The 1st Nottingham Birth Conference

Book your ticket for the 1st Nottingham Birth Conference on 6 March 2010 at Djanogly City Academy, Sherwood Rise, Nottingham, 09:00 - 17:00.

Speakers include Denis Walsh, Suzanne Colson, Mary Cronk and Mavis Kirkham - as well as local women and midwifery leaders. 

Tickets just £40 waged (including lunch). Special discount for the first 100 students or unwaged to just £20. To find out more or download a booking form go to www.nottinghamrcm.org.uk.

Please help to publicise this event by letting your friends and networks know. Hope to see you there.

The facebook event details for this event can be found here

A PDF of the event details can be downloaded here;

[original article]

Reminder - Top Tips for New Parents - help for our new newsletter editors

Pippa and Helen from Long Eaton Bumps and Babies have taken on the task of producing the Nottingham newsletter, Inform, and are looking forward to sending out their first issue early next year.

At Bumps and Babies yesterday Pippa appealed for parents' top tips. If you didn't manage to tell her yours, you can email it to her; [original article]

Long Eaton Bumps and Babies' Last Session of 2009

There was almost a party atmosphere at the last Bumps and Babies session of 2009. Caroline, who has helped Sue with running the group since July, has taken over the local Tiny Talk classes. She provided a sample Tiny Talk class to the mums and babies who came along today.


It's been a fantastic year which has seen the group grow from an idea to a successful and friendly group which meets every week in Long Eaton. We had a visit from the local Primary Care Trust who have been doing a review of maternity services and wanted some feedback. The results of their information-gathering so far and the form for feeding back to them is available here.

We've had demonstrations and talks from Tiny Talk, Jo Jingles, Water Babies and of course our pottery session with Sticky Fingers Parties.

Pottery can be collected from Sue's house next Tuesday, 22 December. Please email her, leave a comment on the blog or contact through Facebook if you need details or directions

Coming in 2010 - on 21 January, we have our Japanese session with Cocoro, learning about Japanese toys, clothing and food, and on 14 January a Baby Reflexology session with Hayley from Sole Nutrition.

We're also planning to encourage some more discussion across the group between more experienced and less experienced mums so that you can pass on and pick up tips on burning issues. You'll probably have your own ideas about what you'd like to discuss but weaning, vaccinations, sleep, spring to mind. Look out for the suggestions board next month.

And of course, since Sue and Catherine will be running NCT antenatal classes almost every month throughout 2010 there will be a lot more Bumps and Babies joining us!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We'll see you back on Thursday 7 January, same time, same place.;[original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

Please note that the next Bumps and Babies group ill be on 07 January 2010, after the Christmas break. Have a lovely Christmas.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

Long Eaton Bumps and Babies 10 December 2009

This week Mandy and her colleague from Sticky Fingers Parties came to help the mums make some souvenirs and and Christmas presents. Babies' feet were painted and pressed onto pottery: baubles, mugs, coasters and photo frames.

 It was a mammoth operation which didn't always go smoothly and sometimes took several attempts to get the perfect print due to the wriggliness of babies.

There will undoubtedly be some beautiful presents under Christmas trees this year.

More pictures of the event can be found by clicking here.

 ; [original article]

Beeston Bumps and Babies group

Another reminder that our Beeston Bumps and Babies are meeting tomorrow, Friday, as they do every week, between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE.

You are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Antenatal Courses in January for babies due Feb and Mar

There are a few places remaining on some of our courses in January.

Calverton - 7 & 8 January - 1 place remaining
Cotgrave - 17 & 24 January - 2 places remaining
Cotgrave - 30 Jan & 6 Feb - 3 places remaining

Long Eaton and Beeston January courses are sold out.
; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

Reminder; your baby's foot print on a plate, mug or bauble

Just a reminder that on Thursday 10th December, Sticky Fingers will be coming to Long Eaton Bumps and Babies. You can get your baby's footprint put onto a plate, mug, tile, plaque or even a Christmas bauble. These make lovely Christmas presents or momentoes.

