Please see below for details of the services and courses that this branch has to offer new parents and parents-to-be:

Services:

Free NCT Bra Fitting Service for Maternity & Feeding Bras. Having a comfortable, well-fitted maternity or feeding bra is important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Different makes and styles of bras fit differently on different women so it makes sense to try them on before you buy. Avril is an NCT-trained, experienced volunteer bra fitter and can help you choose the bras which fit you best. Check out the range of bras available at www.nctshop.co.uk The ideal time to be fitted for a nursing bra is from 36 weeks.

To arrange your free fitting, call Avril on 0844 2436243 and choose option 5.

Valley cushion If you are sore, aching or tender after giving birth, sitting may be painful. The Valley Cushion gives total support – reducing healing time and allowing you to sit comfortably, relax and enjoy your new baby. Portsmouth & Southsea branch has a volunteer agent who can arrange Valley Cushion hire. Hire costs are £15 for 5 days, £2 per day afterwards (£25 returnable deposit). Concessions available for unwaged households.

Contact Avril on 0844 2436243 and choose option 5.

Courses:

NCT Early Days postnatal course These courses are run by a qualified group leader and aim to help and support new parents in your local area with all the choices and decisions that having a newborn introduces! Sharing experiences and ideas among other new parents can really help to build confidence and provide reassurance. It is also a great opportunity to meet other new parents who are local to you. The course is 5 weeks long and runs throughout the year. Confirmed start dates in Southsea so far are - 6th January 2nd March 20th April 7th June 4th September.

For enquiries and/or to book a place on a course, please contact Helen Churchill on 0844 243 6911 or send an email to bookings4r@nct.org.uk You can also find more details at www.nct.org.uk/courses

Relax Stretch and Breathe NCT Relax, Stretch and Breathe classes focus on gentle postures, breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxation. The aim is for you to have an enjoyable and relaxing time, whilst improving your physical and emotional wellbeing and helping you feel more confident and positive about birth. The postures are very gentle, specifically designed so you can attend throughout your pregnancy (after 12 weeks) and can be adapted to individual needs. In our area there are 2 weekly drop-ins - contact the teacher to register:

 * Wednesday evenings (term time only) 7-8.30pm - starting on 25th April 2012 - at Holy Spirit Church Fawcett Rd.

Please contact our branch coordinator, Kathy, at nctchairportsmouth@live.co.uk for more information.

 * Thursday mornings 10.15-12.15 at Cosham Community Centre. As above, please contact Kathy, our branch coordinator at nctchairportsmouth@live.co.uk, for further details.

For more details see the NCT RSB page, or use the NCT Course Finder to find our local classes.