Antenatal Classes

Supporting you to become the parent you want to be

Antenatal Classes - frequently asked questions

What are the classes all about?

Our classes are aimed at the expectant mother and her birth partner and provide support, practical skills and information about the choices available. They are designed to help prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood in a friendly and informal atmosphere. The classes prepare you for the different types of birth, be it in hospital, a birthing centre, at home or even in the car on the way to hospital! They also enable you to form a support network of like-minded people post birth.

Who teaches the classes?

Qualified NCT trained antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and some trainee teachers and counsellors take the classes.

How long are the courses and how are they organised?

The length and duration of classes varies according to the teacher, location, and number of attendees.

Each course will last between 16 – 20 hours, and includes a breastfeeding session and a postnatal reunion. The hours may be split into two hour sessions spread over a number of weeks, or in a larger block of time spread over a couple of days and some evenings.

When do the classes happen?

As a general rule, most courses start 4-8 weeks before your due date, aiming to finish around 3 weeks before your due date.

Please be aware that not all of the classes are evening based, you may also need to be available to attend daytime classes, both in the week and on a Saturday.

Please Note: Pregnant employees are entitled to paid time off work to attend antenatal classes. You can find more information here – http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file18061.pdf

Where are the classes held?

Most of our courses are held in the Brighton & Hove area, however, in order to offer places to as many people as possible, we sometimes use teachers who live outside of the immediate area. If the course is held outside the area, people in these groups will be from the Brighton and Hove .

What do the classes cost?

The classes cost £174 (including optional NCT membership £39)

Do I need to be a member of the NCT to get a place on a course?

Membership is not compulsory. However, we encourage all course participants to become members of the NCT this helps the valuable work of the charity in campaigning for improvements to maternity and paternity services. Members are also encouraged to become volunteers helping at local, regional or national levels and training is available. Membership page

I have a low income; can I get any help with the course fees?

The NCT does not exclude anyone from attending antenatal course on the grounds of inability to pay. We offer discounts for people on low incomes or in receipt of benefits and it is also possible to pay by installments. If you have any difficulties in paying the fees, please contact your booking administrator in the strictest confidence.

Cancellation policy

Should you wish to cancel your place prior to starting the course, please let us know with as much notice as possible. We will deduct £30 from the total amount paid to cover our administration costs. We will only refund the remainder of your course fee is we are able to fill the place from our waiting list before the first session. In exceptional circumstances, we may waive the cancellation fee at our discretion.

How many people will be in the class?

The class size tends to be between 5 and 7 couples. We keep our groups small to allow lots of time for your questions

What are my chances of getting a place on a course?

Usually the first 30 applicants on the list are fairly sure of a place but this does depend on teacher availability. Places are allocated in strict order of application.

What happens if I don’t get onto a course?

Everyone who doesn’t get onto a course is put on a waiting list. If there is a high enough demand we will look at running additional classes. If not people do cancel, so those who do not get onto a course initially may end up getting a place after all. The main thing is to book as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of being offered a course place.

Do I need to take the NHS classes?

The NCT antenatal classes can be taken instead of, or in addition to any NHS classes that you will be offered by your midwife. As hospital tours are no longer on offer you will need to book an NHS class to see the DVD of the tour.

Your midwife should give you the booking details at around 20 weeks or you can phone the hospital. Your midwife may arrange for you to see the DVD at another time. It will soon be possible to view the DVD from the Hospital website.

Do I need to have a partner to bring to the classes?

Most people do the course as a couple although you are welcome to come alone or bring a friend or relative that will be assisting you through labour. If your partner is attending the course with you, you will get most benefit if they attend all the sessions.

I’m having twins (or more!) can I get a place on a course?

You are welcome to come on an NCT course although you will probably find that the rest of the class will be expecting one baby! We will also put you onto a course with people due a month earlier than you to take into account a probable early delivery. Our teachers do not currently offer specialised classes for clients expecting twins but clients really find they benefit from being encouraged to explore all their choices in our classes.

You may also like to speak to Tracy Law another local teacher who specialises in courses for multiple births. She can be contacted on 07849751474 or tracylaw67@ntlworld.com

You are welcome to do both courses and we can keep you on our list until you have made a decision.

I’m having my second, third, fifteenth baby, is there a refresher course?

We run refresher courses when we receive enough enquiries to put on a course. The focus is on preparing for this birth, the change of family dynamics and how to introduce your new addition into the family. These classes are 12 hours including a postnatal reunion and cost £124 (including optional NCT membership)

We’re sorry but other children can not attend refresher classes.

We also organise "tea groups" for people having a second, third, fourth etc baby who would like to meet others in a similar situation but are not interested in attending courses. Please email rachelagardner@hotmail.com to find out more information.

When can I apply?

It is advisable to book early as places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

How do I sign up for classes?

Details of all NCT classes can be found at www.nct.org.uk

Or you can contact our bookings administrator by emailing booking4o@nct.org.uk or calling 0844 243 6914.

When will I hear if I've got a place on the course?

Our bookings Administrator works part time so please allow up to 7 days for her to return your call or answer your email.

Details of our classes can also be found on our national website – www.nct.org.uk

"Our antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal leaders undergo a thorough training with the NCT although they are not required to be medically qualified. All teachers, counsellors and leaders 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 to take any questions about the medical care of mother and baby to their midwife, health visitor or doctor."