Prices start at £6.50 for a small bauble or tile including baby's name and date/age and decoration (hearts or stars) and rise to £13.50 for an oval plaque. For an extra £1 you can add an additional greeting.
; [original article]

Have your say on maternity and newborn care

This is a reminder that the third of three public meetings in December to find out your views on maternity and newborn services covered by NHS Nottinghamshire County and NHS Nottingham City takes place on 07 December 2009 between 6pm and 8pm at Aspley Community and Training Centre, off Minver Crescent, Nottingham, NG8 6PN.

To book your place and to flag any accessibility needs or translation requirements for the meetings, please contact 01623 673239 or email wendy.tomlinson@nottspct.nhs.uk

You can also download the pdf review file by clicking here.

www.nottinghamcity.nhs.uk
www.nottspct.nhs.uk
; [original article]

Beeston Bumps and Babies group

Another reminder that our Beeston Bumps and Babies are meeting tomorrow, Friday, as they do every week, between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE.

You are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

NCT Winter Draw 2009

DO YOU WANT TO WIN £5000 IN OUR ANNUAL WINTER DRAW???

The NCT's annual prize draw brings you the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes. We have teamed up with some fantastic companies to give you the most exciting prizes ever!

Prizes this year are as follows;

First prize - £5000 CASH PRIZE donated by LifeSearch

Second prize - Family holiday for 6 at Centre Parcs
(Break cannot be taken in any school holiday periods - please contact Jessica Pearce on 01623 821723 for more information.
Midweek break = 4 nights, weekend break = 3 nights.
Family of up to 6 people (must contain at least 1 adult).
The break should be taken before 1st December 2010 and is subject to availability. You should also note that our normal terms and conditions of booking apply and that the prize is as stated and is not negotiable or transferable, nor can any cash alternative be offered.)

Third Price - £500 Nursery Furniture Vouchers from ASpace
Valid for use for any range of ASpace nursery furniture.

Fourth Prize - Top of the range MICRALITE Toro stroller
Toro by Micralite - complete with Winter Warmer Liner and the All Terrain Kit wheels.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the NCT by email, by telephoning 020 8752 2371 or from local NCT events.

The draw takes place on 18 December 2009 and any sellers need to ensure that the stubs and payment are back with the NCT in London by 14 December or they will be omitted from the draw; [original article]

Health In Pregnancy Grant (£190)

Most women resident in the UK, with an estimated due date on or after April 6th 2009, should be eligible for a grant payment expected to be £190.

This is a one-off payment which is for every expectant mum and payment of the grant does not depend on the amount of family income, and receipt of the grant will not affect tax or benefits.

What is it for?

The grant aims to provide flexible financial help to support the general health and well-being of women in the later stages of pregnancy, and to help them to meet wider costs in the run up to the birth. How it is spent is up to the women, who would receive information on health and well-being from her midwife.

How to claim

Your midwife or GP will have the relevant forms, which he or she can sign for you once you've completed 25 weeks of pregnancy. It's then your responsibility to send the form off within 31 days. You should then get a decision letter within three weeks, with payment arriving within a further seven days.

Further information here or by calling 0845 366 7885

One of the things you might consider spending some of the money on is antenatal classes - which are clearly of benefit to the health of mums, dads and babies!; [original article]

Long Eaton Bumps and Babies is turning Japanese!

Watch this space for more information about LE Bumps and Babies Japanese-themed event, coming up soon. Helen's daughter Merry has been modelling some of the clothes recently - you can read more about her introduction to modelling on Cocoro's blog here; [original article]

Find out more about babies and swimming at Long Eaton Bumps and Babies

On Thursday 3rd December Marie from Water Babies will be coming along to talk about the practicalities and the benefits of taking your baby swimming. Water Babies currently hold classes at the weekends in a private pool in Long Eaton and at weekends in Sandiacre; [original article]

Long Eaton Bumps and Babies Report

This week's Long Eaton Bumps and Babies saw the usual 20 or so mums with Grace, Marcel and their baby Charlie attending for the first time as a family.

