support.htm

We have many ways of offering support, not only to our members, but to all mums, dads, babies and young children.

Antenatal Classes - Designed to help prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Classes are taken by qualified nct trained antenatal teachers. Classes get booked very quickly and unfortunately we are not always able to meet demand so please book early. Please see our antenatal class page.

Antenatal Teachers - Our Antenatal teachers can be contacted at any time during your pregnancy for support or information Please call Rose 01273 277478 rose.barden@hotmail.com.

Breastfeeding Counsellors - Our trained breastfeeding counsellors provide confidential information, support and practical help to all breastfeeding mothers. They are volunteers who are available by telephone when required (or will return your call if you leave a message). No charge is made for this service. Our national breastfeeding help line - 0300 3300771
Available from 8.00am to 10pm - 7 days a week.

Breastfeeding Drop In - Every Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Hanover Community Centre, Southover Street, Brighton. Friendly one to one support available from trained volunteers. For further information please call 01273 633535.

Breast Pump Hire - For further information please email brightonnct@hotmail.co.uk or call 0844 2436062 - this position is currently vacant, please also call or email if you would like to do this for your local branch.

Choices - offers a programme for the under 25s, to build friendship and support, give practical knowledge for labour, birth and early parenting. There is no set number of classes but a regular meeting time for anyone who may want to attend. The classes take place at the Young People Centre, in Ship Street, Brighton, where the young parents are able to access a variety of other services. For further information please email agnes-munday@fsmail.net.

Home Birth Support - Have you been tempted by the idea of a home birth but felt you needed more information and support? The Home Birth Support Group meets once a month. Please email lewis_gourdie@yahoo.com. For information about the next meeting please see the diary Page.

Nearly New Sales - We hold Nearly New Sales three times a year. Selling 0-5 years children's toys and clothes. If you require a sellers pack or further information please email brightonnct@hotmail.co.uk or call 0844 2436062.

Tea Groups for Second/Third etc Babies - If you are expecting your second, third or even forth baby and would like to meet others mums in the same boat, please contact our Tea Group Co-Ordinator - SORRY WE CANNOT OFFER THIS SERVICE AT THE MOMENT.

Valley Cushions - can help if you find sitting painful after your baby is born because of stitches, bruising or tenderness. The unique valley design enables you to sit comfortably for as long as you want by relieving pressure on the perineum. Please telephone 0844 2436062.

VBAC - It is now widely understood and medically proven that an elective or emergency caesarean (c-section), NEED NOT result in further c-sections for subsequent deliveries. The NCT is highly supportive of women seeking a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and help and advice can be found both nationally and from your local branch. Mums to be considering a VBAC should also discuss this with their midwife/obstetrician.

Please see VBAC ARTICLE below for full information on a VBAC, the issues you need to consider and your rights as written by one of our senior NCT teachers. If you want to talk to someone who has experienced a highly positive VBAC please contact Suzanne Borrell at suzanne@smbevents.co.uk or on

NCT-Coffee - NCT's virtual coffee mornings for members and potential members to discuss anything to do with parenting, childbirth and more.

NCT-Caesarean - support for parents and parents-to-be who have had or are considering a caesarean.

Home Birth UK - support and information for parents-to-be considering a home birth.

Yahoo Group -We have a Yahoo! e-group as a means of communicating within the branch. Members can post messages on the messageboard, chat and receive up to date news of branch events. Please join by clicking on here.

Pregnancy and Birth Line - 0870 444 8709

10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

You can call our Pregnancy and Birth Line if you have questions about issues relating to your pregnancy or birth, or if you want to chat about your experiences with a fully qualified antenatal teacher

Please note:
"Our antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal 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."