Antenatal courses in Leicester

You can find all the courses fin the Leicester Branch area, including those in Birstall, Oadby and Market Harborough, from courses pages on the main NCT site.

Antenatal teaching for NCT Leicester

I have been an antenatal teacher for NCT Leicester for nearly five years now. I became involved with the NCT when I attended antenatal classes with my husband and I was pregnant with our first son Charlie in 2002. I found the classes invaluable and with a background in teaching and education was inspired to train as an antenatal teacher myself. All NCT specialist workers undertake a Diploma in Higher Education which takes approximately three years to complete, so it was soon after the birth of my second son, Jack, that I became a fully fledged NCT antenatal teacher. During my training I spent much time working with the local branch, and I was on the committee for several years to support the fantastic work done for local parents.

The aim of NCT antenatal teachers is to support parents during their transition to parenthood and to provide them with information and skills that will help them make informed choices through pregnancy, birth and early parenting. All teachers run classes in their own way, taking into account the needs of the parents on each course. I always aim to find out what parents want to know and then as far as possible ensure I cover all topics of interest. Most parents want to know about the birth options available locally and what they can do to make labour the best experience possible. It is also important to help prepare for the arrival of a new baby by talking about the early days. All courses include a breastfeeding class led by a local breastfeeding counsellor. Parents share common anxieties and concerns and antenatal classes are a fantastic place to meet people going through the same experiences at the same time. Friendships made in antenatal classes often continue for many years – I am still in close contact with some of the friends I made myself on my course 7 years ago.

I had my third baby, Katy, last year and it was a great opportunity to evaluate everything I talk about in classes, as well as bringing my knowledge of life with a new baby right back up to date! The transition to parenthood is such a challenge, and the support available through the NCT, whether in the form of antenatal classes, breastfeeding counselling or postnatal classes and groups, can make a tremendous difference. It is a real privilege to be involved with parents at this time and I’m committed to working with all the wonderful people I meet.

Sarah George, March 2010