Laura gave Liz a knitting lesson and, before you could say "Merry Christmas" Liz was knitting up a striped scarf as a present for Joseph whilst Laura's daughter Amelia happily amused herself on the floor - she is so keen to get on the move!

Sue took a call from Tomono from Cocoro and finalised the date for Long Eaton Bumps and Babies turning Japanese - Thursday 21 January. Tomono is planning to bring along Japanese food, toys and clothing for the children and parents to have a look at. Helen's daughter Meredith has been modelling some recently on Cocoro's blog

We managed to find a moment when not a single baby was feeding or crying so we took the opportunity for a group photo. 21 babies - the oldest on the left, the youngest on the right.

Forthcoming events for Long Eaton Bumps and Babies include:

03 December - a visit from Marie from Water Babies. Marie will be able to answer all questions about how soon you can take your baby swimming, what they should wear and what sort of thing they do in Water Babies' classes

10 December - Sticky Fingers are coming to do pottery footprints. This is expected to be highly popular so if you are there on time, go and get your footprints done rather than leaving it to the end and finding you haven't got time!

17 December - LE B&B co-host Caroline is taking over the local Tiny Talk franchise and will be coming along to give a demo class to the group. It's a great opportunity to find out more and to sign up for the next set of classes. As it's our last session before Christmas, we'll try to celebrate that a bit - Santa hats on babies? Sausage rolls and mince pies anyone?

After that we're taking a Christmas break but we'll welcome everyone back on Thursday 07 January 2010; [original article]

Great Christmas present - your baby's foot print on a plate, mug or bauble

On Thursday 10th December, Sticky Fingers will be coming to Long Eaton Bumps and Babies. You can get your baby's footprint put onto a plate, mug, tile, plaque or even a Christmas bauble. These make lovely Christmas presents or momentoes.

Prices start at £6.50 for a small bauble or tile including baby's name and date/age and decoration (hearts or stars) and rise to £13.50 for an oval plaque. For an extra £1 you can add an additional greeting.
; [original article]

Beeston Bumps and Babies group

Another reminder that our Beeston Bumps and Babies are meeting tomorrow, Friday, as they do every week, between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE.

You are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Swine Flu Information

The NCT has published some Swine Flu Information here; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

Rafaella's Gift Project

Rafaella's Gift is a new initiative being launched by Nottingham NCT.

It is aimed at helping parents who are in desperate need of essential items to take care of themselves and their babies.

Inspired by the Little Ducks project run by North Staffordshire NCT, we distribute packs of essentials such as maternity pads, towels, baby clothes, toiletries and breast pads to expectant and new mothers who find themselves in desperate circumstances.

We also collect donations of larger items such as prams, highchairs and cots from local NCT members - and others - and distribute them to the families who are referred to us for help.

The parents we help may have been forced to flee their home because of domestic violence, or may be living in extreme poverty and have no way of providing for their new baby themselves.

We urgently need volunteers to assist with the collection and distribution of items from donors’ homes to our central storage unit, and to help with the sorting of items such as baby clothes. You can do this at times to suit you and petrol allowances can be paid for long journeys.

We also require help with the distribution of items to our clients' homes or if it is more appropriate, to their local children’s centre or hostel.

We would also like to hear from anyone who can help with publicity and administration.

If you feel you could help with any of our roles please contact rafaellasgiftproject@yahoo.com.; [original article]

Nottingham NCT Bumps and Babies - New Flyers

You can download our all new Bumps and Babies flyers from the website at the links below;

Beeston

Long Eaton

West Bridgford

[original article]

Have your say on maternity and newborn care

There are to be three open, public meetings in Decenber to find out your views on maternity and newborn services covered by NHS Nottinghamshire County and NHS Nottingham City.

