Me and the NCT

I recently attended a re-union for one of my NCT classes. It was so lovely to see all the parents again and meet their babies. We enjoyed each others company, sharing a meal together and listening to each of the couples talk about their birth experience and life as a new parent.

I have always believed in the value of antenatal education and gain so much satisfaction from sharing my knowledge with expectant couples, building up their confidence and self-belief and helping them to decide what they would each desire for labour. I meet them at a time in their lives when they may feel uncertain and vulnerable, in search of answers, but also excited as they anticipate the arrival of their baby.
Each NCT class takes careful thought and sensitive interaction on my part, to challenge peoples pre-conceived ideas, but not to alienate them. To mentally take them to places that they may not have dared to think about.
I find group dynamics fascinating. Just one dominant character can influence the whole group. Sometimes in a positive way, by bringing out the quieter people or by having a joke. But sometimes their presence can initimidate others and couples become guarded in how much they will share.
This most recent group, whose re-union I attended, were really lovely. They all had a common bond of enjoying winter sports and right from the outset got on well together. During a course I get to know the clients far better than anyone that I care for at the hospital. It's a real privilege to be a part of this special time in their lives.