Childbirth/Antenatal education classes

We were enrolled in a Parents Centre childbirth education class to take place over 7 weeks. However, we have just found out the person who takes the course is unfortunately unable to any more - so the alternative is to do a later class (not really an option, as it doesn't finish until 2 weeks after my due date), or to do the classes in 2-3 Saturdays (generally 6 hours per day).

My question for those that have previously done either the spread-out option or the more condensed version - does a 6-hour day contain too much information to take in? Or does it serve to free up 7 evenings?

We also want to attend the classes to join a coffee group, so really would like to do them in some form.

Any advice appreciated! (Need to decide quickly...)

We did a course over 2 saturdays as my DH works shifts and would have only been able to attend evening ones every other week. It was not too bad for taking all the info in as the lady kept things interesting and we had lots of wee breaks and lunch to break it up. The only thing I found is that it hurt for me to sit that long. I was 31 and 32 weeks pregnant at the time and suffering from sciatica and that rib pain (can't remember the fancy pants name for it). The lady was aware of this though (not just me we all had niggles) and we would break up into different groups etc so were able to move around alot.

Thanks for your quick responses girls!

My one issue with the saturdays (except for comfort issues!) is that the coffee group wouldn't be as good as if it were coming from a 7-week course, but that's good to hear cuppatea about your coffee group! I suppose having a slightly more informal part of the day over lunch might be good for getting to know people a bit better?

We did our AN classes over 2 Saturdays, I couldn't face the idea of going out after a long day at work. As with cuppatea our midwife took it really slow, did lots of different activities so that we weren't sitting for too long, we could sit on chairs, floor etc whatever was most comfortable, had plently of breaks.

As for coffee group, we have a great one. We all put our names and contact details on a list during the first class and were all given a copy at the second one. The lady with the last due date was the one we were to contact and tell her when our baby was born. We have a great group although the weekday get togethers are getting smaller now that many have gone back to work. We arrange weekend gatherings so that the Dad's can come too and have a joint first birthday planned for our group this Sunday.

I think that your coffee group possibilities will depend on the people in your class not whether you go weeknight or weekend classes.

I don't think it matters, we did the spread out option and hardly anyone talked anyway as there was no time! But since we now have all these little people in common, there are usually 8 of us that get together (not bad out of 13 mums 2b). I think the other ones just aren't that keen, but that's fine. So as long as you get contact details it's all good. We meet up every 2 weeks and email whenever so its turned out well.