Antenatal Courses

The NCT antenatal course consists of between 12 and 18 hours of classes and covers aspects of late pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenthood issues. The antenatal teacher will provide information and facilitate discussions on relevant topics, any specific issues chosen by the group and one class will be lead by a breastfeeding counsellor. Our antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal leaders undergo a thorough training with the NCT graduating with a diploma from Bedfordshire University, although they are not required to be medically qualified. All teachers, counsellors and leaders are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care and attend 2 study days per year. They must also register with the NCT every year. 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.

For more information, prices, venues and booking details, see the 'courses for this branch' section. The National Childbirth Trust is a charity. Nobody is excluded from classes because they cannot pay the fee. Please telephone in confidence if you wish to discuss a reduction in fee or to spread your payments. You do not need to join the NCT to attend classes, if you do not wish to join the membership fee can be deducted from the cost of the course. You should aim to have completed your chosen course by the time you reach 34 weeks i.e. 6 weeks before your due date, 8 weeks before if you are expecting twins.

Other courses available are:

Refresher Antenatal Courses

These shortened courses for second or subsequent pregnancies allow parents to spend some time considering the current pregnancy and labour. The agenda tends to be flexible depending on the needs of the group but topics which would be generally covered include •debriefing previous Labour, •planning for this Labour including differences between first and subsequent labours, •recap on physical skills and breathing, •breast-feeding issues, •how to integrate the baby and toddler. Typically these courses are run over three 2 hour sessions.  If you would like any further information please contact Melanie Viranyi - 0844 243 6974, E-mail - bookings3d@nct.org.uk

Breathing & Relaxation for Pregnancy & Birth

Yoga based Postures •stretches •breathing •relaxation Available to woman from 14 weeks For further information or to book a place on these or any other courses available please see the 'courses for this branch' section or call Melanie on 0844 243 6974 or email bookings3d@nct.org.uk Our courses can be filled up very early so you are advised to book early to secure a place. Should you wish to cancel prior to starting the course, please let us know with as much notice as possible. £30 will be deducted from the total amount paid to cover our administration costs, and the remainder of your course fee refunded if we are able to fill your place. We very much look forward to seeing you at the classes so we can support you as you prepare for the birth of your baby. Your partner, or someone else who will be with you during labour, is welcome to attend the classes with you. If you would like any further information about the course or membership of the NCT please call Melanie Viranyi - 0844 243 6974, E-mail - bookings3d@nct.org.uk