Supporting you to become the parent you want to be
Site search

Courses for parents-to-be

 

From where to give birth to knowing when your contractions are really getting underway, antenatal courses are a great way to find answers to all your questions about labour and birth.

NCT has been providing information and support that focus on your needs as a parent for over 50 years, so we are perfectly placed to help you to prepare for the birth of your baby.

 

Why choose our courses?

  • Reliable information that allows you to make your own decisions
  • Focus on what you want to know, with plenty of time for questions.
  • Relaxed and informal, with no more than 8 couples.
  • All teachers are trained by NCT to diploma level and have their educator’s licence renewed every year
  • Birth partners are central to our courses, whether this is your partner, a member of your family or a friend.

What do the courses cover?

Our courses focus on provide you with the information and skills you need to make your own decisions about your labour and birth. 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
  • Early days with your baby

Most courses include a session with a qualified breastfeeding counsellor. These friendly sessions provide practical information to help you to start breastfeeding and to consider what life will be like with a new baby.

  'The classes appealed for several reasons: the group format and peer learning meant it was practical and fun, and allowed us to build friendships that have gone on to be a superb (and invaluable) support network. ' - Steve, Nottingham

Meeting other mums and dads

As the UK’s largest charity for parents, we know how important it is to get support from other mums and dads as well as great information. We plan our courses around due dates so you are able to meet a group of local parents who are going through the experience at the same time as you.

Find your nearest course

Find your nearest antenatal course by searching on your postcode through our course finder.  

NCT charges for courses in order to cover the costs to the charity for providing this service and to help us to provide services for all parents. Everyone is welcome to pay by installments and we offer discounts for parents in receipt of benefits or on lower incomes. Please request further information from the course administrator when you enquire about your course.

NCT courses are open to all parents and parents-to-be, including young parents, women without a partner, same-sex couples and surrogacy couples. Women who are not attending with a partner are very welcome to bring someone else along to classes, for example a friend or family member. Additionally, in some areas we offer courses run specifically for women-only and courses for young parents, to find out about local availability of these courses please contact your local branch.