Antenatal classes

Hasie,

When is a good time to start Hypnobirthing classes. How far in advance should we book?

Do the classes cover the basics of a caring for a newborn too?

The hospital classes doesn't usually cover birth and preparation for birth in depth. If you want to be prepared for a specific type of birth especially a natural birth, then you should attend specific classes like HypnoBirthing, Bradley or something similar that prepares you for a natural birth. I think the hospital classes are fine for someone wanting to have a c-section. But if you want a natural birth, you have to remember that our c/s rate in private hospitals are over 70% so you have to be a bit more prepared to end up getting what you want if you are going that route, or else you might just be pushed along on the hospital route.

Hi There

I went for the Antenatal classes at Netcare Clinton when I was Pregnant with my LO.

Well I must say that there is a upside and a downside.

As a first time parent, you are taught how to bath your baby (A newborn baby is brought to the class).
They teach you the breathing techniques as well. And you get to meet other mommies giving birth at the same hospital.

I only didn't like the videos of the natural and C-section. That scared me as they show you the needles used for a Spinal and Epidural...

I enjoyed the first few classes. We stopped going for the last few classes....

Do your research though....

Hi there,

I just want to find out what everyone else thinks of the Antenatal classes given at the Netcare Hospitals. We're giving birth at Unitas Hospital and I am 26 weeks pregnant. We're registering for the antenatal classes but my husband is worried about the "depth" of the classes. Has anybody attended these specific ones? What is the feedback around this?

I quite like the topics given as this is our first.

Thanks!