Our NCT Journey
Posh Moms. They force the idea of breastfeeding on you. They believe children should only eat organic food.
These are amongst the common thoughts that may come to mind when someone first hears the phrase, NCT (National Childbirth Trust.) However, I can only speak from experience in that I have come across a group of down to earth, kind, caring, real mums (and dads too) who have shared advice and support and become lifetime friends and have been there for me and my family over the years.
My first experience of NCT was when my Husband and I decided to book our antenatal classes through NCT. We chose to do this, not because we felt the information they provided was any better or different to that provided by the NHS, but because we wanted to find like minded people to become friends on our journeys to becoming parents. My Sister had done her antenatal classes through NCT and couldn’t recommend enough this as an avenue for meeting and building a great support network of friends.
At the end of the course we arranged a reunion after our babies were born and it was lovely to hear of the safe arrival of the babies in our group one by one. Our group provided support to each other as we shared our experiences knowing that each was going through the same issues and milestones at the same time. Throughout our maternity leave we met up regularly over coffee and it was great to see our little ones growing and developing together.
When I returned to work after Emelia was 8 months old I found it difficult to continue to meet up as regularly with our group, but I always knew that they were there if ever I needed them and I am sure they will be for many years to come.
Another key part of my NCT journey was my volunteering role. I knew that I wanted to keep my brain active during maternity leave so when I saw an advert for the branch membership coordinator it felt like the perfect opportunity for me. When Emelia was 5 weeks old I attended my first branch meeting and was made to feel very welcome. My role involved welcoming new members to the branch and helping to promote the activities and support services that the branch offers.
By Lucy