National Childbirth Trust

National Childbirth Trust

A mother breastfeeding her infant, a practice supported by the National Childbirth Trust.

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is a UK-based charity that provides support and information for parents during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. Founded in 1956, the NCT aims to improve the experience of birth and early parenthood for all families.

History

The NCT was established by Prunella Briance in 1956, inspired by the natural childbirth movement. The organization was initially called the Natural Childbirth Association. It was created to provide support and education to expectant mothers, promoting natural childbirth methods and advocating for better maternity care.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the NCT is to support parents through the transition to parenthood, offering practical and emotional support. The organization aims to:

• Provide accurate and evidence-based information on pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.
• Advocate for improved maternity services and policies.
• Offer a network of support through local branches and community groups.
• Promote breastfeeding and provide resources for new mothers.

Services

The NCT offers a variety of services to support parents, including:

• Antenatal classes: These classes prepare expectant parents for childbirth and early parenthood, covering topics such as labor, pain relief, and infant care.
• Postnatal support: The NCT provides support groups and resources for new parents, helping them adjust to life with a newborn.
• Breastfeeding support: The organization promotes breastfeeding and offers guidance and support to mothers who choose to breastfeed.
• Parenting courses: These courses cover a range of topics, including sleep, weaning, and toddler behavior.

Advocacy and Campaigns

The NCT is actively involved in campaigning for better maternity services and policies. The organization works with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of care for parents and their babies. Key areas of advocacy include:

• Maternity care: Advocating for better access to midwifery-led care and continuity of care for pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: Promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies in hospitals and workplaces.
• Parental leave: Supporting policies that provide adequate parental leave for both mothers and fathers.

Related Pages

• Childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Midwifery
• Parenting

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