Case studies

The 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 the NCT.

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

Chapeltown antenatal classes with asylum seekers

NCT runs free antenatal classes in one of the most deprived areas of Leeds. In the local population most of the participants are asylum seekers from a variety of countries and backgrounds, so the classes focus not only on preparing the women for birth but also on supporting them with more pressing issues such as housing, food, clothing and coping with feelings of isolation. 

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.”

Antenatal classes for muslims from a low-income community – Edinburgh

Nicola, an NCT antenatal teacher runs free antenatal classes for a group of Muslim mums-to-be from a deprived area in Edinburgh in 2009. There had previously been very little antenatal education for Muslim women on a low income 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 this group of muslim women, to help them to make informed choices within their cultural context and create a peer support group which will continue into the postnatal period.

The course covers antenatal preparation, breastfeeding support and includes some yoga. Feedback from the course has been positive with participants saying they found it was a “secure space to learn where they are treated like normal citizens rather than people with special needs”.

NCT Ex-offenders and ex-drug users fathers group – Aberdeen

The aim of this dads-only support group is to develop positive parenting skills, provide a support network for individuals who would otherwise feel outside the mainstream and help them to become more confidenct with greater esteem.

The NCT antenatal teacher, Melanie, who works on a voluntary basis, talks to the men about how they can be involved both antenatally and postnatally. 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 the NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404, or email press@nct.org.uk

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

• Abortion
• Choosing sex of baby/ IVF/fertility issues