Who are the NCT?

"The National Childbirth Trust wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent." NCT mission statement

It is originally a British organisation providing parents to be with antenatal classes, resources, links and information into the world of birth and parenting across the whole of the UK. However, due to demand, the NCT is now spreading into Europe and slowly the rest of the world. There are now students and teachers in countries as far afield as Japan, Czech republic, France, Switzerland and Holland and Belgium.

The teaching of the NCT is quite simply to empower and inform women to achieve their desired birth outcome. Classes cover all aspects of birth possibilities however, including Caesareans and medical analgesia as we are aware that all births are different. The importance here is to ensure that parents are aware of all the choices and are able to make an informed decision.

Why consider independent classes?

For a comparison chart of hospital and independent classes, click here

So why Tranquil Birth?

With my wide range of training I have been able to integrate both the philosophies and knowledge of the NCT and ALACE to create a holistic course that will cover all aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth and early parenting. Click here to see how to choose the right independent class for you.

I believe in birth being a natural process. It is a women-centered and women-led event and all women should be allowed the chance to have their desired birth without having to experience fear or having decisions made for them. 

I teach self-help techniques for labor including massage, visualisation, positions, movement, relaxation and water rather than any one approach. This way women and their birthing companions have a wide range of tools to use to help manage labor pain. 

I also value that many women may choose pharmalogical pain relief or be met by unexpected situations and I aim to give women access to the facts in order to make an informed decision. I also empathise with birthing away from family and friends and realise the necessity of having a good support network and contacts.

I feel I can offer you a wide selection of personalised courses. Group courses have the advantage of meeting other parents due at similar times, individual or couple courses are obviously on a one to one so will be tailored to your direct requirements. I am not linked to any particular hospital or birth center so all the information I provide is independent.

It is important to remember that your choice of class, should reflect your own personal needs. Read a teacher's philosophy and decide if it is similar to your own thoughts. Before choosing your class it is important to telephone or e-mail several teachers and ask questions.

With Tranquilbirth you can also be reassured that I am continually striving to achieve the best for my clients, maintaining up to date information, going to workshops, going to conferences and being involved in birthing in the local community.

Where are the courses held?

At time of current writing, the group courses are held in the comfort of my own home. This is partly to assist in my own personal childcare arrangements and partly because I feel this environment is far more relaxing and comforting than a large impersonal room or hall. Private courses can be arranged in your home if you prefer.

But aren't Independent Classes expensive?

In a nutshell, no! Independent classes are generally on a par with many hospital courses. Alongside that, you have the added bonus of the class being smaller and therefore you having more individual attention as well as the extra benefits of private or independent group courses.

Some insurance companies will refund all or a portion of childbirth classes on receiving a receipt and attendence. Tranquil Birth can supply both official certificates of course completion, endorsed by ALACE and a receipt of full payment. Check with your individual insurance company as to their policy.

So how do I sign up or get further information?

From around 12 weeks pregnant take the following steps: