Is it worth doing NCT to meet other future mums? Post Reply

[Wizard1]

I'd definitely recommend NCT too. It is pot luck what sort of group you have and whether there are any kindred spirits but if there are then it's really worth it. I made wonderful friends. The content, as others have said, is nothing you couldn't read in a book BUT I do think it helps to get the dads in the zone. If possible, try and meet as a group to get to know each other a bit before you all have your babies as it can be a couple of weeks or so before you feel like it afterwards, and the births are inevitably staggered over a few weeks as well. It is expensive but I wouldn't hesitate. Ideally do the one spread over a few weeks, not the weekender course - not enough time to bond. Good luck!

[Muddlemoo]

Yes - i agree with previous posters - i did NCT and it was great - for friendships only really - i didn't find the course particularly useful. I've heard about Match Up Mums - a new service which is like NCT but focuses on the friendship side of things rather than the course (which you could do at the hospital).

Hope that helps!

[Tpa]

Definitely join NCT. Even if you think that you don't have much in common with the other girls to begin with, everyone naturally becomes really good friends. It's lovely to have people in the immediate area to connect with, get support from and send 3am What'sApp message to after baby is born. Take the course itself with a grain of salt - it's pretty "natural" focused, so it isn't everyones' cup of tea.

My neighbor regretted doing Lulubabies - although she loved the course content - because it was with mums in Fulham, Chelsea, South Ken, which is just too far to keep in regular touch with.

I know several people who didn't love the NCT course itself but loved the friends they made after.

[pie81]

If you're with Thurleigh Road practice by any chance, they do a parenting course for parents with newborns (1-3 months ish) which runs once a week for 6 weeks. I haven't done it myself (planning to next time) but have a friend who made some good friends through doing the course - and it's free and probably more useful!

I definitely think it's useful to have a group of mums with similar age babies who you can meet with and not worry about boring them with talk of poo and feeds etc as they will be going through the same... But i can't help but feel there must be a better value way to do this than NCT classes - since most people agree the course itself isn't that useful.

[LP73]

Lulubabies runs courses in Wandsworth now so you can meet mums in local area

[Swills7]

I'm overdue and bored of waiting for this baby to arrive! And just thought I would come back on here now I've got a bit more time to say thank you to everyone who replied to my question. In the end I did both NCT and Match up Mums and thought they were great! Match up Mums especially as it was really good value and we have a lot in common. It has been so great to meet up with people while I wait and know that there are people to meet when the baby is born.

[Dr&DaughterPreg]

HI
We would definitely recommend that you do an antenatal course- not only to learn about your pregnancy, birth and new baby, but also to help make a network of new friends in your area!
NCT are not the only providers of antenatal classes.
We run The Doctor and Daughter's Guide to Pregnancy and offer antenatal classes in the Balham area!
Our classes are taught by a top London Obstetrician (NCT courses are taught by a lay person with NCT training) and we have some amazing Lactation Consultants taking our dedicated breastfeeding sessions (you do not always get this with the NCT)!
If you would like any more information feel free to send us an email
info@doctoranddaughter.co.uk
Good Luck with your pregnancy

[BigCat79]

Yes! I found the classes themselves a little boring (you just go through the motions, maybe picking up one or two tricks) but it is the friendship and support you are really buying into. We had 8 couples in ours, the babies are now coming up to 3 years old and we are still going strong as a group! Meet ups vary between dinner/drinks for the mums to playdates on weekends. Sometimes it's every couple of weeks and sometimes maybe not for 2 months. But everyone is there on the end of an email whenever you need support. I would thoroughly recommend signing up. The first year is especially fun when you're all off work together

[BumpAndBabyClub]

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that there's another antenatal course option in the area... Bump and Baby Club.

Our popular antenatal classes take place in Clapham Old Town. We are very proud to include baby first aid as part of the package, as well as some fun touches - an afternoon tea for the girls, some beers or a lunch for the boys (during the second part of the breastfeeding session), and a reunion once all the babies have arrived.

Our experts are engaging, unbiased and very lovely! And they're available on email for support during your first few months with your new baby.

Our groups continue to meet up regularly after the course is over and many people become great friends. It's not uncommon for the dads to form their own WhatsApp groups too!

For more info... www.bumpandbabyclub.com