The NCT is UK's leading charity for parents. Every year we support thousands of people through the incredible life changing experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

The NCT started in 1956. Since then, we have worked successfully to improve the experience of becoming a parent. We are a membership charity with over 93,000 members across the UK. Our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers, who work through our network of branches to provide and support local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and health professionals.

We are trusted and respected by health professionals and governments as an organisation that represents the needs of parents. Our work is funded through membership fees, fundraising activities and the delivery of our services.

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.

Our charitable purpose

We offer information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We campaign to improve maternity care and ensure better services and facilities for new parents. We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We want to make sure that everyone has access to our services and activities.

Our core beliefs

Normality The NCT believes that the normal physiological processes of birth and breastfeeding can make a major contribution to the health and well-being of women and babies but are threatened by pressures of modern society and need protection and promotion.

Parenting

The NCT believes that the invaluable contribution parents make to society and to the well-being of the next generation should be fully recognised and supported through social and economic policies.

Choice

The NCT believes in informing and supporting parents-to-be and parents so they are aware of the full range of options and are empowered to make decisions that are right for them. The NCT believes parents do their best to make choices that are good for their own health and well being and that of their children.

Culture

The NCT believes the culture within which one lives, the commercial pressures in the system and the political pressures expressed in the way health services and other public services operate affect the way we give birth, feed and care for our babies. There is room for change in these factors to ensure parents have a more enjoyable transition to becoming parents and start life as parents physically and mentally healthy.

Sharing Experiences

The NCT believes that parents of a new baby need support and benefit from the opportunity to be involved with a network of parents in their local community, and via telephone and email, to share experiences.

Making Memories

Birth is a major transitional life event. An empowering experience of birth creates positive memories that last for life and has a positive impact on the family. The NCT believes it is important to make pregnancy, birth and the hours, days and weeks and months that follow it special.

Services

The NCT believes that maternity and early parenting services should be designed around parents’ needs, and specifically aim for the transition to parenthood to be a positive experience for men and women.

Evidence

The NCT believes that services and information for new parents should be based on the best available evidence, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research.

Scope

The NCT believes that parents of all backgrounds should have an equal opportunity to experience the transition to parenthood as life enhancing. All those who provide maternity and early parenthood services should work to ensure that parents are not disadvantaged in terms of their social status, education, ethnicity, age, gender, language, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

Health Impact

The NCT believes that the way society supports those becoming parents during pregnancy, birth and the first years after birth have major implications for the future health and well being of the population.