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Case studies

NCT is constantly updating its case study database, with parents who have experienced:  

  • Homebirth
  • Positive and Negative Birth Experiences
  • Caesareans and intervention
  • Breastfeeding and expressing
  • Postnatal depression
  • Returning to work
  • Social issues surrounding early parenthood

If you request a case study, we ask for a mention of NCT.

NCT is involved in a number of community projects. See below for a taster of some of the projects we run. Please contact the press office for more information. 

Antenatal support for asylum seekers in Chapeltown Leeds

NCT runs free antenatal classes in one of the most deprived areas of Leeds. Most of the participants are asylum seekers from a variety of countries and backgrounds, so the classes focus not only on preparing parents for birth but also on supporting them with more pressing issues such as housing, food, clothing and coping with feelings of isolation. The sessions run once a week and are open to both women and their partners although more women attend.

Rose McCarthy, NCT antenatal teacher says:

“When parents first arrive, the first thing they see is how different everyone is, but when they start talking about how they feel about the birth, they see the similarities. Birth is a brilliant way to unite people from different cultures, to break down barriers and enable people who feel lonely and isolated to form a new community.”

Training for young parents in parent education

NCT’s Parent Education Access Programme (PEAP) offers parents with few formal qualifications the opportunity to gain an access qualification in parent education, and to then go on to train as an NCT antenatal teacher, breastfeeding counsellor or postnatal leader if they wish. Originally designed for young parents, PEAP has also attracted mothers from diverse ethnic groups. To date there have been five PEAP study groups, across Surrey, Chelsea and Birmingham.

The course is taught in small groups using a variety of interactive learning techniques, with practical and written assessments. Modules include: having a baby, helping people learn and life after birth. By enabling students lo learn about a subject that is highly relevant and personal to their own lives, PEAP students have been empowered with new confidence and skills, as well as educational and professional development opportunities.

PEAP student Lisa says;

‘I like learning about how to give other young mums who are in a similar situation to myself the help and support I know they need’.

Antenatal classes for Muslim women in Edinburgh

Nicola, an NCT antenatal teacher runs free antenatal classes for a group of predominantly Muslim mums-to-be from a deprived area in Edinburgh. There had previously been very little antenatal provision for women from the Muslim community in the area. Women from this community are often isolated, unable to access services and have high risk pregnancies and births.

The project was set up to empower and inform women, to help them to make informed choices and create a peer support group which will continue into the postnatal period. The classes cover antenatal preparation, breastfeeding support and include some yoga.

Nicola Goodall, NCT antenatal teacher says: 

"Muslim women have found a secure space to learn and are treated like normal citizens rather than people with special needs".                                                                        

Supporting fathers who are ex-offenders and ex-drug users in Aberdeen

The dads-only support group serves dads who are ex-offenders and are, or have been habitual drug users. Some are lone fathers whilst others have joint custody or supervised access to thier children. The aim of the group is to provide a safe, supportive and non judgemental environment for fathers where they are helped to take an active role as parents. They are encouraged to develop postive parenting skills and the supportive environment helps them become more confident with greater self-esteem.

NCT antenatal teacher, Melanie, who works on a voluntary basis, talks to the men about how they can be involved before and after birth. The dads are also taught practical cooking skills and on Fridays there is a dads-only discussion and activity session which focuses on issues surrounding fatherhood, confidence and assertiveness. This is run jointly by Melanie and someone from the centre. The discussions are directed by the men and tend to be lively!

Other case studies

We also have case studies available who are involved with NCT fundraising and projects: 

  • Cheeky Monkeys Tea Parties
  • Nearly News Sales
  • Classes And Groups
  • House Swap

We can also source more specific case studies if necessary. 

For more information about access to case studies, contact NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404, or email press@nct.org.uk

Please note NCT does not have access to the following types of case studies: 

  • Termination of pregnancy
  • Choosing sex of baby/ IVF/fertility issues