Antenatal and Postnatal Courses

NCT offers a broad range of courses in the Petersfield and Liss branch area. Courses are open to members and non members alike but as places are at a premium we suggest you book as early in your pregnancy as possible. We have recently introduced free antenatal courses designed for young parents who are 21 years ol or under.

Antenatal
Antenatal courses focus on providing you with the information and skills you need to make your own decisions about your labour and birth. All courses are flexible to allow each group to focus on their own needs and spend more time on the topics that are most relevant to them. Some of the topics we cover include: practical skills for labour, including breathing, massage and birth positions; your pain relief choices; realistic information on what happens during birth; and early days with your baby. Most courses include a session with a qualified breastfeeding counsellor and these friendly sessions provide practical information to help you to start breastfeeding and to consider what life will be like with a new baby.

We offer both standard and intensive formats. We keep our courses small and informal, so you will generally be in a group of eight women and their partners or supporters. Courses are usually in the evening or at weekends and will include a postnatal reunion. Most parents will be first-timers, but all parents are welcome, whether it's your first or fifth baby.

Yoga for Pregnancy
A weekly class of stretches and relaxation for women over 12 weeks pregnant. Call Virginia on 01730 823264 for more information.

Saturday 9am - 11am
The Pavillion, The Avenue, Petersfield

Refresher
Refresher courses are for those who have already had at least one baby. They offer a chance to reflect and build on past birth experiences and prepare yourself for looking after your new baby. Our courses are tailored to the needs of those there based on their previous birth experience and their desires for this birth. Most courses run as a set of sessions with the same group attending each session. Refresher courses are a good way of concentrating on this baby and this pregnancy - often overlooked when there are toddlers and other children to look after. They are also a good way of meeting others and making a friendship group for the new addition. Parents often find that the people they meet on these courses become an important support in the months and sometimes years after their babies are born.

These courses vary in length, although are generally shorter than standard antenatal course, generally covering 6-14 teaching hours. Most include sessions for women only. NCT courses are small and informal, so we generally have around eight women with their partners or supporters in a session.

Home Birth Support
We have a Home Birth Co-ordinator who can provide information, support and contact with other women planning a home birth. call Charlotte on 0844 243 6241 for details.

Postnatal
Early Days postnatal groups give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. These sessions are designed to help you feel confident about the decisions and choices that you make for your baby. You will be encouraged to share ideas and experiences and help others to do the same so that you can support each other as you learn more about your skills as a parent. Issues covered include: expectations and the reality of parenthood, ideas for settling a crying baby, getting the most out of the day and returning to work (or not).
Contact Becky 0844 243 6911 to book or to find out more.