The Monkey Tree

The National Childbirth Trust is a national charity that has been helping new parents and parents-to-be for the last 50 years. Through their dedicated work in local communities they have helped to change the way maternity services are run for the benefit of pregnant and labouring women.

For the charity, one of its’ most important functions is running ‘Preparation for Parenthood’ classes for local parents, usually those expecting their first baby. Parents’ overriding reason for going, however, is to meet others who are going through the same life-changing experiences as themselves; often, the friendships made at classes go on to last a lifetime.

The courses include a wide variety of pregnancy and labour topics with, of course, the obligatory ones such as pain relief options and what to expect from local maternity units. Most teachers encourage course participants to set the agenda at the beginning of each course, though, so the topics vary from course to course depending on what each group wants to cover.

Where and when the courses are run will vary, too - some teachers hold classes in their own homes while others hire a local venue. Traditionally, a course runs for 8 weekly, two hour sessions; however, lifestyle changes for both teachers and clients has meant more flexible course formats, such as intensive weekend courses as well as a mixture of weekend and evenings on the same course.

If you’re interested in finding out more about classes in your area you can check out the NCT’s website at www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com or call the Harlow and Epping Branch bookings clerk, Linda Eynons, on 0870 220 5878.