Antenatal classes..

[Mango401]

I've been offered antenatal classes now, they always say you can bring a partner of friend. My boyfriend works offshore and won't make any of the classes as they unfortunately fall on all the weeks he is offshore. My mum works full time, and so do my friends so would have to go by self which is making me even more doubtful of going being the loner sitting by herself!! I've not been to one yet but did anyone find them helpful?x

[dons88]

I found mine so so helpful! I did an NCT course rather than NHS ones so they were in the evening. If they're on during the day surely you won't be the only one to go solo? I didn't know anything about how labour works or the options available and I honestly think that knowing about each stage of labour helped me stick at it mentally so I had the birth I wanted. I suppose it depends on how confident you are about the whole thing for how much you'd get out of them.

If it helps, our classes weren't full of lots of leaning against your partner and panting together etc like you see on the telly, it was really just chatting! X

[TillyGrace26]

Hey, I found them quite interesting, especially because I am a first time mum. The midwife also lets you ask her any questions that maybe can't wait untill your next checkup. It also helps you meet other mums, as I am now friends and regularly chat with a girl that was in my antenatal class. Nobody will judge you for being on your own, in my class there was a women who came on her own, a women who was with her mum, as well as couples. I think they are really worth going to, why don't give one a try and see how u feel an f u don't find them worthwhile don't I back?

[CheekyP]

I did NCT and NHS. My husband came with me to NCT but I went on my own to the NhS classes. Was absolutely fine on my own even though most people were in couples. I felt fine about it, no problem. I found the NHS classes the most useful for learning practical information and NCT was best for making friends x

[Hidden]

I only had nhs ones and as they were during day it was split some couples other people on there own..I found the 2nd and 3rd class useful..the first one was a bit boring. ..x

[Mango401]

This is my first and to be honest I am terrified about labour so think this might do me some good! Just so gutted my partner can't be there, feel like he's missing out on a lot it's the nhs ones I've been offered. Maybe il just be brave and go on my own lol!x

[Hidden]

I considered paying for NCT and doing NHS classes but eventually decided NCT was too costly at over £200.

I attended the NHS classes and found them to be incredibly informative and supportive. I felt very prepared for the labour after the classes so I would def recommend them. There are no activities that you need to do 'as a couple' so I would really think they will be welcoming if you attend alone.

In addition to this class we also found a midwife who offered 1:1 baby care classes in our own home - 3hr session of practical baby care...bathing, holding, settling, nappy changing...anything you can imagine. This cost £40 and worth every penny for the confidence it gave me and my husband as new parents.

[gigglysheep]

I had to book mine myself at 14weeks. You got to choose by topic and i have chosen prep for parenthood, breastfeeding and active/water birth seminar session. The only one the midwives said ready needed a partner was active n water birth but to also bring a pillow and a drink. The seminar is in the evening and the others are daytime so ill be on my own for those. But i think being on ur own could be good to make friends with other mums xx

[Louise87]

I went to a one off 6 hour day one with nhs at local birthing centre was really good and although I went with my hubby there were 2 ladies on there own and none of the stuff was partner based u will b fine and if u don't feel comfortable just don't go to any more!