught the labor for the other ladies!)

In the end agreeded to have them from 30.07 till 13.08 (3 times). But the problem is, those clases are for women only and your partner can' t attend them
Now thinking is it worth to book any additional ones, paying 120£...

 

[Tangerinedream]

im going to be going to the nhs classes. im gonna be spending enough money on LO and cannot afford the extra expence.

 

[smurf]

Thanks for the info girlies - I'm already booked on the NHS one starting in June but emailed the NCT people yesterday to find out the cost ect as the website says it varies in different areas. I really thought booking at 20 weeks was plently of time but maybe not. Will have to take to DH about it this weekend and see what we think. I do like the idea of smaller classes.

 

[madam bully]

I've opted and paid for the NCT classes. I booked at 6 weeks pregnant and start classes in June. £120 for the classes, smaller groups, longer sessions etc and highly recommended. I was advised to book mega early too as they fill up fast.

Me too Nicola! I couldn't book until I was 12 weeks pregnant though and have been told I will know if I have been offered a place in May.

 

[Minxy]

I'm a bit confused since I went to a free class at the hospital which was NCT run

What you learn at the classes were so limited I'd just go for the free one and ask your questions here!

My class didn't prepare me as I found it focused on natural sponatenous labour and natural pain relief methods, which just left me feeling a bit cheated after my very 'medical' induction and drug filled birth!

They also refused to acknowledge formula feeding at all which left me at a bit of a loss about sterilising etc when this is what we eneded up doing.

I hear others say it but this forum really has been the most useful parenting tool of all!

 

[Nicola]

I've opted and paid for the NCT classes. I booked at 6 weeks pregnant and start classes in June. £120 for the classes, smaller groups, longer sessions etc and highly recommended. I was advised to book mega early too as they fill up fast.

Me too Nicola! I couldn't book until I was 12 weeks pregnant though and have been told I will know if I have been offered a place in May.

Yeah I had to send my cheque and forms in EARLY and was told I'd be informed about whether I had a place or not around May time too. Thing is because I changed my email address (changed broadband providers) I emailed them to update them and said I'd noticed my cheque had been cashed....they confirmed my place then and said I start in June and I'll get the relevant papers/details in 6 weeks or so - guessing that's late April time.

Guessing you have a local Brighton or Hove class? I know I'm booked on one here in the village...would have been great if we were booked on the same course though!!

 

[mayday]

I was telling my friend who is also my riding instructor about not being able to get on the NCT course, and she told me not to worry - she'd come to hospital with me and tell me what to do! She's had two herself. I figure if she can persuade me to do some of the things on horseback she does, which seem frankly impossible when she tells me that's what I have to do, she can talk me through giving birth . I suppose in days gone by the only advice you would have had would have been an older woman who'd done it all before. Seems a shame in the 21st century thought that that's my best option.

 

[abbiesmummy]

With our first we paid for the NCT classes. It was really worth the money. Especially for my husband. It gave him a really good understanding of labour and how to help me. (he did a very good job!) They explained pain relief, breast feeding, emotions and feelings after the birth and what to expect when you get home. It really was informative. I did have high expections though and planned a natural birth and ended up have difficulties and had a c-section. But all the decisions I made during labour were informed and thats whats important!
Hope this helps.

 

[Marijana FC]

You got me worried now a little bit: I will contact my MW straight away and ask about NHS classes. I sort of remember her telling me that she is running some of those so she might have me in her books anyway? Who knows! I am just getting a bit frustrated because it seems so difficult to get a straight answer about anything from anybody at NHS!

 

[valentine]

Hi smurf,

I haven't voted as I'm intending to go to both classes - NHS on my own (my OH can't make it as they are during the day) and NCT over a couple of weekends.

I was attracted to NCT by their focus on home and natural birth and breastfeeding and their smaller classes.

Love

Valentine xxx

 

[cloud9]

We had to book at 24 weeks in Derby but i booked at about 26 weeks and got in no probs