Bishop Stortford

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We try to make sure that all our services, activities and membership are fully accessible to everyone.

Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth NCT is a very active, medium sized local branch organising activities, teaching and providing support for parents and parents to be. We cover a wide area on the Essex/Herts borders, including Bishop's Stortford and the surrounding villages. To see a map of the local areas that we cover and other areas of the county, including local information.

We get together regularly for coffee mornings, outings with the children and social events for the grown-ups. If you are new to the area, have young children or are pregnant we can offer information, help, support, friendship and lots of fun, so read on.........

Introduction
The NCT provide classes in the area, run by trained NCT teachers on a regular basis. We aim to provide education for parenthood by giving impartial information about childbirth and beyond. The courses are designed for expectant mothers and their partners in small groups and run over eight evenings.

What the Course Covers
The course covers relaxation techniques, exercises, types of labour, positions for labour, self help and drug pain relief and the partners role throughout. We also look at breastfeeding, crying babies and postnatal emotions and any other topics which the group want to cover. Full participation in the discussions and practice sessions ensure that couples get the most out of the course. The classes are informal and friendly with many groups staying in touch after the course has finished.

Bookings
Demand for the NCT antenatal classes is high, so you need to book early. It's recommended that you get in touch when you are around three months pregnant. For more information about fees and course availability, please contact the Antenatal Booking Secretary for Bishop's Stortford, Dunmow and Stansted district by e-mail or call 08707 65 62 84.

If you are in the later stages of pregnancy, there is a chance that we may be able to fit you in, if we are unable to please click here to find a list of other branches in our region who may be able to help you. So do get in touch if you are interested.

Quite often having a new born baby in the home can grow our fears of how dangerouse the world can be in relation to the vulnerability of a new born, some parents act like security guards over their children and to some extent this is wise, especially as young babies are susceptable to viruses at there tender age.

Medical Disclaimer: Please note: While we supply teachers, antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal discussion leaders undergo a thorough training with the NCT although they are not required to be medically qualified. All teachers, counsellors and leaders are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care and must register with us every year. Their role is to offer support, information, practical skills and resources to help parents make informed choices for themselves and their babies. They do not offer medical advice and parents are asked to take any questions about the medical care of mother and baby to their midwife, health visitor or doctor.