Is it worth joining the NCT?
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Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 4/7/2009 9:29 PM BST
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Total posts: 3438
First post: 24/9/2003 Last post: 7/9/2009 |
We're going to go to the classes but I am not sure if it's worth joining the NCT? We are very strapped for cash and the NCT classes are really expensive so I'm a bit reluctant to pay extra for membership if all I will get is newsletters. And, while I'm at it: what do you think of the NCT antenatal classes - I have to sign this week if I want the place for me and Mr S... Thanks lovelies! :) |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 5/7/2009 8:49 AM BST
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Total posts: 2313
First post: 17/1/2004 Last post: 14/11/2009 |
We paid to go to NCT classes as it was cheaper to pay for these rather than my DH take time off work to attend the NHS classes. The NCT classes were a Saturday rather than a Wednesday when the NHS classes ran. Being nosey I still decided to pop along to two of the three NHS classes to gain as much information as possible... I figure be prepared and all that! The NHS classes were terrible. We had three sessions of two hours in a room with about thirty other people, the classes didn't go into much detail about anything and it was only having attending the NCT classes that I realised how bad the NHS ones were. The NCT concentrate on the birth being 'your birth' rather than the hospitals. We were told about how to get the birth we want, question medical advice and to listen more to our bodies than the doctor who is just looking at numbers. We had a separate evening session on breastfeeding and during the classes spent time talking about pain relief, the birth, after the birth etc all in more detail than the NHS classes. There were about eight other couples in the class and already we've met up a few times as girls and Thursday all of us are off for a curry. E-mails are often flying around between us and so it's nice to know that I will be able to call on these people should I need to. I didn't actually pay the extra to become a member of the NCT, like you I am watching the pennies. So far the others were invited to a mums to be dinner at pizza express but that seems to be it so far, they may be receiving more e-mails than me but for now I am happy not to pay. I can always sign up later if I want to but I don't think I'll actually need to. |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 5/7/2009 9:54 AM BST
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Total posts: 5471
First post: 22/5/2006 Last post: 26/11/2009 |
We signed up for membership, but haven't used it at all. I rang the breastfeeding line once, but anyone can do that. Went along to a couple of BF drop-ins, but again anyone can. The newsletter came a few days ago and I haven't read it yet (and probably won't). The antenatal classes were definitely worthwhile, though. Although if I'm completely honest, only for the classes. Our group meets up regularly, but I'm not great friends with any of the girls. Put it this way - we wouldn't be friends except for the fact that we have similar-aged babies. Plus my best friend's baby is closer in age to my boy than all but one of theirs, so we have each other as support and sounding board anyway. Everyone's experience is different though, and some people make lifelong friends through their group.
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 5:49 AM BST
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Total posts: 15564
First post: 26/1/2005 Last post: 27/11/2009 |
We dont have NCT type classes over here (from what you girls have told they are about) but I would highly recommend doing a pregnancy yoga class. I'm the least holistic, happy clappy person on here LOL and I cant believe the way this class has changed my perception of birth. Okay, how to breastfeed and that probably is important, but personally, I think preparation for labour, what positions will make the birth go quicker (did you know that laying on your back will make your uterus work twice as hard, meaning your labour in total will be longer, not to mention more painful?). I'm not sure if they tell you these sorts of things at the NCT class - but this yoga class is mentally preparing me, along with yoga poses, for all 3 stages of labour. I cant stress how important this has been and will be for the upcoming birth. And I'd echo what Zigg says. At least the girls in my class, they are nice enough girls, but I wouldnt become friends with them on the basis of having babies the same age. I dont know about anyone else, but I like to have other things in common with people other than children, before I make friends?! although, I should imagine there are some girls that want a support network of similiar people with kids around them. Personally, it's still not for me.
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 8:48 AM BST
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Total posts: 5471
First post: 22/5/2006 Last post: 26/11/2009 |
In Response to Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?: (did you know that laying on your back will make your uterus work twice as hard, meaning your labour in total will be longer, not to mention more painful?). I'm not sure if they tell you these sorts of things at the NCT class - but this yoga class is mentally preparing me, along with yoga poses, for all 3 stages of labour. I cant stress how important this has been and will be for the upcoming birth. Posted by sticklebacker Yep - we did a three, full-day course, and one whole day was dedicated to labour where you learn all of this sort of stuff. It helped me feel so much less scared about going into labour (which I very much was, if I'm honest) in terms of tips to help you along, go with it, trust your body to know what it's doing (instead of fighting it), how to relax and make it 'easier'. What positions are better, and all sorts of things I had no clue about. Lying on your back is so much slower than being upright, since you're not getting gravity to help the baby down, and so much more painful. And I mean - how to relax?! Beforehand, I'd have thought that was a complete joke - relaxing in labour - but you learn how if you go with it, instead of tensing up and panicking, it actually makes it a lot easier. Of course, all that went out the window when I was induced, monitored continually and therefore strapped to the table unable to get upright (and as a result had to have an epidural, and as a result of that, had to have a ventouse delivery with an episiotomy!). But - I felt much more mentally prepared for and OK about labour, thanks to the classes.
