Support with pregnancy, birth and beyond

Birth

Antenatal Classes:The NCT runs regular antenatal courses in our district. These courses cover preparation for labour and birth, feeding, and early parenthood. Charges apply to cover the expenses of running the course. The NCT also runs other courses including antenatal refresher and postnatal courses. For further information please see http://www.nct.org.uk/courses.

To book one of these please contact Rebecca Nash at email:bookings5vl@nct.org.uk or telephone: 0844 243 6812     

Home Birth Support Meetings: This is an informal and friendly group to discuss anything at all about home birth,whether you already know you want a home birth or you're still deciding. If you would like to take part please e-mail Elizabeth at nct_redbridge_hbs@yahoo.co.uk

Breastfeeding support and information

The NCT Breastfeeding Support Line:  Helpline: 0300 330 0771 (8am until 10pm) Website: www.nct.org.uk

National Breastfeeding Helpline, which is run by the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and The Breastfeeding Network.
Helpline:0300 100 0212 (9.30am until 9.30pm) every day of the year,Website: www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers is a charity run by mothers for mothers, giving friendly support and supplying accurate information to all women wanting to breastfeed. Helpline number: 08444 122 949(also supports the National Breastfeeding Helpline)
Website: http://www.abm.me.uk

La Leche League strives to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education. Website: www.laleche.org.uk

 Breast Pump Hire: If you need to hire a breast pump please call Wendy on 020 8530 4944

Support for new mums

Bumps and Babies groups

These are relaxed and informal groups for expecting and new parents.  It is a great place to make new friends with people in your local area, and share your experiences with people going through the same thing.  These groups bring together expectant women/those with young babies who are around the same stage for a hosted initial coffee morning.  Typically groups are around eight mummies.  These groups provide new mothers with a support network at a critical time. 

 There are no ‘rules’ however the groups work best if all members try to meet up regularly.  The organiser will host the first meeting, and then distributes contact information to all those who wish to meet up again.  Normally someone would volunteer to arrange the next meet up.  Popular places to meet up are local coffee shops for example Costa Coffee in Buckhurst Hill, Belgique in South Woodford, Loughton and Woodford Green. 

 The work of the Bumps & Babies group is done is then complete as it is hoped they will meet up again themselves.  If for whatever reason you are unable to attend, you will always be invited back to the next meeting.  .  If you would like to join a group please send an e-mail with your name, due or birth date and postcode to nct_redbridge@yahoo.co.uk.

Other Local Support

The following online resources can be used to find other local support groups:

• Childcare Link is a central website or you can contact Families Information Direct 
  on 0800 578 7500
• Email find@redbridge.gov.uk for an up-to-date list of local activities. The list changes weekly so it is best to request a current list.
• The Monkey Tree is an online magazine which gives details of local groups and activities.