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Antenatal Classes
Jump down to: Some questions answered

Malmesbury NCT offers antenatal classes for first time parents, and refresher classes (according to demand) for subsequent pregnancies.

The philosophy of NCT antenatal classes is to empower women and their partners to make informed choices in managing pregnancy and labour. The courses are held for small groups of expectant mothers and their partners. The classes aim to give you the opportunity to find out about all aspects of labour, including a discussion of local birth options, and also cover topics relating to life with a new baby. Partners are strongly encouraged to come along as well.

The classes are informal and friendly, and many groups stay in touch after their babies are born. You only have to speak to people who have been to NCT classes to find out that one of the best things about the classes is the number of really good friends that you make.

Our antenatal course is taught over several sessions in a mixture of daytime and evening classes, often in the teacher's own home. The course may include visits by other NCT workers, such as a local breastfeeding counsellor and postnatal supporter, and you may meet a new baby. Most classes have a reunion after their babies are born and class members are helped and encouraged to keep in touch and offered postnatal support.

Please contact Melanie V., the Antenatal Bookings Clerk at bookings3d@nct.org.uk or on 08442 436947.

Please book early in your pregnancy as the courses are very popular.

Some of what is covered includes:

Some questions answered

What goes on in NCT antenatal classes?
We tackle an important topic with lots of laughs and a great deal of fun! You'll set the agenda with the other expectant parents attending the classes. It's your course and the teacher is able to be flexible to meet your needs.

Whatever is worrying you - there'll be an opportunity to talk about it at your classes. Your teacher is there to make you and the other expectant parents feel welcome and at ease. She will help you learn using a variety of different activities. There'll be small group work, discussion and practical work. You'll have lots of opportunities to get to know the other people attending the course. And after the course is over there will be the opportunity to go along to Open House coffee mornings and local NCT events to meet with other new mums and their babies.

What if I'm not in a relationship, or my partner can’t make the classes?
You can come to classes on your own, or ask someone to come with you. Perhaps you would like to bring the person who's going to be your companion in labour - your Mum, your sister, another relative or your best friend.

Will everyone at the classes be expecting their first baby?
Probably the majority of women will be. However, there may be one or two who are having their second baby or perhaps a father who has had children in a previous relationship. The people who are already parents have a great deal to contribute and can tell you what it's like based on their first hand experience!

Is there any point in coming to classes if I've decided to have an epidural?
Yes! There's a lot more to having a baby than the kind of pain relief you choose in labour! You'll still want to know how labour starts. And when's the right time to go into hospital. You'll still want to think about how it will feel to have an epidural and how long it will take to wear off. You'll still want to find out all about how to look after your baby, yourself, your love life and your friendships after the baby is born!

I know I'm going to have a caesarean? Will that be covered in the classes?
Yes. The teacher will talk about caesareans and you'll have the chance to think about how you'll manage when you get home with your baby. She'll cover both the practical issues and help you think through how you might feel as well.

Will there be pressure put on me to breastfeed my baby?
No. NCT antenatal classes are about helping you to make your own choices. People make different choices because they have different lifestyles and commitments. There will be a lot of input during the course on breastfeeding and it's likely that a Breastfeeding Counsellor will lead one of the classes. A counsellor will accept and respect your decision to bottle feed if that's your preference.

What do the classes cost?
The course fee is £120 per couple for 9 classes. Membership of the NCT is £39 a year. The fee for classes is separate from NCT membership, but we hope that those who go to our classes will also consider becoming a member. To develop our work and activities we need the financial support of new members. We hope that many people who are NCT members will later become NCT volunteers and support future parents in their local area.

What if I can't afford to pay?
Please don't be put off coming to classes because of the fee. The National Childbirth Trust is there to support every single parent who wants to use our services. If you can't pay the fee, simply tell the booking clerk, in confidence . She won't ask any embarrassing questions. You'll be offered a free place, or a reduced fee place if you feel that you can make a small contribution towards the cost of the classes. If you are paying the full fee but would benefit from paying in installments please mention this to the booking clerk as this can be arranged.

Are the teachers properly trained?
The vast majority of NCT teachers now have a Diploma in Higher Education (Antenatal Education). Some NCT teachers trained before the Diploma was available. These teachers have still been through a rigorous training course, and, because they are likely to have been practising for many years, have all the benefits of their considerable experience to offer you! They are not required to be to be medically trained. All teachers are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care and must register with us every year. Their role is to offer support, information, practical skills and resources to help parents make informed choices for themselves and their babies. They do not offer medical advice and parents are asked not to take any questions about the medical care of mother and baby to their midwife, health visitor or doctor.

What if I have special requirements?
If you have any special requirements e.g. due to disability, access or otherwise, please inform the booking secretary at the time of booking. This will help to offer you a course taking into consideration these needs and help the teachers prepare accordingly. You can be assured that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.

Do you run refresher classes?
We do run refresher classes, for second and subsequent parents, but these are limited, depending on numbers, so please enquire as appropriate.

What if I am enquiring too late for classes?
Even if you can't attend the classes, please join the NCT. You'll be supporting our valuable work, campaigning for a better start to parenthood, and you'll have access to all the other services we provide, for example, social events for you and your baby, breastfeeding counsellors, nearly new sales and local meetings.

What next?
Please contact Melanie V., the Antenatal Bookings Clerk at bookings3d@nct.org.uk or on 08442 436947 to book classes or make further enquiries. Please book early in your pregnancy as the courses are very popular.

Once you have sent the booking form and deposit cheque back you can expect to hear 2 weeks before the class is due to start the precise class details of things like:

You can e-mail anytime if you have any queries.