National Childbirth Trust (NCT) membership: worthwhile?

[stevie_b]

Is anyone on here a member of the NCT? Is membership worthwhile?

 

We're expecting our first child later this year, and I don't know the first thing about parenting. I barely know where the baby comes out. Hospitals don't seem to run antenatal classes anymore, so it's up to would-be parents to muddle through or get some classes themselves.

 

The NCT offers these classes, with or without membership. The NCT describes what benefits membership gives you, but it's the type of thing (e.g. online sales of baby stuff) that could either be very good, very poor or anywhere in between!

 

Thanks for any advice.

[Charlotte]

I have a couple of friends who are members and seem to think the service is worthwhile.

 

Personally I would join a couple of baby forums (they have break off sections for your local area). Main ones are the likes of Babycentre or netmums. DON'T join mumsnet - they are pure evil women, on a mission to strike fear into new members.

 

If you do go down the forum route there will always be someone in your area that can give you advice on a class or the hospital you've chosen etc etc.

 

Good luck

[stevie_b]

Thanks for the advice Charlotte.

 

DON'T join mumsnet - they are pure evil women, on a mission to strike fear into new members.

Fair enough. I'd probably get asked for a Hovis photo if I did.

[Snooze]

We went to the NCT classes and it was really good for meeting other new parents - many of which we still see and our children have remained good friends with. So much so that we're organising group weekend trips.

 

As for the classes - they were really good for learning about the birth itself but, frankly, sod all use in terms of actually looking after a baby.