Antenatal Classes

Expecting a baby can be an exciting, confusing and sometimes stressful time. Finding out what is likely to happen during the birth and in the immediate weeks following delivery can boost your confidence and help you to make the decisions that are right for you. NCT antenatal classes aim to cover the major aspects of late pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting. Our Branch offers antenatal classes for all expectant parents, run by qualified teachers (who are parents themselves). We aim to make the classes informative, sociable and enjoyable!

Classes are generally run on weekday evenings or Saturday mornings, and booked as a series of about 8 sessions which begin around your 7th month of pregnancy. NCT Antenatal classes are very popular, and book up early. To avoid disappointment, please contact us as early into your pregnancy as possible to book your place. There is a fee for classes, but financial help may be available.

For details email bookings5h@nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6895.

Postnatal Classes

Postnatal courses or discussion groups are led by an NCT-trained Postnatal Leader, and aimed at mothers with babies under six months old. The courses are run in a relaxed and safe environment to encourage parents to discuss and explore their feelings and concerns about parenthood, and to share ideas and information. Mothers are able to meet, discuss their experiences and consider the effect of their new baby on their lives. There is a fee for courses, but financial help may be available.

For details email postnatal@nct-hertsnorth.org.uk

NCT Bra Sales Representative

NCT Maternity Sales supplies maternity and nursing bras, lingerie, baby clothes & equipment, toys, and books. Their award-winning bras have one of the widest ranges of sizes and styles around. The Branch has a volunteer who is a trained fitter who can meet with you to ensure that the bras you buy fit perfectly.

Valley Cushion Hire

The Branch has a volunteer agent for hiring Valley Cushions, the ultimate cushion for providing comfort and relief after giving birth. 

Breastfeeding Support

The NCT supports parents whatever their choice of feeding method, but recognises that while breastfeeding is best for your baby, it is not always easy.  We can help you access the support you need to get breastfeeding right for you. There is a UK Breastfeeding helpline on 0870 444 8708 (open 8am to 10pm seven days a week), as well as local counsellors to talk to. Breast pump hire is also available.  If you're out and about with your baby, check out
our list of breastfeeding-friendly venues in North Herts.

Branch Library

We have an extensive collection of pregnancy and parenting books which are free for our members to borrow.  Find out more.

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 post-natal 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.