The meetings will be held as follows:

1 December - 9.30am to 11.30am
at Richard Herrod Centre, Foxhill Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 1RL

2 December - 1pm to 3pm
at The Towers, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 5NG

7 December - 6pm to 8pm
at Aspley Community and Training Centre, off Minver Crescent, Nottingham, NG8 5PN

To book your place and to flag any accessibility needs or translation requirements for the meetings, please contact 01623 673239 or email wendy.tomlinson@nottspct.nhs.uk

www.nottinghamcity.nhs.uk
www.nottspct.nhs.uk

Newsletter

We produce a newsletter, titled "Inform", each year. The newsletter is packed with informative and interesting articles and branch news. Inform is distributed to all NCT members, anyone attending Antenatal classes and at Nearly New Sales.

Contributions are always welcome, from both members and non-members – please email the editorial team if you have any ideas, articles or photographs to offer at inform@nctnottingham.org.

We aim to fund the newsletters entirely through advertising, so if you are interested in publicising your product or services to a very targeted audience of parents with young children, please get in touch by emailing advertise@nctnottingham.org.

A copy of our latest newsletter can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here. ; [original article]

Nearly New Sale Seller Information

All sellers must pre-register (opens about 6 weeks before), email: nctnottingham@yahoo.com or call 07005800628.

Get together the pile of things you want to sell.

Decide on prices which will ensure they will sell on the day, unless you really want a big pile of unsold items (remember we will take a 25% commission).

Details of upcoming sales can be found on our events page; [original article]

Nearly New Sale Buyer Information

For the Nottingham sales, if you would like an e-reminder before each future sale, please email "reminder" to our specific buyers' email address; nearlynew@nctnottingham.org

Consider becoming an NCT member if you aren't already so you can get in early.

Prepare a shopping list but keep an open mind.

We regret that we are unable to take credit or debit cards at the sale and can only accept cash or a cheque with a guarantee card.

You may also prefer to leave your pushchair at home as the sale will be very crowded.

Details of upcoming sales can be found on our events page. ; [original article]

Nearly New Sales

Nearly New Sales have been a feature of the NCT for many years and provide a fantastic opportunity to purchase excellent quality nearly new items of babywear, childrenswear, maternity wear, nursery goods and toys. You can also sell your unwanted and outgrown items.

NCT members can get in 15 minutes earlier than non-members so if you're queuing and feeling you might be missing out, grab one of our helpers and join on the spot to jump the queue!

How does it work?

Children outgrow clothing and toys very quickly, often long before the items have begun to wear out. The NCT puts on these sales so you can sell your outgrown and unwanted items and recoup some of the cost.

You register as a seller. We send you labels and guidance on pricing. You price your items and drop them off at the sale venue on the day and return later to collect any unsold items. In the meantime, several hundred buyers have been spending money like crazy, bagging some of the biggest bargains of their lives! We'll send you a cheque for the amount of everything you sold less out commission of 25%. We have to limit the number of people who can sell at each sale, so we also ask that everyone who wishes to sell either works a shift at the sale itself or contributes some work to the preparation of the sale.

If you're a potential buyer you need to check back here regularly to find out when your nearest sale is on. If you aren't already a member, consider joining so that you can get in early and bag the best bargains. Then sharpen your elbows, pay a visit to the cashpoint or dig out your cheque book and guarantee card and prepare to shop.

Clothes (0-10 years), toys and nursery equipment are all laid out clearly and spaciously by age/type (it's nothing like a jumble sale).

The Nottingham branch of the NCT have moved their Bramcote "Nearly New Sale" to Long Eaton. The next sale will be on Saturday 20th March 2010.

The sale offers local parents and carers an opportunity to buy good quality Nearly New items from other local parents.

The Long Eaton School, Thoresby Road, (just after West Park Leisure Centre), Long Eaton, NG10 3NP. (map)

Sales are still held in Mapperley usually in June each year.

All are welcome. Entrance fee £1. Early entry for NCT members at 9.45am (and you can join on the day to get this privilege).

Enquiries: nearlynew@nctnottingham.org or 0700 580 0628 (ansaphone).; [original article]

Beeston Bumps and Babies group

Another reminder that our Beeston Bumps and Babies are meeting tomorrow, Friday 20 November, as they do every week, between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE.

