What are NCT Classes and Should You Do NCT?

If you are expecting a baby, you have probably come across the term “NCT classes” in Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or recommendations from friends. For many parents-to-be in the UK, NCT feels like a rite of passage. But what actually are NCT classes, what do they cover, and are they worth it for you?

As a cord blood collection company, we’ve seen and heard plenty about NCT classes (as well as taken some ourselves too!), so today we’ll explain what NCT classes involve, who they are for, how much they cost, and the pros and cons to consider. Every pregnancy and every family is different, so there is no single right answer. The key is understanding your options so you can make an informed choice.

What is NCT?

National Childbirth Trust, usually known as NCT, is a UK charity that supports parents from pregnancy through early childhood. It was founded in 1956 and has become one of the most recognisable names in antenatal education.

NCT offers antenatal classes, postnatal support, breastfeeding guidance, and community groups. However, when people talk about “doing NCT”, they usually mean signing up for an NCT antenatal course during pregnancy.

What are NCT classes?

NCT classes are structured antenatal courses designed to prepare you for labour, birth, and life with a newborn. They are typically taken in the third trimester, often between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Courses are usually delivered in small groups, either in person or online, and are led by a trained practitioner. Most courses run over several sessions, often in the evenings or at weekends, making them easier to fit around work.

Topics covered usually include:

• The stages of labour
• Pain relief options, including epidurals and natural coping techniques
• Induction and assisted birth
• Caesarean birth
• What happens immediately after birth
• Feeding your baby, including breastfeeding and bottle feeding
• Newborn behaviour and sleep
• Your physical and emotional recovery after birth
  

There is usually plenty of time for discussion, questions, and sharing experiences with others in the group.

It’s not just about the information!

One of the biggest reasons people choose NCT is not the content itself, but the community.

Many parents say the friendships formed during NCT are just as valuable as the classes. You are usually grouped with other people who live locally and are around the same stage of pregnancy as you. This often means your babies arrive within weeks of each other.

These groups frequently continue long after the course ends, turning into coffee meet-ups, buggy walks, first birthday parties, and ongoing support networks during those intense early months of parenting.

For some, that local support becomes invaluable, particularly if your family does not live nearby. People used to speak about needing a village to raise your baby – this is how many find their village!

How is NCT different from NHS antenatal classes?

Most NHS trusts offer free antenatal education, although the format and availability vary depending on where you live. NHS classes are often shorter and may be delivered as a single session or a small number of classes.

NCT courses are typically longer and more detailed. They often include more time for discussion and social interaction. However, they also come with a cost, which can range from several hundred pounds depending on your location and the course format.

The information covered in both NHS and NCT classes is broadly similar. Labour stages, pain relief options, and feeding support are standard topics across antenatal education.

The main differences are usually depth, group size, and the opportunity to build a social network.

What are the benefits of doing NCT?

Many people very much enjoy their NCT classes and report back that they have a lot of benefits, including:

You may feel more confident going into labour. Understanding what is happening in your body and what your options are can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control.

Your birth partner may feel more prepared. NCT courses place a strong emphasis on the role of the birth partner, helping them understand how to support you physically and emotionally.

You build a local support network. Having other new parents nearby who truly understand what you are going through can be hugely reassuring.

You can ask questions in a safe space. Sometimes it feels easier to ask certain questions in a small group setting rather than in a rushed appointment.

Are there any downsides?

Cost is often the biggest barrier. NCT classes can be a significant expense at a time when you are already budgeting for maternity leave and baby essentials.

Availability can also be an issue. Popular courses fill up quickly, especially in larger cities.

It is also worth noting that experiences can vary. Some people love their group and stay friends for years. Others find they do not click with the group or that the information was not very different from what they had already read.

As with most things in pregnancy, it is not a one size fits all decision!

Who might benefit most from NCT?

You might find NCT especially helpful if:

• This is your first baby
• You do not have close family nearby
• Most of your friends do not have children yet
• You feel anxious about birth and want structured preparation
• You value in-person discussion and peer support

If you already have a strong local support network or prefer self-directed learning through books, podcasts, or online courses, you may decide NCT is not essential for you.

What happens after the classes finish?

Many NCT groups continue meeting once the babies are born. There may be organised postnatal meet-ups, breastfeeding support sessions, or informal gatherings arranged through group chats.

NCT also offers additional support services, including infant feeding advice and helplines, which can be reassuring during the early weeks.

It is worth remembering that support does not end at birth. For some families, building a network before the baby arrives makes the postnatal period feel less isolating.

Frequently Asked Questions About NCT Classes

When should I book NCT classes?

It is advisable to book early, often around your 12 to 20 week scan, especially if you are hoping for an in-person course. Many courses fill up months in advance.

Can I do NCT if I am having a planned caesarean?

Yes. NCT classes cover a range of birth scenarios, including planned and unplanned caesarean births. The postnatal and newborn care content is relevant regardless of how your baby is born.

Are NCT classes only for first time parents?

They are most popular with first time parents, but you can attend if you are expecting your second or subsequent baby, particularly if there has been a gap since your last pregnancy or you would like to meet new local families.

Do NCT classes cover feeding options other than breastfeeding?

Yes. While breastfeeding support is often a strong focus, courses also discuss bottle feeding and combination feeding. The aim is to provide evidence-based information so you can make informed choices.

Is NCT worth the money?

This depends on what you are hoping to gain. If you are primarily looking for detailed information about labour, you may find similar content through NHS classes or reputable online resources. If you are looking for both preparation and a ready-made local support network, you may feel the cost is justified.

Do NCT classes discuss cord blood collection?

Cord blood collection is not always covered in detail in NCT classes, and whether it is mentioned can vary depending on the practitioner and the group’s questions.

Most NCT courses focus primarily on labour, birth, pain relief options, feeding, and early newborn care. Topics such as delayed cord clamping are usually discussed, but private cord blood collection or donation may only be briefly referenced, if at all.

If cord blood banking is something you are considering, it is a good idea to raise it during your class and ask for more information. You can also speak directly to your midwife or consultant about your options.

For parents who want to explore cord blood collection further, it is important to look at reputable providers such as Smart Cells and understand how the process works, how it fits into your birth plan, and whether your chosen hospital supports collection on the day of delivery.

Should You Do NCT?

There is no right or wrong decision! For some parents, NCT becomes one of the most important parts of their pregnancy journey. The friendships, shared experiences, and sense of community can be incredibly powerful during the transition to parenthood.

For others, it feels like an optional extra rather than a necessity.

If you are unsure, consider what you need most right now. Are you seeking knowledge, reassurance, connection, or all three? Think about your budget, your existing support network, and how you prefer to learn.

Pregnancy is a time of many decisions, from birth plans to feeding choices and beyond. The most important thing is that you feel informed and supported in the choices you make.

Whatever you decide about NCT, remember that preparation is just one part of the journey. Surrounding yourself with trusted information and supportive people can make all the difference as you get ready to welcome your baby.