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 9:29 AM BST
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Total posts: 715
First post: 12/5/2005 Last post: 26/9/2009 |
In Response to Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?: The NCT concentrate on the birth being 'your birth' rather than the hospitals. We were told about how to get the birth we want, question medical advice and to listen more to our bodies than the doctor who is just looking at numbers. I cannot emphasise enough how important 'keep an open mind' is. 'The birth you want' is, quite frankly, misleading. There are other people involved you know, your baby being one, and they can single handedly throw all your birth plans out of the window. What if your labour is premature, or the baby is breech, or you are in labour for three days, or the baby gets in distress, or has shoulder dystocia? What then? What if your waters break but you don't go into spontaneous labour? Or the baby has the cord round their neck and it's too short and tight and every time you push their heart rate dips? A million and one things can happen that you can't plan for, and drs aren't there to bully you, they are there to help you. The NCT are also there to help you, but they are biased in their own way. The birth you want is one where your baby is delivered safely. And this is from someone who homebirthed and is anti intervention (and never did a class of any description  )FWIW, I've delivered both my children flat on my back. The first time not through choice, the second it felt like the most natural position but then he was 9lb 4 and the MW said afterwards that I'd never have got him out without tearing any other way than flat on the floor  |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 1:15 PM BST
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Total posts: 3438
First post: 24/9/2003 Last post: 7/9/2009 |
Thanks - great replies. I think I'll go to the NCT classes but not join the NCT. I'm not sure I'll be quite into all the bonding-with-mummies stuff, either. I'll play that by ear and see what they're like... Stickle, I'm doing pregnancy yoga as well - it's great. I was initially a bit sniffy about whether it would be any good but I feel really relaxed after sessions and the breathing techniques are superb, not to mention all the pelvic floor work! The teacher is superb. Preg yoga has probably saved my sanity of late, as I had been going to tai chi led by a male chauvinist instructor who made me feel totally useless - not what you need when you're 25 weeks pregnant! I had to leave as I'd have either cried or told him what I thought of him. |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 4:36 PM BST
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Total posts: 15564
First post: 26/1/2005 Last post: 27/11/2009 |
In Response to Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?: Stickle, I'm doing pregnancy yoga as well - it's great. I was initially a bit sniffy about whether it would be any good but I feel really relaxed after sessions and the breathing techniques are superb, not to mention all the pelvic floor work! The teacher is superb. Posted by SlinkyCat Great :))))))) We had a partner lesson last Tuesday and MrS had to come. He was fabulous :))))) and we got taught ways in which our partner can help us in labour. Over the past few days, I havent been well, been fainting, vomitting and having stomach pains and he's been taking me through my yoga breathing exercises, as well as doing some joint poses together. I'm surprised at how he took to it all. He really is helping me embrace this happy clappy holistic birth experience I hope to have. Mind you, I'll probably be the one at 1cm dilated and screaming for an epidural LOL :((((((( Still - at least the yoga stuff gets you in the right frame of mind. Something I definately need to get through this process.
This is where all the ex foodie baggers hang out - come join us :)
http://rhubarbcrumbleandcustard.freeforums.org/index.php |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 6/7/2009 11:11 PM BST
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Total posts: 3438
First post: 24/9/2003 Last post: 7/9/2009 |
In Response to Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?: In Response to Re: Is it worth joining the NCT? : Great :))))))) We had a partner lesson last Tuesday and MrS had to come. He was fabulous :))))) and we got taught ways in which our partner can help us in labour. Over the past few days, I havent been well, been fainting, vomitting and having stomach pains and he's been taking me through my yoga breathing exercises, as well as doing some joint poses together. I'm surprised at how he took to it all. He really is helping me embrace this happy clappy holistic birth experience I hope to have. Mind you, I'll probably be the one at 1cm dilated and screaming for an epidural LOL :((((((( Still - at least the yoga stuff gets you in the right frame of mind. Something I definately need to get through this process. Posted by sticklebacker Good stuff re Mr S coming and helping - that's such a good idea. But - I'm so sorry to hear you have been having such a rough time of it, Stickle :( You poor love. I really hope all the vomiting, fainting and tummy pain goes quickly - you've had your (un)fair share! Today's yoga session was all about the pelvic floor though I feel I need to learn the yoga equivalent of valium as I am so tense at the moment, largely due to not sleeping well. It is awful. Aaaaagh... My yoga teacher is not holding classes till Sept after next week, as she has kids and takes the summer off. Damn. I am going to have to find another class, I think, to tide me over. |
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Re: Is it worth joining the NCT?
posted at 7/7/2009 8:52 AM BST
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Total posts: 4141
First post: 18/3/2003 Last post: 27/11/2009 |
I have to say that our NHS classes are really good. The course leader is realistic and friendly and encourages you to go for what you want whilst bearing in mind that in some cases your choices may be restricted by necessity. We were practising breathing and massage yesterday and I felt really close to husband... He really felt it too and feels much more positive about the birth experience now. And the relaxation was good - I could have fallen asleep!  |
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