You are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Local Groups

We have various groups meeting up across Nottingham

- Wollaton

- Bramcote

- Hucknall/Newstead

- Mapperley

If you'd like to go along to any of these, please contact localgroups@nctnottingham.org; [original article]

Location, location, location

TAKE ACTION NOW! MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2 MINUTES

Background

Choice of place of birth is vital for all women in the UK.

In England, the Government has made a guarantee that all women should have the choice of where they give birth. The choices that should be available are:
Home birth;
Birth centre – either standalone or alongside;
Obstetric unit in a hospital.

This guarantee, made in the Maternity Matters strategy, should be fulfilled by the end of 2009, but the NCT has evidence that this will not be met. Policy in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also supports choice. We commissioned research looking into the availability of choice throughout the UK, as we believe that choice is vital for women in all four countries. This research found that a staggeringly small percentage of women – only 4.2% – have access to the full range of options that should be available to them.

The NCT believes that choice of place of birth should be provided for across all four countries of the UK. We also believe that this should be provided locally with the provision of objective information and support from health professionals.

You can read the campaign report by downloading it from the link below. Also below is the research report the campaign report has been based on.

What we are doing

We are campaigning to make sure that women have the information they need to make informed choices about their place of birth. We also need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place so that maternity units are available within reasonable journey times.

We are targeting trusts and boards within the NHS and health professionals’ bodies. We hope to work with these audiences to ensure that services are in place, and are sufficiently promoted, so that women have all three options available to them, and are provided with enough information to make their decision.

Read all the latest news on the campaign.

Take Action: Make a difference in two minutes

Your support and action is vital to the success of the campaign. We have set up some simple actions that you can take to build support in your area, inform your elected representative (AM, MLA, MP, MSP) of the situation, or to ask for action from your local NHS trust or board. This action will use the details you enter to generate an e-mail automatically, so shouldn't take more than two minutes to send both e-mails.

E-mail your elected representative so that s/he can support your local services and get involved with the campaign. ACT NOW!

Alternatively, e-mail your local trust or board, letting them know your concerns and making sure they are aware of the campaign. Use this opportunity to call upon them to ensure they have measures in place to guarantee that women have the choice of where to give birth. ACT NOW!
Got any questions?

Please visit our FAQ page and if you have any further questions please email campaigns@nct.org.uk. ; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

Baby Groups

We spent a day at the East Midlands Baby Show recently and lots of people asked us about where they could go after they'd had their baby.

We have Bumps and Babies groups in Long Eaton and West Bridgford and local groups in Beeston, Wollaton and Bramcote.

You can find out more about what we have on offer by contacting localgroups@nctnottingham.org

NCT groups tend to be great places for going along to when you first want to venture out with your new baby.; [original article]

NCT West Bridgford Bumps & Babies - Pizza Express Coffee Mornings

Pizza Express are kindly opening their doors an hour early especially for West Bridgford NCT Bumps and Babies to hold a coffee morning on the FIRST Friday of every month 10.30am – 11.30am

NCT Bumps & Babies welcomes all parents-to-be and parents with babies up to 12 months old.

If you would like to join us, please email wbbumpsandbabies@nct.org.uk ; [original article]

Official Flickr Group

There is an NCT Official Flickr Group here where you can upload your photographs that reflect both pregnancy and parenting with the National Childbirth Trust.

Your submissions will enable our charity to use a better variety of photographs in our publications. We may use your images for one of our publications but will request permission beforehand. ; [original article]

Antenatal Courses

We have a large number of courses running in Nottingham, in the following venues across the county:

Beeston
Bramcote
Calverton
Cotgrave
Hucknall
Long Eaton

Because of this, the best way to find a course that's convenient for you is to enter the first part of your postcode e.g. NG8 into our Course Finder.

If it looks as though there are no courses available - the date input required restricts the results that are returned to you - please contact our bookings co-ordinator;

Email: bookings6b@nct.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 2436875

who can send you more information on all the courses we are offering.

