Antenatal Classes
Everyone can benefit from childbirth classes. They're enjoyable, a great place to meet people and, most importantly, designed to give you lots of important information to help boost your confidence in readiness for what lies ahead. All NCT antenatal teachers undergo thorough training and are expected to keep up to date with the latest developments in maternity care, so you can be sure that you will be given the best support available.

For further information on local antenatal classes contact:
Antenatal Class Booking Clerk on 07005 800766 or by e-mail

Support Groups

Harpenden Allergy Support Group
This is not an NCT group, but it is open to all parents with severely allergic children or children with severe eczema. We aim to encourage parent-to-parent support, help support children as they get older and to hold regular meetings where parents can talk over their problems with others in a similar situation.
For further information contact:
Sarah on 01582 766782

Home Birth Support Group
If you have booked a homebirth or are still considering your options, this friendly, informal support group can provide more information to help you to make up your mind. Books and information sheets are available and regular coffee mornings are held.

Meeting dates for 2007 are as follows.
<tba>

These meetings are held at Kath's house from 10am - 11:30

For further information contact:
Kath 01582 761684 or 07947 074743
Jo 01582 460166
Claire 01582 463286
or by e-mail

Kath, Jo and Claire would find it helpful if you could let them know if you are planning to come along. If you would like to meet up but can't make these dates, do please let us know, as we may be able to arrange an alternative.

Late Babies Group
If you have had a baby later in life or are expecting one after a long gap, you might feel that you are at a slightly different stage in your life to most other new mums, and would like to meet others in a similar position. The "Late Babies Group" meets once a month on a Friday morning for coffee and a chat, and consists of mothers of various combinations of children, from babies to late teenagers.
For further information contact:
Catherine on 01582 760425

Experiences Register
When you encounter something new it is easy to feel isolated and that no one understands what you're going through. The NCT experiences register can put you in touch with someone who does understand your particular situation and that is willing to talk to you and share their experience. Areas covered include; fertility, pregnancy, birth, feeding, health matters related to mother and child and many other family issues.
For further information contact:
Dawn on 01582 842364

Valley Cushion Hire
Every experienced mum knows - and new mums quickly discover - that babies sense when you're calm and relaxed, and soon let you know when they think you're not. However, sitting comfortably after delivery can be easier said than done. That is why the Valley Cushion was developed. This scientifically designed cushion provides welcome relief whether you're sitting in a chair or in bed. Two adjustable, inflatable air bags are positioned either side of the cushion's unique central channel, allowing you to adjust the level of support, whilst ensuring that sore areas are kept free from painful pressure. Valley Cushions are available to hire from the NCT.
For further information contact:
Clare on 01582 765385.

Postnatal Library
The branch has a postnatal library containing books on many aspects of postnatal life including: baby and childcare, dealing with siblings, sleep, breastfeeding, weaning etc. The library also includes some bestsellers, novels and essays on becoming a parent. NCT and Maternity Alliance booklets are also available to buy. All books are available to borrow and donations of books that are no longer required will be gratefully received.
For further information contact Helen on 01582 467254

Breastfeeding Counsellors
We all know that breast milk is the perfect food for a baby and that breastfeeding is a special time for mother and baby, however, sometimes, things just don't go according to plan. The Harpenden and District branch is delighted to have a dedicated team of volunteer breastfeeding counsellors, readily available to give information and support.
For further details contact:
Angela on (01727) 860132
or The National Breastfeeding Line on 0870 444 8708

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.

Maternity and Nursing Bras
Maternity and Nursing Bras are available from the NCT website or by telephone on 0870 112 1120.

The Little Person’s Guide to Harpenden & District

ON SALE NOW! The Little Person’s Guide to Harpenden & District is available from WHSmith or the Book Stack in Harpenden High Street or from the Library in Vaughan Road.

The Little Person’s Guide to Harpenden and its surrounding villages is published every few years to offer a much-needed information service to parents and to raise funds for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

The guide contains family friendly facts about healthcare, education, childcare, recreation, entertainment, local amenities, shopping, transport, travel, local media, being green and local support available for parents in the Harpenden District.

One Mum, new to the area, says the guide has been invaluable in helping her to meet new people and find out about the local activities suitable for her young children. “As far as I am concerned, the Little Persons Guide is 120 pages of vital information that families shouldn’t be without!”

Chair of the Harpenden NCT branch, Claire Cutler (pictured here with her son Henry) explains how the guide raises funds for the branch: “The guide sells for £4.00 a copy, the majority of the funds being profit for our branch. Some of the profits made from the sale of this book are used to train and develop people to offer support to local parents through the NCT, while the balance is used on a national level to continue to provide a wide range of services to its members. A big thank you to our NCT members and Mums who contributed their time and energy into making it the ‘must have’ book of the year. It has definitely proved a fundraising success so far.”

Buy your copy from WHSmith or the Book Stack in Harpenden High Street or the Library in Vaughan Road. For further information, please ring Harpenden and District Enquiries on 0700 580 1748.