Hi all,

I'm worried now because have suddenly come across a lot of people saying that I shoudl really have booked onto antenatal classes ages ago..I'm 24+3 days and thought that when it was time my midwife would let me know about these. She hasn't mentioned them at all.

To be fair she hasn't been alot of help. I also haven't had my prescription waiver yet - and have to take pregaday every day - so this has been a mare every time I've been to the chemists!

Anyone have any advice re antenatal classes - perhaps where I can find out about them without midwifes help?

K.xx

Hope you're well!

I had an A4 leaflet in my maternity pack which I was given at my 8 week booking appointment - I had to fill it in when I was 20 weeks and return it to the hospital, and they are due to contact me at around 32 weeks to let me have the dates and times of the classes - there are four one hour sessions for us first-timers, and three for the professional mummies among us!

You didn't have any bits of paper like this did you? I had lots - breastfeeding workshops, parentcraft classes, relaxation techniques. But then all hospitals are different, so it's hard to say. Nag your MW next time you see her - you can always blame your aggression on the hormones!

K x

I am in a different country (South Africa) but I would guess the classes are very similar - ours was once a week over 6 weeks - so if you start them by week 30 you should (assuming you go to term!) have plenty of time.

The best thing about the classes aside for the info you get and the opportunity to ask quetions (or get the answers from questions asked by others which perhaps you never thought of) is meeting other moms in your area due around the same time as you. A nice little support network.

Cheers!

I know how you feel, i am twenty four weeks and I wasn't told anything by my midwife so I decided to change her, She made me feel like everything I asked was a chore for her to answer, I am waiting to see my new midwife for my second appointment in two weeks, it has all been a big stress though a little more relieved. I booked onto go to them and they said I don't need to go until september when I am due mid september this is through the hospital, I am going to go to have a look at local one aswell though don't you worry!!!I have been reading books and doing my own little exercises If you need any advice on anything or if you need a chat let me know!!! Is this your first little one???
Where do you live I will check on the net for you??
Abigailxx

Hi - yes its my first one - how about you? Where have you been finding out about exercises? To be honest haven't been worrying about the actual birth until now and am really quite scared!! I am going to see midwife today for 24 week appt.
I live in Warwickshire.
K.xx

I used to live in Hinckley I live in Devon now though.
I was pooing my pants in the beginning but now I have read about whats going to happen It has put my mind at peace.
Though there are alot of books that I have flicked through and they have been scary and its like these days everyone sees all the scary programs and its not reassuring. Having faith in our own bodies is what we should do!! In my opinion.
I have a couple of good books that I looked in you could perhaps get them from the library, are you on the net at home?? I will find some stuff out for you if you like
This is going to be my first baby and I am very excited now, i think the baby has had a big growth spurt these past few days.Abi xx

Hi there,other than having a couple of appointments with the midwives and two scansI have had no 'ante-natal classes' either.
I am have got an apppointment with the midwivenext tuesday which will be my 25th week and shall ask her then.
The GP should be able to advice you as to classes if your not too keen on asking the midwive, the more questions you ask the better.

Hope it all goes well,
x