NCT

I have been a member of the NCT for over 3 years now. Initially I heard about the NCT through a workmate who told me it was a good way to make friends with other first time Mothers. The joining "fee" is around £100 in my area (Hampshire) and this covers your initial classes which cover coping in labour, the different pain relief you can take and breastfeeding. 3 years later I still meet up weekely with my NCT group for coffee mornings, we take it in turns to host and have lunch together We have formed valuable friendships and its nice to have the support and advice of other like minded Mothers. If you want to become a member without ...  Read the complete review

I found out about the nct from a colleague at work who told me I simply had to go to these as it was a great way of meeting like minded people and developing a support network for the future. Since I knew i would not be going back to work plus we were new to the area it was important to me to make some "mum" friends. We did the intensive course which was 2 full saturdays and one evening to cover breastfeeding. In all honesty I probably did not learn that much more than I already knew (but then I was always a bookaholic) But it was invaluable for getting a new circle of friends. Over 3 years on and I am still in touch with the majority of the mums that I ...  Read the complete review

Couldn't afford the classes so got books from the library instead - much more informative - Advantages: Well-known - Disadvantages: Too commercial, Too expensive, Too middle-class

Preparting for the birth of your first (or or any other) child is a nerve-wracking experience. You have little or no idea what to expect, suggestions, recommendations and warnings are offered from everyone from your mother to the cashier in your local tesco. Is there a voice of sanity somewhere out there? I would suggest there is (at least one) - the National Childbirth Trust (NCT www.nct-online.org) This is a charitable organisation supported primarily by members' subscription payments and fundraising who have been supporting new and soon-to-be parents for over 40 years and at the same time supporting parents in making informed decisions on how the child ...  Read the complete review

This web site is just bursting with sensible, no nonsense information that most of us want to know about when pregnant, especially for the first time. The National Childbirth Trust ( NCT) website can be contacted at www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com. Whilst the NCT is a registered charity, their services can be accessed by all and they want to promote good advice for all expecting a child, or for parents of young children. The website is easy to maneuver around. It gives clear information about the aims and ideals of the NCT, and how you can become a member. But for me, I was most impressed with their information pages. They split their ...  Read the complete review