Child Development

Health during and after pregnancy

The NHS Pregnancy and Baby Guide (opens in a new tab) provides comprehensive information on getting pregnant, pregnancy, labour and birth, newborn babies and babies and toddlers.

The National Childbirth Trust (opens in a new tab), known as NCT, is a voluntary charitable organisation set up fifty years ago offering information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.

The NCT helpline offers access to specialist information and support on pregnancy and birth and breastfeeding, from breastfeeding counsellors and antenatal teachers. The NCT helpline also offers postnatal support with issues such as crying, sleep and depression in the weeks after birth.

NCT Helplines

For practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood including help with feeding, call the NCT Helpline on 0300 330 0700

NCT Pregnancy and Birth Line 0300 330 0772 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

For all questions relating to your pregnancy or birth experiences. NCT qualified antenatal teachers are available to listen and help.

NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771 8am-10pm, every day of the year including Bank Holidays

Call to talk to a qualified NCT breastfeeding counsellor about feeding your baby. Most mums want to breastfeed and NCT are experts in helping you carry out your wish. NCT can also help if you decide to use a little, some, mostly or all formula and would like support in doing so. NCT can help when the time comes to start your baby on solids or if you want to switch between breastfeeding and formula.

NCT Postnatal Line 0300 330 0773 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday

Life with a new baby is a challenge and NCT qualified practitioners are available to talk if you have questions or are struggling with any part of being the parent of a new baby.