NCT Offers More Parents A Helping Hand By Increasing Classes

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 16 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PST

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When you're having a baby or have just given birth, you might want to share your worries or concerns so you can feel more confident. NCT (formerly the National Childbirth Trust), the UK's leading parenthood charity, has just made it even easier for new mums and dads to share their concerns and find a space on one of their antenatal or postnatal classes by increasing the number of its courses.

The NCT's move is a response to a recent survey highlighting a crisis of confidence many people face when looking after a baby. The latest NCT survey found that, when it came to looking after a newborn baby, one in two parents (47%) said they did not feel confident.

For this academic year, the NCT will be providing a further 600 antenatal and postnatal courses, bringing the total number of courses run to 5,000. The charity has also trained a further 50 specialist teachers, bringing the total number of qualified class teachers to 600. With one in ten new mums suffering from postnatal depression, support like this could make a big difference.

NCT classes are a great way to build confidence and reduce anxieties surrounding birth and becoming a parent. They are also a great way to make new friends who understand exactly what each other is going through. Antenatal classes provide information on pregnancy and options for labour and birth. Early days postnatal classes explore different parenting styles, sleeping and baby feeding. Each year 70,000 parents are helped through NCT antenatal and postnatal classes.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT said; "Becoming a parent is an exciting experience, but can also be very challenging. By increasing the number of antenatal and early days postnatal courses, and the number of trained teachers and leaders, we can reach out and offer more people our support during those exhilarating yet demanding months."

"The charity can provide new parents with a support network in the run up to birth and during those first few months, to give them the confidence to be the best possible parent. With over 300 NCT branches and thousands of volunteers across the UK, there's sure to be someone who understands the pressures that accompany the joys of being a new parent."

Unlike many other courses, the NCT's antenatal and early days postnatal courses are run by teachers who are fully qualified to diploma level; ensuring they are highly skilled before taking their class. There is a charge for antenatal and postnatal courses but discounts are available for those on low income. Charges vary depending on location with antenatal classes starting from £90 and postnatal classes from £60. All costs are invested back into the charity.

Catherine Folan from London, who completed an NCT antenatal course said; "Like many new mums I was nervous about the labour and life with a child. The classes addressed all these fears in a straightforward, non-embarrassing way and it was great to meet other mums with exactly the same concerns as me. The fact that I was supporting a charity made me feel good as well."

Rebecca Soames, from Liverpool, who took an NCT early days postnatal course said; "The classes were a life saver. It was great having the opportunity to get expert support since babies don't come with a manual! The leader was encouraging and it was very helpful to discuss the practicalities of parenting and share ideas. Being able to talk to other mums going through the same thing was a unique experience and really helped me."

The NCT charity provides valuable services, counselling, information and support to thousands of parents each year. Funds raised from classes help towards the charity's vital work. The NCT's Reaching Out programme encourages parents from less advantaged backgrounds to meet and support other parents - including younger people and ethnic groups. The charity also funds over 60 outreach projects each year for families on low income, those with disabilities, teenagers and lone parents.

The NCT is raising awareness of its increased class capacity as part of the 'Creating Confidence' media drive. This drive includes national and regional publicity, direct marketing, email campaigns and advertising.

1. *Research conducted via in-home, face-to-face omnibus by Ipsos MORI's Global Omnibus Services division. A nationally representative sample of adults aged 18-35 in GB were interviewed 04/01/08 with data subsequently weighted to the known profile of this population. The survey was carried out via Ipsos MORI's Face to Face Omnibus with 591 adults 18-35 years old, 57% parents, 43% non-parents.

2. The NCT - formerly the National Childbirth Trust - is the UK's leading trusted charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood - we're with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year we support thousands of parents through a life changing experience, offering information and practical and emotional support through 300 UK-wide branch networks and we campaign for better maternity care. For further information visit http://www.nct.org.uk

National Childbirth Trust