Is NCT worth it?

When I first booked my husband and I on NCT classes I was worried that I would jinx the pregnancy - what if a huge meteorite would strike me down? Luckily, it didn't happen. And as my bump grew, the date of our first NCT class grew closer.

I'd never heard of 'NCT' before becoming pregnant. The initials would have wavered over me like a financial report. Little did I know that it was the UK's largest parenting charity that run classes covering the stages and positions of labour, birthing options and of what happens after the birth... including emotions! Not only that, but 'balanced' classes on breastfeeding are given. 

A birthing pool in my local hospital

Almost as soon as we announced our pregnancy, the initials 'NCT' were shared with us from proud parents more times than Cheryl Cole's headlines over the last few months. The deal-clincher for my husband was being told: "I'm still meeting up with dad's every week for beers after eight years." 

Funnily enough, after our last class we all went out for lunch. Hours later, my husband and two other of the hub's staggered out of our fave local curry house hugging, hiccuping and slurring; "see you next week".

Us sober mums-to-be followed to prop them up and laugh at their expense. Although we were secretly hoping this all-afternoon-and-night sesh wouldn't happen EVERY week. Not only was it "brill-yant" *hiccup* (according to my hub) for the dads-to-be, but it's an excellent way of meeting other local first-time mums all in the same boat in the local area. Who'd have thought we're all due to give birth within days of each other? It's a small world. 

The class that I booked my hub and I on was based in someone's house *initial worried face*. I hear that it's not always the case though! Once we'd gotten over the initial 'bonding' exercise in our first session (cuppa in hand) in a stranger's kitchen, we soon started to unwind.

So, is NCT worth it? More to the point... are we worth it? Oh. Yes. Not only is the information and handouts invaluable, but so are the practical exercises. I would never have tried out crouching on a plastic bucket with a pillow draped over over it ahead of labour to see if I found it comfortable! Nor would I have had the warming pleasure of hearing my hub sharing his views and answering questions on child birth and coping after the birth. I believe it's brought us even closer and made us more excited about meeting our baby.

NCT answers all your questions and opens your eyes on what could happen and what will happen. I didn't even know that laying down in labour can slow down the birthing process. It's all about gravity baby! AND I would never have thought that I would want a birthing pool for labour, but I'm now very much up for it... so long as I can wear a bikini/tankini top.

Of course, it's also a great way of meeting other future parents in your area. My hub and I are already booked out one day next week for our second NCT social... "brill-yant". 

Good toes: Porridge with berries, my second day of introducing raspberry leaf tea, lots of salad, and steak later. Will also fit in some outside exercise - I promise!

Bad toes: My hub's last piece of chocolate cake is calling me. Laughing at Loose Women (I'm on maternity, but should I be enjoying the prog?!)