NCT Essentials v NCT Signature??

[balanceforlife]

Hi there

Does anybody know from experience the difference between the 2 NCT courses?

AJ

[Pippa21]

I run NCT Essentials courses and other NCT colleagues locally run the NCT Signature courses.

The main differences are that the Ess courses run over 6 sessions, 5 before the baby/ies are due, and one after as a reunion.

The Sig courses are longer and include a dedicated breastfeeding session, whereas the Ess courses include feeding within the 5 antenatal sessions. Sig courses also have a reunion.

The Sig courses are more bespoke with the group helping to set the agenda for the course and the Ess courses follow a syllabus.

For more detailed info please have a look on the main NCT website: www.nct.org.uk and I'll try and attach info to this post and you could contact Alison on: [email protected] who knows all about the different courses.

There are also intensive NCT antenatal courses and refreshers, as well as Postnatal courses, Introducing Solids Workshops and Returning to Work Workshops etc.

Will add other info in separate post below.

All the best

[Pippa21]

Sorry can't attach info, file too big!

[sillywoman]

The other difference to consider when booking is whether it's important to you that the person leading the course is local themselves. Traditionally the advantage NCT classes had over other private providers was the local knowledge of the teacher e.g. What it's actually like to be a user in your unit (has the teacher on your course used any of the local units herself?); how to get the best out of local Midwife services; where to park for the hospital; baby friendly cafe's to meet up in; where to get good local information; the best baby classes to go to; the good local nurseries and schools even! In recent years with changes in the structure of the charity this has changed & you can no longer assume that your teacher is from the area and will have this knowledge. If it's something important to you please check with [email protected] to see whether the teacher is local before you book.

In ED & Nunhead you have two teachers, both running signature courses, who are living here, raising families here and using all the local services here so this option is still available to you should you want it.