NCT classes are they worth the high price?

[Monkey2021]

I just had my quote through for my local NCT class and it was £299, which really shocked me. Money is already making me panic because of everything we need to buy for the baby, can I ask if it’s worth me finding the extra money? I’ve read a few posts saying that NCT is good for meeting other mums but I don’t feel I can justify all that money just to make friends, is the content worth it? Or will get enough information from my midwife/ nhs anyway?

[MyMya]

I also decided not to do it because of the cost, and because on the site it says if we are in lockdown classes will be on zoom (but the price doesn’t change).

Everyone I’ve spoken to has recommended NCT, and especially highlight it’s great for meeting other new parents. However that part won’t happen if classes are on zoom.

My hospital run free antenatal classes on zoom so I’m going to do those instead.

[desert_island]

I enjoyed the classes from a social perspective (my daughter is 10 months old, so we went to ‘real’ classes), but honestly didn’t learn a lot. I’m still in daily contact with lots of the mums I met, but if they were on zoom then honestly I wouldn’t bother. Just my opinion though as I’d done a lot of reading beforehand so didn’t gain much knowledge from it.

[Hidden]

What do they actually teach? I wouldn’t spend £300 on baby classes probably lots for free online also health visitor for advice after birth, friends with kids, google everything or books.

[desert_island in reply to Hidden]

They go through a lot about labour etc but didn’t do much baby stuff so not actually that helpful I found. My daughter is 10.5 months now and I haven’t seen a health visitor or anyone useful since she was 10 days old due to covid and everything being cancelled, so don’t rely on them. May be different elsewhere, but they’re useless here!! Honestly I wouldn’t bother with NCT, just read up on stuff and then go to baby classes once your little one arrives. You’ll meet plenty of new mums that way. I did online baby classes to start and then managed a few face to face ones when lockdown lifted briefly (I’m in Wales) 💕

[WintyandBump]

I wanted to join to meet other mummies but doesn’t seem worth it now we are in lockdown again and probably will be on and off for the next year

[PoppyC38]

I did it in 2017 so very different. I’d say it is a lot to do with meeting people. I still see the girls and babies weekly that I met there. I can understand your reservations about zoom. But even an in person class you still have to make the effort to meet up and build a relationship with the people you meet. So I think it’s still possible, even if it’s virtual/outside walks for a while. I didn’t have any mum friends and it made a huge difference. There are also other companies that offer the same thing so might be worth looking to see what they charge.

[Sunnyday33]

We're doing an online antenatal course for £99 being run by Baby Academy. Couldn't justify the cost of NCT just for online

[Dolliepop]

I know they're still expensive but looks as though they're currently giving a 15% discount for online until Feb and saying that any courses from March onwards that can't be in person will be refunded 15% too x

[copperkettle8]

It is a bit like buying friends, we had in person classes as my little one is 18 months but they were great from a making mama friends perspective and I'm so so glad I did it, all the way through it's given me a ready bunch of 8 other mamas to chat about pregnancy/birth/babies etc with. There are similar classes in some areas called daisy birthing and I don't know if they're cheaper but if you can afford it I really rated it for an easy way to make mama friends!

[Abs1403]

Hi.Just thought I’d say NCT do some classes after baby is born. Mine has just been cancelled because of lockdown again but by the time your baby is here (the class I was doing was for babies 0-6m) it might be running again. It was £60 so not cheap but much better by comparison and you might find meeting people F2f in the thick of new baby will help! You don’t need to spend as much as the one you’re thinking about if money is tight like I think it is for all new families.

Good luck x

[Emmaxxx]

Save your time and your money. The midwife will get you through.

[Prettygurrly]

I got a quote when I was 12 weeks pregnant and it was about £170. That was 10 weeks ago. Maybe try a different branch?

[Monkey2021]

Hi thanks for all your help and advice, I think I’ve made my mind up that I’m going to leave it as I can’t justify that sort of money just to make friends. I have joined the peanut app so I can hopefully meet some local mums to be on there. And also if there are cheaper meet up classes after the baby is born maybe I can look into that. Thanks everyone xx

[Woodspenelope]

Hi I had an appointment with my midwife this morning and the receptionist asked me if I wanted to sign up to the local NCT classes which are free, my midwife appointments are at like a local community centre so maybe check there? I don’t know how people warrant £300 surely they all teach you the same things?! Sorry if I’ve repeated any info I haven’t read anyone else’s replies! X

[Monkey2021 in reply to Woodspenelope]

Yeah I actually spoke to my midwife this morning and I’m being transferred to a local community centre for my midwife appointments from next month and they seem to have a few free classes so I think I’ll just do that instead, and look into parenting classes too x

[Jodiieexo]

Hey, I have a friend who recently gave birth and due to the current situation and classes being cancelled she joined a pregnancy app called ‘Peanut’ where you can speak to others who are pregnant or given birth and she has recommended it - haven’t tried it myself but will be looking to join it soon. I have also been questioning whether I need to sign up to classes but think with how much it costs I will just do my own research and use the network around me instead.

[Monkey2021 in reply to Jodiieexo]

I have joined peanut it’s pretty good so far, I have met a few local mums to be so I think it does what the NCT used to do in connecting people but for free. I’m going to just to the free antenatal classes offered by the nhs because opinion on here seems to be that the NCT doesn’t really teach you anything different but costs more. x

[Sooikim]

Hi, this is my personal opinion about the class after attending the class in 2019.

Would I do it again. Probably not.

Why not? I feel this class is more for socializing and creating a support network between the parents, mostly mums to be. It is like a postcode lottery. You may get a very active and fun group and some mums are still together after all these years. But for me, I did not click with anyone there. So I did not keep in touch with them after our kids turn 1-year old.

In terms of the class content, I feel NHS parent class gave a better insight and its more informative. My husband and I were looking for information as we are new parents and tbh we didn't plan to have kids. So when we knew we are going to be parents, there was a rush for information. The NCT class we attended only covers 10% of what we wish to know.

In some way, NCT did the right thing by trying to keep an open discussion between parents to be. Network and support are what all new parents need. But I do agree it is not worth £299 considering there are so many expenses ahead.

If you already have a network of mums and you and your partner have a birth plan, and you think you are covered, I think it's not necessary to spend this money. However, please sign up for NHS parent craft classes. This one is essential.

Good luck

😊