MSE Pregnancy Club 25

martafdz

Thank you savage, mrs_B and LittleMoog, I saw "NCT" but I did not know what it was I assumed it was some antenatal class or something! I am checking the link now, it is quite good, they also do other stuff like coffee meetings, baby book events... I really would like to get involved in something, the only friend with a baby I had here has just left the country and I really would like to meet new mums!!

EDIT: How much are these NCT courses generally? I was looking at the antenatal course for parents but there is no price, I am registered in one at the NHS but it is during working hours, and maybe my DH would prefer this one, which is after work or at the weekend. Any of you have applied for this or done one?

LittleMoog

martafdz wrote: »

Thank you savage, mrs_B and LittleMoog, I saw "NCT" but I did not know what it was I assumed it was some antenatal class or something! I am checking the link now, it is quite good, they also do other stuff like coffee meetings, baby book events... I really would like to get involved in something, the only friend with a baby I had here has just left the country and I really would like to meet new mums!!

EDIT: How much are these NCT courses generally? I was looking at the antenatal course for parents but there is no price, I am registered in one at the NHS but it is during working hours, and maybe my DH would prefer this one, which is after work or at the weekend. Any of you have applied for this or done one?

We've just finished our NCT course, I found it generally very good. Our main reason for doing it was to meet people though, as we don't know many people in the area. Courses tend to be smallish groups, 7 couples in ours. It is expensive though, ours were ~£160, which included 14 hours of classes, a hospital tour, an arranged meetup after babies have arrived, and also a postnatal group for about 3 months run by some volunteer mums.

If you just want the social side, check out the local NCT site for your area and see if they have "bumps and babes" or any coffee mornings, and just turn up. Non-members are welcome at all events, but for things like sales members get in first etc. There are also "early days" courses which tend to be a bit cheaper and are for mum in the first 2-3 months

savageHK

Prices vary by area and they do seem to have some concessions as well, it's worth checking further. i'm sure I found the prices on the website last time but it did take looking for. What area are you in Marta?

martafdz

savage, I think I would go to either the Trafford group or the South and Central Manchester group. I will have another look at the website and see if I can find the prices.

savageHK

*doh* of course you're nearby, sorry, babybrain!!

savageHK

martafdz wrote: »

savage, I think I would go to either the Trafford group or the South and Central Manchester group. I will have another look at the website and see if I can find the prices.

will fish my prices out for you then, they'll be in my inbox somewhere.
£165 for 8 lesson course, plus post-birth meetup.
It's worth phoning the parent ed people at the hospital back, as the first antenatal course they offered me was when hubby was away (and it was a Friday IIRC) and the next date was a Saturday 10th Nov (half day) which I'm now booked in on. I'm also booked on a ladies only breastfeeding session during working hours though.

savageHK

....and it does seem that the prices only come up AFTER you've filled in your details. Seems your only option for your date is this one though, which is laid out a bit different to mine (we've got weekly meetings x8, this one is 2x long sessions + breastfeeding)
http://www.nct.org.uk/course/15410775

martafdz

Oh, thanks, I will have a look and talk to DH.
By the way, savage, he has told me that the Sunday Smithfields Market has also a stand for baby stuff (new stuff at cheaper prices), and they also hold second hand car sales at the same time on Sunday, so I will be having a look soon: Whitworth Street, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 2WJ

Candycane_2

I haven't been around much as generally feeling a bit miserable about things, a combination of not being at work and increasingly less mobile I think. Have been reading though, but can't remember everything I wanted to say.

sexymouse- good luck, sounds like things are progressing nicely.

sleeping/pillows- I had built up a considerable pillow mound but was still struggling to sleep well. When I changed the bedding at the weekend I went back to my normal pillow arrangement (i.e. 2) and have slept really well since then

nct sales - someone who mans the tills regularly gave me a tip that people run round like crazy in the first 15 mins and then get to the till and decide what they want. So her tip was to go about 1/2 way through when the volunteers have had chance to put everything back that people changed their minds about and it is far less manic. I wouldn't know as I got totally freaked out at the first one I went to and didn't buy anything!

uppababy vista- can't remember who was interested in this. We have one and I am really pleased with it, even though I have only wheeled it round the house so far. HOWEVER, I really can't recommend their customer service at all. There have been major supply problems all year and our order from Kiddicare was moved to mid-Oct the day before delivery was due (30th July). I managed to reorder elsewhere, but still only got it delivered last week when I was 38 weeks, and only because the shop we got it from was so pushy with uppababy. So my advice would be to check it is actually in stock and get your hands on it on the day you decide.

AFM - I developed a strange form of SPD at 39 weeks and now having to walk with a crutch. I was still cycling and did a 10 mile walk 2 weeks ago so this has come as a massive surprise as things were so easy up until last Thurs. Only walking is affected, so I can still do yoga and aquanatal so I don't go totally stir crazy.

Still need to pack some hospital bag for me, am I missing something, I don't get what the fuss is about. just like packing for a weekend away with added pads for all leaky areas? Can't see why it would take more than 10 mins, and I can get OH to bring stuff if I have to stay longer than expected. Please let me know if I have completely misunderstood! Baby's one is done, I now just need to wash some more bedding and towels I forgot I have bought.

Off for a haircut and manicure later to cheer myself up, just hope I can walk back up the steep hill on the way home.

Candy 39 + 3

martafdz

Oh, Candy, it will be all done in a few weeks if not earlier! I hope your pain goes away soon and you can do more stuff.

I guess that the idea of having it ready is that you do not have to rush and do it when the time comes and your brain is more worried about what is going on, than about packing all the stuff you need. It might be similar to what you take for a weekend, but with less outdoors outfits, more nightwear/comfy indoors outfits, and baby stuff. Then there would be things I would not normally pack, which is why I want to prepare it in advance, so I do not forget this stuff: 2 nighties/vests that I can throw away if they get too messy, nursing bra and pads, maternity pads, disposable knickers and nappies. Or at least have a list ready so you can check that you are packing everything? I just would not want to pack before going to hospital, I might be in too much pain as to look around or tell DH where everything might be!