I have to admit i am on baby no 2 and i have never been to a NCT (National Childbirth Trust) class myself, but i have heard a lot of good things about them.

Although they are not free ( i got all confused with the ante – natal classes held by the local midwife and assumed they were NCT but as i found out they weren’t) lots of ladies find them beneficial throughout their pregnancy and after birth too.

Here’s a bit about the trust from their website:

The NCT started in 1956. Since then, we have worked successfully to improve the experience of becoming a parent in the UK.

We are a membership charity with over 100,000 members across the UK. Our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers, who work through our network of branches to provide and support local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and health professionals. We are trusted and respected by health professionals and governments as an organisation that represents the needs of parents.

Here is a link where you can find out more about what the NCT do : http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/about-us/what-we-do

Membership:

he National Childbirth Trust is the largest and best-known childbirth and parenting charity in Europe and is the leading independent voice on antenatal, birth and postnatal issues in Britain. We provide a range of high quality services at local level and promote the principle of informed choice for women and their partners. Founded over 40 years ago by a woman who believed that the experience of childbirth had to be improved, the NCT today has around 35,000 members and 400 branches throughout the UK.

Within the Cambridge Branch of the NCT, there are many services available to members and non members alike. Support from breastfeeding counsellors; nursing bra fitting; breast pump hire; valley cushion hire; postnatal discussion groups, and nearly new sales are just a few of the services we provide. There is also a network of “Open House” groups through which you can meet other parents in your area.
     

 

Benefits include:-

Cambridge Branch Newsletter. This is a quarterly, local publication full of news and information written by Cambridge parents. Keep up to date with local events, groups, organisations and practitioners. We welcome contributions. Why not write up your birth story for us.

Free Text Book. Simply tick the box on your membership application form.

“New Generation” the NCT quarterly, national publication packed full of useful research based articles for parents.

Early Entry to Nearly New Sales. Come at 2pm to enjoy half an hour of shopping before the main doors open at 2.30pm.

Meet other parents, exchange ideas and tips and make new friends at our “Open House” groups or “Bumps, Babies & Beyond.” See your child grow up with their own peer group.

Improve your career opportunities by volunteering for us whilst you are taking a career break.

Subscription Fees help more parents to benefit from the free services the NCT offers. We have breast feeding counsellors, antenatal teachers, an “experiences register,” breast feeding help line (0870 444 8708), information booklets, and maternity sales catalogue.

 

To Join The NCT

Membership is £39 for the first year and £29 for subsequent years. For couples joining, if only one partner is a tax payer, the tax paying partner should pay the membership fee, and complete the “Charitable Giving Declaration.”

View more details at the: NCT Membership Page

Use the NCT online membership form

Alternatively eMail: Membership@NCTCambridge.org