We look forward to seeing you in our classes.; [original article]

Advertising

The NCT's website receives over 80,000 visitors a month, and our newsletter, inform, is distributed to all local NCT members, anyone attending Antenatal classes, and all enquirers in the Nottingham area.

If you have a product or service you would like to sell to mums - and dads - to-be, new parents, or young families, please contact us at advertise@nctnottingham.org.

Our advertising space gives local businesses the opportunity to reach a targeted audience of soon to-be and new parents.; [original article]

Nearly New Sales

How popular are our Nearly New Sales? Let's just say one reason we moved the venue was traffic problems. There are rumours of fights over toys but that's because our quality control ensures that only the best items are put out on display.

Our next sale is in Long Eaton on Saturday, 20 March 2010 and you're already one step ahead of a lot of people by knowing that. But how can you maximise your chances of bagging the best bargains?

- Email "reminder" to our specific buyers' email address nearlynew@nctnottingham.org We'll send you a reminder about the sale. If for any unforeseen reason we have to change the sale venue or date, we'll let you know too.

- Become an NCT member. We'll let you in 15 minutes before everyone else.

- Volunteer to help - you'll be invited to the preview sale (that's about 20 mins before the members come in) as long as you help for a minimum of two hours. Shifts are available on the day of the sale but there are lots of pre-sale jobs too.

- It's still possible to get good quality stuff if you come along late but your choice will be limited.

If you want to sell your unwanted stuff, you'll need to register. YOU NEED TO REGISTER. NOW. Email: nctnottingham@yahoo.com or call 0700 5800 628. We send out information about six weeks before the sale. ABOUT SIX WEEKS BEFORE. Exactly how long before depends on the life of the volunteer who has to email all these people and pop stuff in the post. If you register now you will be included in that mailing but you'll need to get your forms back quickly.

Spaces for sellers are strictly limited and go very quickly.

The sale is run and staffed entirely by volunteers (so please don't get shirty with them if you don't get exactly what you want; they have given up precious family time to enable this sale to go ahead).

We take commission (it was 25% at the last sale) as our 'reward' for running this sale. The commission helps fund NCT projects both nationally and locally. Remember this when pricing your goods (all this will be explained in the info pack you receive.; [original article]

Beeston Bumps and Babies

Just a reminder that our Beeston Bumps and Babies first meeting is on Friday 13 November and will then be meeting every Friday between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE. Anyone who has attended an NCT antenatal class this year in Beeston should already have received an email about this but even if you haven't been to classes, you are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Tell me more about NCT antenatal courses

NCT courses in Nottingham are usually 12-16 hours antenatally and may include a postnatal reunion (even if they don't, you are welcome to come along to our Bumps and Babies or Coffee Groups).

There will be up to eight couples on the course so there is plenty of opportunity both to get to know others in the same situation and to find out more about your options for labour and birth and what life with a new baby can be like.

Although the course will always cover an overview of labour, your pain relief options and life with a new baby including breastfeeding, we will take into account what parents want to cover. So if there's something you're particularly concerned about you can add it to the agenda.

If you want to know more, contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk - for an information pack.; [original article]

Early Days helpline 0300 330 0773 - hours extended

The NCT's brand new helpline - the Early Days line - has proven extremely successful and consequently has increased its operational hours.

Anyone needing information on the emotional, physical and social changes involved in the transition to parenthood and life with a new baby can simply dial 0300 330 0773 and be guaranteed a real person response between 9am and 1pm, five days a week (Monday to Friday). Calls to the line are answered by trained NCT postnatal leaders.; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

Due in January or early February?

We have a two day, weekday course running in December that might work for you. It's on Thursday and Friday, 10 and 11 December. Contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk - for an information pack.; [original article]

Annual General Meeting Reminder

Just a quick reminder that Nottingham NCT's Annual General Meeting takes place this Thursday (12 November 2009) at 19:30 at Bramcote Memorial Hall, Church Street, Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3HD.

This is your opportunity as members to find out more about what's been happening in Nottingham NCT-wise over the past year and to let us know what you'd like - and like to help us achieve - in the next twelve months.

