Meet the Volunteer
Your Local NCT
Q: How was childbirth for you?
Variable! I had a wonderful water birth first time round but complications immediately afterwards meant I only had a short while with my daughter before having to go to surgery. The second time I was induced 10 days early and couldn't go in the birthing pool. Labour was more intense but thankfully quite quick, and I then had 4 blissful hours lying holding my daughter before we had to go anywhere.
Q: Best and worst things about being pregnant?
iI loved being pregnant so I can think of lots of good things and very few bad things. Overall though, I think the best was feeling my daughters kick and move about - I really missed it once they were in the outside world! I suffered with nausea for the first 16 weeks both times and a few general aches and pains, especially the second time around so that was probably the worst thing.
Q: How has having children changed your philosophy of life?
Its helped me accept that doing something in a different way to another person is ok. Its not better, its not worse, its just different and when it comes to parenting, what works for you and your family is the most important thing.
Q: What have you found the most rewarding about motherhood?
Watching my daughters grow and develop. It feels like every stage is better than the last and I feel so privileged to witness all the amazing things they do.
Q: What have you found to be the greatest challenge in being a parent?
Being patient! I have at times found being a mother quite "character building". Young children need so much patience and it can be very mentally draining.
Q: What encouraged you to volunteer for your NCT role?
,For a while I was contemplating not going back to work after having Eva and I thought volunteering would give me a focus alongside day to day childcare. I then saw an email saying the branch desperately needed a new treasurer and that was the prompt I needed to get involved.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering?
There are lots of ways you can get involved all with differing time commitments. If its something you've been thinking about, rest assured we could really use your help so please do get in touch.
Q: What is your ideal way to spend a child-free afternoon, or evening?
Going for a facial, having dinner with my husband or some mummy friends, reading a book in a bubble bath. The list goes on!
Name: Sarah
Role: Branch Co-Treasurer
Lives: Wandsworth Common
Mummy to: Caitlin (4 years) and Eva (16 months)