Lottie
New Member
There are different types of class - ask your midwife what's available in your area. Some are for everyone; others are aimed at particular groups, such as teen mums or women from specific ethnic groups. Some expect both partners to attend, others are for mums only; some welcome same-sex partners, or women with their own mothers or a friend rather than the baby's father.
NHS classes are:
usually held in the hospital or health centre
run by a health professional, often a midwife or health visitor, perhaps with input from a doctor
held in quite big groups, so there's less chance to make friends with others
free
Private classes are:
often held at someone's home or in a community setting
run by teachers trained by the organisation offering the class - they may or may not be health professionals
usually held in quite small groups, as the focus is on friendship and support
There's usually a charge for private classes, although this may be waived in some cases.
The biggest UK network of private antenatal classes is the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Other private groups include Active Birth classes, which specialise in water births and yoga during pregnancy, and classes run by independent midwives.
Typical antenatal classes, whether NHS or private, usually follow some sort of course over six to eight weeks in the last few months of pregnancy. You attend a particular course according to your due date, so all the women in one class are due at more or less the same time.
In some areas, you might find 'labour and birth' weekends or days, where you attend one or two longish sessions. Both private and NHS classes can take these formats - ask to find out what's available in your area. Some hospitals offer special one-day breastfeeding workshops, and you may also be given the opportunity to visit the ward where you plan to give birth.
For loads more info go here: SOURCE
NHS classes are:
usually held in the hospital or health centre
run by a health professional, often a midwife or health visitor, perhaps with input from a doctor
held in quite big groups, so there's less chance to make friends with others
free
Private classes are:
often held at someone's home or in a community setting
run by teachers trained by the organisation offering the class - they may or may not be health professionals
usually held in quite small groups, as the focus is on friendship and support
There's usually a charge for private classes, although this may be waived in some cases.
The biggest UK network of private antenatal classes is the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Other private groups include Active Birth classes, which specialise in water births and yoga during pregnancy, and classes run by independent midwives.
Typical antenatal classes, whether NHS or private, usually follow some sort of course over six to eight weeks in the last few months of pregnancy. You attend a particular course according to your due date, so all the women in one class are due at more or less the same time.
In some areas, you might find 'labour and birth' weekends or days, where you attend one or two longish sessions. Both private and NHS classes can take these formats - ask to find out what's available in your area. Some hospitals offer special one-day breastfeeding workshops, and you may also be given the opportunity to visit the ward where you plan to give birth.
For loads more info go here: SOURCE