Hi girls

I was just thinking about my forthcoming antenatal classes and i was just wondering what you all thought of them? Have u applied to do them? Which ones are you going to do? Have you already started, whats you're opinion of them? Have you missed out through choice or because the classes were already booked up?

We got in but if i hadn't have rung them up to find out what was going on i don't think i'd of got a place. We've chosen them all, think i'll need them lol!

mw told me to go to them yet she never gave me any info as in where to go and that, i dont think i would have gone to them anyway. i dont really know why, i just didnt want to. i properly should have tho, cuz now im freaking out abit , feeling i dont no nothing and im not prepared, but people keep reassuring me it will all come naturally so fingers crossed. xx

I started mine last Thursday and i really enjoyed it. The MW went through the labour process and when you should go into hospital. She will be telling us about pain control, breast feeding, what to take to the hospital and we will have a nosy round the birthing rooms. Met some really nice people as well.

I told my mw i would like to go to them but she hasnt given me any information so ive thought stuff it!!! i wont bother! Ill just go with the flow and my overall plan is just to get him out!

gosh i can't belive that your mw's weren't forthcoming with the info. I got an application leaflet about 4 times! Thats really not good.

I thought the NHS ones were really good - very informative and not at all preaching at you about things. The midwives help give you tips about how to stay calm, alleviate pain and choices you can make. But they do stress that certain choices are up to you to make.

The NCT ones I have been going to are quite good as well. They give you loads of info and allow you to meet other mums. Our NCT teacher does have definite views on things like pain relief and caesarean sections and things though. She had perfect birth experiences herself and expects that everyone else should be able to as well. She does preach quite a bit about how you don't really need epidurals etc etc and that you should be positively focused and so on. Now I don't know if this is the general NCT line or just our particular teacher's but there have been various things she has said that I completely don't agree with (although I haven't been brave enough to speak up!). For example, she said that 99% of women don't actually need a caesarean but quite a few people will get them. Now, I know a lot of people who have had caesareans for very good reasons such as the baby getting in distress. It kinda annoyed me that she belittled their birth experiences in this way. Her comments worry me as it could make some women feel like they have 'failed' if they don't have the 'perfect natural' birth experience.


So, overall, I have preferred the NHS ones (also they are free!), but both have been good in their own way.

xxx

I think my mw thinks well your a nurse, you work in the hospital so you should know all about it!!!......well actually this is my first baby! and thats right im a nurse not a midwife!!!....... nevermind! i only really wanted to do them for my hubby, hes never been in the maternity dept and i thought it would be good for him to look around and learn abit before hand, instead he gets me drumming info into his head!! xx

Im starting mine next Tuesday and I'm deffo looking forward to it. I just feel like there's so many questions and prob lots that I havent thought of myself that other ladies might.

Appearantly all Irish hospitals are different with their policies so it'll be nice to get some straight forward answers specific to my hospital.

My classes start next month, and I haven't really got a clue what to expect, but am looking forward to them.
xxx

nor me really!