Come along and meet the branch team and put faces names.

The AGM is a fairly informal event where everyone who has volunteered over the past year as well as our antenatal teachers (ANTs) and breastfeeding counsellors (BFCs) give short reports on what they've been doing to help parents locally. It's a great way to find out more about the branch and, if you're thinking about volunteering or training to be an ANT or BFC, a great way to meet everyone you'll be working alongside.

Copious amounts of drinks and biscuits, of course!; [original article]

Due in April 2010?

We're running courses in Cotgrave, Calverton, Long Eaton and Beeston which end in February and March which may suit you. Contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk; [original article]

Keep your brain active!

Have you been wondering how you're going to get through this baby thing without going mad? NCT Nottingham has all sorts of volunteering opportunities available. If you have never done voluntary work before, you might be surprised by the people you meet.

You can work to your own deadlines most of the time. Ok, if you volunteer to host a group, you have to, but once people are coming along, you're sure to find someone who will take over when you're on holiday/need a break/have a family crisis.

If you are the branch secretary your role mostly consists of passing on information and taking notes or minutes of meetings. Meetings are only held four times a year and you can bring along non-mobile babies (thinking about it, lots of them are non-mobile in the evenings).

There are lots of opportunities where you only need to respond to email in the early hours or when it suits you!

NCT is baby-friendly and no-one will be remotely concerned if you need to feed or just disappear to rock your baby to sleep.

In time you might consider training as a 'specialist worker' i.e. antenatal teacher, breastfeeding counsellor or postnatal leader. These are diploma qualifications accredited through the Univeristy of Bedfordshire and usually take 2-3 years to complete. The training requires attendance at monthly tutorials (might be 1-2 hours from home), a couple of weekends away on workshops, some study days and a fair few essays and practical assessments (teaching/counselling). A proportion of expenses of this training may be met by the NCT or by grant-awarding bodies.; [original article]

New BEESTON Bumps and Babies starts this week

New this week! Beeston Bumps and Babies is being launched and from Friday 13 November will be meeting every Friday between 1pm and 3pm at Denz Children's Indoor Playcentre, 31 Queens Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2FE. Anyone who has attended an NCT antenatal class this year in Beeston should already have received an email about this but even if you haven't been to classes, you are welcome to come along.

The group is hosted by NCT antenatal teacher, Annabelle, who teaches in Beeston. There is no charge for children under 12 months to get into the play centre. You will need to buy your own drinks and cakes. Older babies are welcome.; [original article]

Become a Nottingham NCT Volunteer

Could you help Nottingham NCT with any of our roles?

Most of our work is done independently, so how and when it's done is very flexible (when the children are at school, after the 2am feed when you can't get to sleep but your baby is sleeping soundly).

Lots of the work is online which means it's even more flexible to fit around your own lifestyle.

We have access to a lot of NCT emails and phone lines, making it easy to re-direct or auto-response NCT work when needed (e.g. holidays, children's sickness, your own commitment levels) and avoiding your personal details having to be publicised.

If you are interested in volunteering in any area please call 0844 243 6231 or email enquiries@nctnottingham.org.

We currently have vacancies for the following;

Newsletter editor

The editor's job is to pull together articles from local contributors and from the online resource. Our former editor did an excellent job of producing a thick booklet newsletter each quarter but anyone taking over this role is welcome to produce the newsletter in any format they think is appropriate - perhaps an A4 folded newsheet every month or two, instead of a 72 page glossy every quarter!

There is a specific email for people to contact "Inform" and an active e-group of editors around the country who can help with anything you need to know, such as where to find the cheapest printing or how to use desktop publishing software.

If you are interested please call 0844 243 6231 or email enquiries@nctnottingham.org.

Branch secretary

This role comprises receiving information from UK office to pass onto the branch, arranging committee meetings and taking minutes.

If you think you could do that please call 0844 243 6231 or email enquiries@nctnottingham.org.

Postnatal groups co-ordinator

Our postnatal groups co-ordinator would welcome help with setting up and supporting the various local bumps, babies and toddlers groups we have around Nottingham.

