NCT Courses and Covid-19

Covid-19 price promise: If some or all of your course takes place online due to Covid-19, we promise to give you a course price discount related to how much of the course is online. 

Courses until the end of June 2021 are online to bring you local, fully interactive and inclusive courses when Covid-19 infection rates are high and official guidance for pregnant women remains in place – a decision supported by the Royal College of Midwives. 

"Antenatal classes can be incredibly helpful in preparing for childbirth and parenthood – and for meeting and sharing experiences with other parents-to-be. Online classes, like those offered by NCT, are the safest and most practical option currently and still offer those opportunities, even if the experience is different to getting together in person."

- Royal College of Midwives 

We are taking decisions on whether courses from July 2021 onwards will be delivered online or in-person on a month-by month-basis.  We are updating course information on our website and contacting you if have booked a course place explaining why, so you know how your course will run 6-10 weeks before it begins. 

How we make decisions about the delivery of NCT courses

As the UK’s largest parenting charity and leader in the field of antenatal education, we make informed decisions with full consideration to the current and any (confirmed) future UK government restrictions and official guidance and the most reliable research findings and data regarding pregnancy and Covid-19.   

We also consult closely with our colleagues at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM).  

It’s our charitable mission to support all parents to have the most positive experiences of pregnancy, birth and the early days, so we will: 

  • act promptly and transparently, informing you how and why your course will be delivered as early as practically possible.  
  • always make decisions that offer the best experiences available whilst protecting you, our parents, your babies and our NCT course leaders. 

Hannah Shirley is currently a student NCT doula. An important part of training for this role is that Hannah is required to support a woman or couple through birth with the support of the NCT doula tutors. The fee for Hannah to support you has been appropriately set to recognise the fact that she is a student. 

Would you like Hannah to be your doula?

Email: hannahshirley22@gmail.com or call: 07943 719314

About Hannah

Hannah lives in Halesowen and is willing to travel about an hour from home.

Hannah has attended many births during her time volunteering in the Midwifery Department at her local hospital. Hannah has supported woman in labour during this time and helped to create a calming environment. She has always had a burning desire to support women and their partners during labour. 

Hannah has devoted her career to working with and supporting families and their babies. Her passion is to empower women to birth with confidence, to feel supported and in control. Hannah has a very calming nature and is determined to use her knowledge to encourage women to have a positive birthing experience. She will also be available to support you during labour such as, exploring breathing techniques, massage and different birthing positions which may help you to give birth to your baby. Hannah will be there to support and empower you to ensure you make the right decisions for you and your family. 

Hannah Shirley

Qualifications

  • BTEC Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma  

In June 2021, Hannah will be a qualified NCT Doula and NCT Antenatal Practitioner.  

Practicalities

Hannah will provide support by:

  • Meeting with you two or three times throughout the pregnancy to get to know you and to discuss your birth plans and any concerns you may have.  
  • Be available by phone, text and or email in between meetings.  
  • Be on call for up to 2 weeks before your due date and until your baby is born.  
  • Stay with you throughout your labour and after the birth to ensure you and your new family are supported.  
  • Support you in the first few hours of your baby’s birth.  
  • Meet with you within 6 weeks of your baby’s birth to talk through the birth and to support you in the postnatal period. 
NCT Membership

NCT Membership

Become an NCT member and join a community of new parents, all experiencing pregnancy, birth and early parenthood together.

Find out more