Your Local NCT
Meet the volunteer
Name: Laura
Husband: Simon
Lives: Balham
Child: Annabelle, 16 months
Role: Balham Open Coffee House
and Events Volunteer
Q: How was childbirth for you?
All was going to plan for Annabelle to arrive in a birthing pool on the second day of the summer holidays (very convenient for both us as we are teachers!) however everything stopped once I got in the pool so I was moved down to the ward, put on a drip and monitor and Annabelle finally arrived with the help of a ventouse quite a few hours later.
Q: Best and worst things about being pregnant?
Worst thing was feeling incredibly sick during the first 17 weeks and best was seeing the horrified reactions of my squeamish friends watching tiny hands, elbows, knees and feet partying in my belly…priceless!
Q: How has having children changed your philosophy of life?
I wouldn’t say that it has changed hugely, more that it is a physical reminder of what is important and how precious relationships with those around us are.
Q: What have you found the most rewarding about motherhood?
Watching Annabelle’s character and personality develop, even the cheeky bits that will no doubt get her and me into mischief! And of course when she spontaneously says momma and gives me a big kiss and cuddle!
Q: And what have you found to be the greatest challenge in being a parent?
In the early days it was the lack of schedule, now I would say it is managing the change that has come with not going back to work as I worked within a large team so being a stay at home mum is quite different.
Q: What encouraged you to volunteer for your NCT role?
I wanted to help other Mums in the area meet new people, often you get a great set of friends whilst everyone is on maternity leave and then towards the end of the year it changes, it is important to have opportunity to continue to forge new friendships so you can find support and people to share the journey with along the way. I felt I wanted to support the NCT also as I met my fabulous fellow mum friends through NCT groups and classes.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering?
It is a great way to feel involved in the community, to meet new people and feel another sense of purpose over and above being Mum.
Q: What is your ideal way to spend a child-free afternoon, or evening?
Ohhhhhhh the million dollar question…can I have more than one day?!! Out to dinner with my husband and then catching up with friends over drinks…could I request a lie in for the next day too?!