She receives enquiries and we would like to put people together in areas where we haven't got groups, so that new groups can be set up. Some work could also be done to support current groups and heighten the profile of NCT in these groups by ensuring that we have up-to-date literature, newsletters and promotional materials.

If you are interested please call 0844 243 6231 or email enquiries@nctnottingham.org.

Advertising co-ordinator

An advertising co-ordinator who is confident about following up any queries we get about advertising in the newsletter or website from local businesses.

We also get requests to hand out leaflets at our Nearly New Sales, postnatal and antenatal groups and the advertising co-ordinator would arrange for the correct number of leaflets to be in the right place at the right time, and the company to be invoiced.

If you are interested please call 0844 243 6231 or email enquiries@nctnottingham.org. ; [original article]

Just found out you're pregnant?

We have courses in Cotgrave and Long Eaton in July. Have a look on our website for more information but most people wait until they are about 12 weeks into pregnancy before they book. It's likely we'll add more courses particularly if we know you need them, so please feel free to contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk - and let her know what you are looking for so she can arrange for courses to happen.; [original article]

Surveys you could help with if you are pregnant

We've been contacted by two students wanting to recruit pregnant women for surveys they are doing. You can find out more about the surveys including contact details for them on our Facebook page; [original article]

Refresher course

Pregnant but it's not your first baby? We're running a refresher course on Friday 20 November 2009. Contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk There are a couple of spaces going spare at the moment.; [original article]

Need a course urgently?

We have a space on our course in Cotgrave this Sunday, 8 November 2009 (Cotgrave is the nearest place for West Bridgford parents). It's a two Sundays course. Contact Claire - 0844 243 6875 or email bookings6b@nct.org.uk; [original article]

Bumps and Babies groups

Just a reminder that our Bumps and Babies groups are meeting tomorrow, Thursday 5 November, as they do each and every Thursday.

The Long Eaton Group meets at St John's Church Hall which is on the corner of Canal Street and College Street in Long Eaton. Come along any time after 10am and stay until 12noon when we have to leave. Plenty of biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and people to talk to. We ask for a £2 donation to help cover the costs of hiring the venue and refreshments.

The West Bridgford Group meets at Rushcliffe Arena from 1.30pm-3pm. Again drinks and biscuits and the chance to chat are on offer.

Come along and say hello - everyone with a young baby is welcome - it's especially nice if you're wanting to venture out for the first time and worried about how you will manage.; [original article]

NCT Nottingham Annual General Meeting

An opportunity for members to find out more about what's been happening in Nottingham NCT-wise over the past year and to let us know what they'd like - and like to help us achieve - in the next twelve months.

Date Thursday, 12 November 2009

Opening times 19:30 - 22:00

Venue Bramcote Memorial Hall, Church Street, Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3HD

Come along and meet the branch team and put faces names.

The AGM is a fairly informal event where everyone who has volunteered over the past year as well as our antenatal teachers (ANTs) and breastfeeding counsellors (BFCs) give short reports on what they've been doing to help parents locally. It's a great way to find out more about the branch and, if you're thinking about volunteering or training to be an ANT or BFC, a great way to meet everyone you'll be working alongside.

Copious amounts of drinks and biscuits, of course!; [original article]

Hospital Birth Survey

Have you had a Hospital Birth within the last two years?

Would you mind taking a quick survey for the NCT?

If so, please click here.; [original article]

Welcome to Nottingham NCT.

Welcome to Nottingham NCT. We are a well-established branch in the East Midlands with around 650 members.

Our activities include antenatal classes, three Nearly New Sales every year and local groups that meet up regularly. We also have a branch Breastfeeding Counsellor.

This branch is run entirely by volunteers and we are always looking for extra volunteers to lend a hand. Many of the jobs are very small or can be shared with someone else. Please email enquiries@nctnottingham.org.

Why not get together with your antenatal group and offer to stuff our newsletter into envelopes or count out tags for our Nearly New Sale? Every little bit helps; [original article]