“The nct wants all parents to have and experience of pregnancy birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent.”

Antenatal teachers who have trained and qualified with NCT aim to provide parents with information to help them gain confidence and make choices during childbirth and early parenthood. Teachers try to ensure that the courses are enjoyable and that there are opportunities for those attending to make new friends and have fun. The exact agenda and priorities of any course are generally determined by the clients. The teachers also have different styles and each course tends to be slightly different, although they all cover the same basic information.

Information is provided about a whole range of topics including:

• Coping Skills for Labour
• Breathing Awareness
• Relaxation Techniques
• Positions for Labour and Birth
• Pain Relief Options
• Medical Aspects of Birth (such as Fetal Monitoring, Induction, Instrumental Deliveries, Caesarean Section)
• Postnatal Care
• Baby Care
• Discussion on the early days of parenthood
• Breastfeeding.

Teachers run the following course formats:

• 2 Day Workshops

• Evening Couples Course

• AM/PM Course

• Labour Days

• Weekend Workshops

‘Birth Education Network, www.BirthEd.Net, BEN

a system for booking birth and babycare classes with courses listed on the internet and a booking form for clients

copyright Frances Gordon ‘