The branch offers antenatal classes in the last 3 months of pregnancy for expectant parents, held at local venues . Couples, women by themselves, or women and their chosen birth partners can attend. The classes are an opportunity to learn about the ways, relaxation, massage and different positions can help the woman and her birth partner during labour. Understanding what happens in childbirth can help reduce tension and anxiety, giving both partners the opportunity to look forward to the birth with confidence.

Classes run in several formats, from eight weekly sessions to intensive weekends. Your due-date will determine what options are available to you. The classes are run in small friendly groups for parents expecting babies at about the same time, and as well as being informative, are a great opportunity to meet other parents-to-be.

Our antenatal teachers and breastfeeding counsellors undergo a thorough training with the NCT although they are not required to be medically qualified. All teachers and counsellors are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care. 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.

Please contact us when you are twelve weeks pregnant, or soon after, as classes do tend to book up quickly. However, we will of course try to accommodate late bookers wherever possible. There is a cost for the classes, this varies depending on how many hours the course runs over and when those hours are please refer to the course price page for details. Prices can be reduced for those on family incomes of less than £25,000. You do not have to be a member of the NCT to attend one of our courses, though by becoming a member you will help the NCT carry on its work and assist in the training of new teachers.

Please click on the link on the right to see information on available courses and contact details for booking the courses.