NCT/Birthmatters Classes - worth the money?

leandygandy

My husband and I went to NCT classes and in my opinion they were worth every penny.

The key reason we paid out for the NCT classes was convenience. The NHS classes in this are were at 6pm and my husband didn't finish work until 6pm and a good half hour drive away, so I'd have had to attend on my own. As he was my birth partner, we both wanted him to be as clued up (or not, haha) as I was. The NCT classes started at 8pm so were a much better choice for us.

I met 6 other mums who were in similar circumstances to me (yes I know I'm a snob but it helped that they were all mid 20s - 30s and in full time employment and steady relationships - I knew that attending the NHS classes in my area would most likely not offer me that demographic) My baby is now 14 weeks and we are all still in touch, we meet for a walk and a gossip at least once a week, and a few of them attend some of the same baby groups as I do.

Our group leader was fantastic, very pro choice and encouraged us to think about what we wanted our birth experience to be like, and ask questions of the medical professionals if we didn't understand anything. She explained what would happen if there was any intervention required, the actual process of labour (i.e. the stages, dilation etc.), we discussed what sort of changes it would make to our relationships, the reality of looking after a newborn, what to pack in the hospital bag, pain relief options and their pros/cons, loads of things! One session a breastfeeding counsellor came in and talked to us about feeding options. We also had a guided tour of the maternity suite at our hospital, and the NCT lady talked us through birthing positions and how best to use the facilities for these.

I'd say go for it if you can afford it!

Lemoncurd

leandygandy wrote: »

I met 6 other mums who were in similar circumstances to me (yes I know I'm a snob but it helped that they were all mid 20s - 30s and in full time employment and steady relationships - I knew that attending the NHS classes in my area would most likely not offer me that demographic)

Quite interesting that you say that as we often wondered why everyone (honestly that was without exception) in our NHS groups were university educated professionals with good jobs and most of them were mid 30's - 40's.

mildred1978

Lemoncurd wrote: »

Quite interesting that you say that as we often wondered why everyone (honestly that was without exception) in our NHS groups were university educated professionals with good jobs and most of them were mid 30's - 40's.

I heard that the average age of those attending the NHS ones here is about 17.

(It may be higher in other areas as the teens may be at the local council demanding a house )

lisa26_2

I am signed up to do NCT classes in March. One thing worth checking is does the price they have quoted include NCT membership? If so, you don't HAVE to pay for the membership, I opted not to as it then made the classes much more affordable.

MrsExcited

Gosh thanks for all the replies! Such varied answers and opinions. I guess that every class/area differs.

Skintchick - the course will be in Woodlands Park, Maidenhead. Thanks so much for the offer to PM you. Very kind.

They are having a freebie sesh next weekend so we will go along to that and have a look, maybe that will help make up our minds .

I am also going to try and find out more about the NHS sessions, i.e. how many there are, what times, what topics will be covered etc.

I love this site!!

mildred1978

MrsExcited wrote: »

Gosh thanks for all the replies! Such varied answers and opinions. I guess that every class/area differs.

Skintchick - the course will be in Woodlands Park, Maidenhead. Thanks so much for the offer to PM you. Very kind.

They are having a freebie sesh next weekend so we will go along to that and have a look, maybe that will help make up our minds .

I am also going to try and find out more about the NHS sessions, i.e. how many there are, what times, what topics will be covered etc.

I love this site!!

I believe the NHS classes include them showing you ventouse, forceps, the hook they use to beeak waters, epidural needle etc :eek:

pinkshoes

I did the NCT classes.

To be very blunt, they are a method of meeting other middle class mothers!!

Saying that, mine was brilliant. It covered all the gory details, after birth stuff, breast vs bottle. The group had 8 couples, so plenty of opportunity to ask 100s of questions.

The only thing they forgot to tell us was that your hair falls out in chunks about 3 months after birth!!!

NHS classes in my area seemed to be aimed at those who didn't work.

I did the NHS post-natal group, and wasn't impressed. Disorganised, crowded, and seemed to be full of chav mothers who had no interest and seemed to be forced to attend.

mildred1978

pinkshoes wrote: »

The only thing they forgot to tell us was that your hair falls out in chunks about 3 months after birth!!!
.

Mine didn't! Mine got thicker during pregnancy and none has fallen out since!

MrsExcited

Lemoncurd wrote: »

I thought Birthmatters was local to the Maidenhead area. I've had three children and attended only NHS classes for all of them, the format was quite different each time so I guess they change them regularly. The latest consisted of 4 sessions at St Marks led by an alternative therapist who is involved with Birthmatters! during that pregnancy they also offered another 2 session course at Wexham Park about active birthing (I think). I think I got a lot out of the classes but the most useful factor was the people you meet, the class leaders all encouraged us to exchange details and each time we all kept in touch and met up regularly to support each other before the births and afterwards.
I tried to sign up to NCT classes each time but didn't manage to get a space, actually think most of the classes would be pretty similar in outcome.

Hey LemonCurd - when did you do your last antenatal classes at St Marks? I'm just wondering if they have changed a lot since you did them?

barbiedoll

mildred1978 wrote: »

I believe the NHS classes include them showing you ventouse, forceps, the hook they use to beeak waters, epidural needle etc :eek:

When I went into the birthing room just before I had my baby, I saw all these shiny, scary-looking things on a metal tray. I must have freaked out a little as I can remember the midwife saying...."Okaaaay......we'll just move these over here out of the way then"
:rotfl::rotfl: