RCM Call For Action

NCT Press Statement


Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said;
“Since the coalition came into power we have been disappointed by lack of action to improve maternity care. The pre-election promises, made by both parties, to increase numbers of midwives in England are yet to be realised. This is despite numerous studies showing the detrimental effects of a shortage of midwives and lack of investment in maternity services on mothers and their families.” 
NPEU Study 
“The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) study demonstrates there have been some important improvements in maternity care. But focusing attention on individual targets can be detrimental to the overall quality of care.
“It does paint a glum picture of maternity care in the UK and echoes what NCT has been saying for some time. All these problems point back to a lack of midwives and investment in maternity services and we call on the Government to address these issues as soon as possible.
“Lack of antenatal care is also a worry. Cash strapped trusts looking to reduce their costs will cut down or halt provision of antenatal classes. Couple this with the shortage of midwives and the outlook is not rosy. We believe it’s vital that parents have the opportunity to attend antenatal classes, to prepare them for birth, and have one to one supportive care from a midwife throughout their labour and birth.
“NCT’s own research has found many women said they felt helpless, isolated and abandoned by the care they received in hospital with references to seeing different midwives at each contact, feeling unsupported and receiving conflicting advice. How many more surveys showing unhappy parents are needed before the message is heard, and real steps are taken to address their needs?”

Cuts to Maternity Services

NCT Comment in response to RCM survey on cuts to maternity services
Women giving birth are not getting proper care because NHS maternity units are having to deal with staff cuts, recruitment problems and smaller budgets, an RCM survey released today warns.
Increasing workloads caused by record numbers of births, more complex pregnancies and too few staff are having a negative effect on patient care, according to over half (54%) of 3,690 midwives polled.
Those results, from the NHS Staff Survey, underline serious concerns outlined today ina separate survey of heads of midwifery (HOMs). Among 83 HOMs in England questioned by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), 30% said their budget had been cut and 33% said they had been asked in the last year to reduce their staffing levels. Two-thirds said they did not have enough personnel to cope with demand.Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said:
“We are extremely concerned by the picture these figures paint about the future of maternity services.  
“NCT’s own recent report, ‘Left to our own devices’, based on a survey of 1260 first-time mums, showed many families were let down just when they needed services most.
Of those surveyed, 42% of women who had given birth in hospital felt there were sometimes or never enough midwives to provide them with the level of support they needed postnatally.  “With maternity services already struggling, and women and their families bearing the brunt of any cuts, it is imperative that the Government promise to protect these vital services for the future by committing to providing enough midwives as a priority.” 

Home Births Drop in England

Home Births Drop in England

Released on 09/11/2010



New national statistics
Home birth figures drop in England

In England, 17,834 women (2.7%) had a home birth in 2009, from 663,750 births down from 2.8% of home births in 2008. Wales has the highest proportion of women having home births, 1,325 (3.8%) from 34,574 births, an increase over the previous year.

In Scotland, 873 women (1.5%) had a home birth, from 59,363 births. And in Northern Ireland, 91 women (0.4%) had home births from 24,910 births.

Mary Newburn, Head of Research & Information, NCT, said:

“It is very disappointing to see this small reduction in the number of women giving birth at home in England, reversing the slow but steady upward trend of the last few years.

NCT’s interpretation of this development is that women are finding it more difficult to book a home birth. There is no evidence of a reduction in demand, but we know maternity services are additionally stretched due to a rising birth rate and too few midwives. The option of booking a home birth should be offered as a mainstream option for all women who want it, alongside options to book for care at a birth centre and at a hospital maternity unit.

We know women want a birth that is fulfilling, positive and safe for themselves and their baby. For a healthy woman, with a straightforward, low-risk pregnancy, there is no evidence to show home birth is any less safe than a hospital birth. High quality care in all settings depends upon  having an experienced midwife and the back up of a modern hospital system.

Research by NCT has found that women’s access to a home birth service varies greatly between different areas. Low midwifery staffing levels mean home birth is either not offered, or is withdrawn at short notice. NCT calls on every NHS trust and board to ensure that choice of place of birth is available to all women.”

It is estimated the reduction in home birth in England, also reduces the overall home birth rate for the UK. Across the UK in 2009, 20,123 (2.6%) of all births (782, 597) took place at home, compared with 21,211 (2.7%) in 2008.

ENDS

Local administrative areas with highest and lowest home birth rates include:-
      HIGHEST     LOWEST

England
   

West Somerset 11.5%
   

Berwick on Tweed 0%

Scotland
   

East Lothian 3.7%
   

Renfrewshire 0.75%

Wales
   

Bridgend 10.4%
   

Merthyr Tydfil 1.0%



New data provided by the Office of National Statistics, The General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Statistics analysed by BirthChoiceUK - available at www.BirthChoiceUK.com/HomeBirthRates.htm
Full list of statistics can be viewed at http://www.BirthChoiceUK.com/HomeBirthRates.htm

1. The NCT’s Location, location, location campaign highlighted lack of access to a choice of maternity options. Research commissioned by the NCT report found that:

·         95.8% of women do not yet have ‘reasonable access’[1] to all three settings for birth: home birth with a midwife, a local midwifery facility (birth centre) either stand-alone or attached to a hospital, and an obstetric unit in a hospital (the choices defined in Maternity Matters, Department of Health, 2007)

·         89% of women live in areas with a home birth rate below 5%, indicating, according to the NCT, that  they do not offer ‘reasonable access’ to home birth with a midwife. NCT’s definition of ‘reasonable access’ is access to a birth centre or hospital maternity unit within an estimated 30 minute journey time and living in an area with a  home birth rate of 5% or greater, indicating that  home birth services are well established as a mainstream option.

·         With greater provision of community-based midwifery services and active offering of home birth, choice could be provided to many more women. In some areas this could be achieved without a significant investment of midwives, in other areas more midwives are needed in order to develop services.[/b]

·         Over 40% of women live in areas without reasonable access to both a birth centre and an obstetric unit in a hospital

·         Women are lacking in the information and support needed to make these choices.

To find out more about the NCT’s campaign and each of the birth choices available to women in the UK, visit www.nct.org.uk/choice.

3. A full breakdown of the latest home birth statistics are only available from www.BirthChoiceUK.com



BirthChoiceUK is an independent voluntary organisation dedicated to helping women choose where to have their baby through information provided by way of a website. The website includes maternity statistics produced by the NHS Information Centre and fully referenced résumés of the research relating to choices in childbirth.



4. NCT is the UK’s largest parenting charity. Each year the charity supports hundreds of  thousands of parents through a life-changing experience, offering expert information and trusted practical and emotional support through the website, the nationwide network of 300 local branches, free helplines, antenatal and postnatal courses, breastfeeding counselling and peer support schemes. www.nct.org.uk

European Directive on Maternity and Paternity Amendments.

European Directive on Maternity and Paternity Amendments.

Released on 21/10/2010

EU Directive Amendments  

Rosie Dodds, NCT Senior Public Policy Officer, commenting on the NCT response to EU Directive amendments passed 20/10/2010 in the European parliament, says;   
“NCT welcomes the European parliament support for 20 weeks fully paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, breastfeeding breaks for mothers at work and other amendments.  
Paid leave enables people to stay off work to look after their baby - research shows it is associated with less depression in mothers and better health for babies.  
Maternity and paternity leave payments currently lag behind minimum wage and create a situation whereby time off to care for young children is not available to those with few resources to rely on. This results in many mothers in low paid jobs returning to work earlier than they might wish to, in order to increase the family’s income.   
We hope families will lobby the UK government to support these measures at the Council of Ministers so that parents can benefit. Most European countries already have breastfeeding breaks - this is the best chance of a clear right to breaks in the UK.”   

Comprehensive Spending Review NCT Official Press Release 20-10-2010.

Comprehensive Spending Review NCT Official Press Release 20-10-2010.
Released on 20/10/2010
NCT Press Statement

Anne Fox, Head of Campaigns & Public Policy, NCT, commenting on the Comprehensive Spending Review, says;

“Some of the measures announced today will hit Britain where it hurts the most – the future generation. The Prime Minister said; 'We want to see Britain become the most family-friendly country in Europe', what has been announced today is likely to make it more difficult for many mothers and fathers  to start and raise a family in the UK.

While some of the measures announced, such as the increase in the child element of the child tax credit for low-income families, will benefit some families, we are concerned that many other parents will be adversely affected by some of the other announcements made today, adding to a litany of changes affecting families announced since the Emergency Budget.

Today’s review has not delivered on the commitment to make Britain the most family-friendly country in Europe. We look forward to seeing the forthcoming recommendations in the Poverty and Life Chances Review, and the Early Intervention Review, and hope that they will encourage a more supportive environment for families, that can be backed up by government action."


      Child benefit will be frozen for three years. This will take effect from April 2011. 
    *
      The cut in child tax credit for those on combined income of over £40,000 will take effect from April 2011 with further changes in 2012-13.
    *
      The Health in Pregnancy Grant (£190) has been abolished and takes effect from 1st January 2011.
    *
      The Sure Start Maternity Grant (£500 per baby) will be restricted to only the first-born child from April 2011.
    *
      From October 2011, lone parents will be expected to look for work when their youngest child goes to school.
    *
      The Child Trust Fund will be abolished. Government contributions will cease from 1st January 2011.
    *
      In January 2011 VAT will rise by 2.5%, bringing it to 20%.
    *
      Housing benefit to be capped at £400 per week for a four-bedroom house from April 2011.
    *
      In 2008, 790,000 children were born in the UK, of which 43% were born to first-term parents. That is estimated at over 300,000 babies born in the UK to first-time parents.

NHS Grampian Needs Your Views

NHS Grampian Needs Your Views to Improve Its New Maternity Strategy.

 

NHS Grampian would like your views on its draft strategy for maternity services. A consultation exercise is running from 11 October to 22 November 2010, with a formal report being made to the NHS Board at its December meeting. 

 

The vision of the strategy is one where all maternity related services and communities work closely together to support women and families give their children the best possible start in life. The draft strategy outlines:

• how we will all support more women and families to choose healthier lifestyles, have safer births, healthier babies and nurture their children
• the improvements needed to make this happen
• the challenges which need to be met to deliver these changes

To read the draft strategy click here and to give your views please complete this questionnaire - closing date for responses is Monday 22 November.

Windows Live Hotmail Alert - IS IT GENUINE?

Windows Live Hotmail Alert - IS IT GENUINE?

Seems very strange as msn would know themselves when a account was last activated or not!

Windows Live Hotmail Alert!!!

Dear Account User
Due to the congestion in all Hotmail users and removal of all unused Hotmail Accounts, Hotmail would be shutting down all unused accounts. You will have to confirm your E-mail by filling out your Login Info below after clicking the reply button or your account will be suspended within 24 hours for security reasons.

User Name:....................................
Password:........................................
Date Of Birth:.........................................
Country Or Territory:..............................


After Following the instructions in the sheet, your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal. Thanks for your attention to this request. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Watch word be careful 

 CHILD BENEFIT CUTS WILL HURT SINGLE FAMILIES.

Child benefit cuts

Released on 06/10/2010

NCT statement 
“NCT appreciates the Government's need to cut the budget deficit and to explore a range of avenues by which to do so.

We have been concerned however, since the emergency budget, that certain measures impact more negatively on families of young children than other groups.

As a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, NCT looks forward to working with Government to ensure that proposed changes to child benefit - to be introduced in 2013 - are as fair as possible on families of young children.

The current proposal could be deemed inequitable in its treatment of single income households, be they headed by a single adult or a couple.

NCT is committed to working with Government to achieve the fairest outcome for families.”

ENDS

 

For further press information contact NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404 or email press@nct.org.uk  For out of hours, please call 07722 839 428.  The NCT has ISDN line on 020 8992 6499 – please call Press Office first to book.  

FIND MY LOCAL NCT PARENT CLASSES AND COURSES.

 FIND MY LOCAL NCT PARENT CLASSES AND COURSES.

At NCT, we know how important it is to find the information you need to prepare for life as a parent. That’s why we offer a range of courses to help you through this life-changing experience.

• Antenatal courses - designed to help you to prepare for labour, birth and those rollercoaster first days with your baby
• Refresher antenatal courses for mums who already have a child but want to brush up on their knowledge or look at choosing a different birth this time around
• Postnatal courses for mums who want to feel more confident in their new role as a parent.

Antenatal courses come in a range of formats, from the classic NCT course that takes place over a number of weeks to intensive weekends. Enter your details into the form below to find your nearest course. 

Getting the right course for you

A unique feature of NCT courses is the emphasis we place on building your own network of support with other local mums and dads. 

This means that we try to offer you a course that ensures you will be in a group of parents with similar due dates and in a similar location. Sometimes, you may find that we suggest an alternative course to the one that you have enquired about in order to meet this aim.

We also try to ensure that your course finishes one month before your baby is due so that you have time to apply what you’ve learnt and are unlikely to miss the end of your course if your baby comes early.

If you are unable to find a suitable course after using the search below, just click on any course in your area and complete the online form. Put as much detail as possible in the box that requests further information on what you need and your course administrator will get back to you with the available options.

Find your nearest course near you please follow this NCT Link?

Personel Weight Guidance for Mums.

NCT Press Release.

NCT comment on NICE guidance on weight management in pregnancy and after childbirth

 NICE - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence - has developed new public health guidance on dietary and physical activity interventions for weight management in pregnancy and after childbirth.
The new guidance is aimed at GPs, obstetricians, midwives, health visitors, dieticians, community pharmacists and all those working in antenatal and postnatal services and children’s centres. The recommendations cover four key areas: preparing for pregnancy; pregnant women and women who may become pregnant - particularly those with a BMI over 30kg/m2; and supporting women following childbirth. 
Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said:
“Thousands of women attend NCT courses each year and we know from listening to them that weight management and weight loss during and after pregnancy is a concerning issue. There’s also a lot of conflicting advice on exercise and how much weight to gain during pregnancy and how to lose it afterwards - this can set a worrying example by encouraging new mums to embark on drastic weight loss programmes, which are not only unrealistic, but can also be very unhealthy. 
“Therefore, we welcome these NICE guidelines which should ensure better consistency of support from health professionals on exercise and weight management across the board, and will allow services to be tailored to meet women’s individual needs.  
“Women are well motivated to make changes to their diet when they are pregnant and this opportunity can improve the family eating pattern for the future. Activities such as walking or swimming do not carry particular risks for pregnant women provided they are not done too strenuously, but pregnant women should check with their GP to make sure that any exercise they are planning to do is safe. Post pregnancy, activities such as breastfeeding can help women to return to their pre-pregnancy weight provided they follow a sensible diet.” 
Read the NICE guidance here.

Call for Postnatal Care Improvement, Official NCT Press Release.

Call for Postnatal Care Improvement.

Released on 03/10/2010,

NEW REPORT CALLS FOR IMPROVED POSTNATAL CARE IN UK.

A shocking new report out today by NCT, the UK’s largest parenting charity, shows new mums are left unprepared and unsupported by the NHS after they’ve had a baby and calls on the NHS to improve postnatal care in the UK. Many women feel their needs aren’t being met, leaving them feeling confused, abandoned and let down. NCT is now calling for immediate improvement to services before it’s too late.

The report ‘Postnatal Care – a Cinderella story?’ examines women’s experiences of NHS maternity services and is based on a survey of 1260 first time mums¹. The findings show many mums are being let down just when they need services most. Many of those surveyed said they felt helpless, isolated and abandoned by the care they received in hospital and made frequent references to seeing different midwives at each contact, receiving conflicting advice particularly in relation to feeding, staff shortages, insensitivity and even rudeness from healthcare staff.

Of mums surveyed, 42% thought there were only ‘sometimes’ or ‘never’ enough midwives to help them in hospital, as opposed to ‘always’ or ‘mostly’ enough. Furthermore, 57% didn’t get all the emotional support they needed in hospital within the first 24 hours.

In addition, mums who’d had operative births (forceps, ventouse or caesarean) had the greatest gaps in care which is concerning since their needs are the greatest² - 43% of mums who’d had a caesarean said their emotional needs weren’t met within 24 hours to a month after the birth, and 30%, who'd had a caesarean found midwives only kind and understanding some of time or never. Postnatal care in a birth centre or after a birth at home, however, was more positively perceived.

The survey shows that the emotional support, physical care and information given to first-time mums are also sadly lacking – less than half (41%) had all the emotional support they needed in the first 24 hours, 56% said they got all the physical care they needed and only 45% received all the information and advice they needed. Plus, despite guidance from NICE to say all women should have a personalised postnatal care plan, 96% were not involved in a plan.

New mum Anita Thatcher says: “The night I spent in hospital after my daughter was born was awful. My bed had no way of calling the nurse station as the button was broken. Back at home I struggled. I had a haemorrhage 13 days after the birth and ended up back in hospital. I had to wait until 5pm the next day just for some paperwork to be signed off so I could be discharged.”

Clare Wilson from the North East says: “After the birth of my son, born by emergency caesarean, I couldn’t lift him out of the cot and there was no-one around to help. I had to ask another mother on the ward to lift him up to me. A day after, midwives encouraged me to shower but no one came with me. I could barely walk, nearly fell over and was bleeding all over the floor and trying to clean it up. It was really scary and upsetting. I remember feeling very thirsty and had to keep calling for water, but it took a while before anyone came. I missed a meal too, because you had to go out of the ward to fetch it and I couldn’t walk that far.”

Anne Fox, Head of Campaigns and Public Policy, NCT said; “It’s clear postnatal care urgently needs improvement - our report paints a dreadful, shocking picture of care in the UK – we’re letting women and their babies down. Evidence shows that supporting women and babies at this vital time can have a major impact on future health and learning. Our report recommends NHS trusts and boards need to listen to what local women tell them about the services provided and set objectives for improving postnatal care, agree practical strategies and monitor their progress.”

The report also found when it came to baby feeding, support was inadequate, particularly for mums in hospital. Of those surveyed 52% felt they didn’t get consistent advice about feeding, and less than half of first time mums (45%) said they got all the help and support they needed in the first 24 hours, with similar rates for a week and up to a month after the birth. However, positively, 79% of mums were encouraged to have skin to skin contact in the first hour after birth, which can help with feeding and bonding.

After the birth, most women had a visit from a midwife, health visitor or maternity support worker, with most women receiving a visit three or four times. The majority of women (71%) wanted to see the same midwife throughout their care, but 51% ended up seeing three or more different midwives after discharge from a maternity unit or birth at home.

Anne Fox continues, “Many of the problems these women highlight seem to be due to staff shortages or lack of visits once they had left hospital – and this issue needs to be addressed if the quality of postnatal care is to be improved, particularly for vulnerable women. Being a new mum should be a positive experience and support for mums in those early days and months is vital. Action is needed to improve postnatal care in UK and we’re calling on every health service to work to improve the support provided and end the situation whereby postnatal care is the Cinderella service.”

All recent major maternity policy developments, and the NICE recommendations for postnatal care, have put women’s experiences after the birth under greater scrutiny. However, this report highlights existing postnatal care services are falling short of meeting women’s needs and expectations at a time of tremendous change for them.

In order to ensure that women receive high quality, safe, effective postnatal care that meets their individual needs and their babies, NCT has set out ten steps for all four country governments and local NHS services to put into practice including implementing the NICE postnatal care guidelines and ensuring every woman has a co-ordinating health professional responsible for ensuring she has the right care, at the right time, and a personalised postnatal care plan.  

The report was designed to replicate aspects of the NCT postnatal care survey carried out in 1999-2000 in order to capture the current state of postnatal care today and to help shape further policy development. It shows there seems to have been very limited improvements in postnatal care and possibly an overall decline in the extent to which woman-centred quality standards are being met.

Over the last 50 years, NCT has been working to improve parents’ experiences. With 105,000 members and over 10,000 volunteers, NCT supports up to a million parents each year through its information and supporter services. The charity also campaigns to improve services and facilities to help build skilled and confident parents for the future.

To download a copy of the report ‘Postnatal Care – a Cinderella story?’ and to take action to help improve postnatal care in the UK, click here. 

Safeguarding Normal Birth

Released on 28/09/2010

Safeguarding Normal Birth,

In order to help maternity healthcare professionals improve outcomes for parents, NCT, the UK’s largest parenting charity, has published a report drawing together evidence that highlights how giving birth without major medical procedures can be used as a measure of good midwifery care. 
The report, entitled ‘Normal birth as a measure of the quality of care’, by Miranda Dodwell and Mary Newburn, gives practical actions to guide the planning of service developments which increase opportunities for normal birth – whether at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital setting – without compromising safety or women’s experiences.
These include:    
Providing continuity of midwife-led care.     
Offering birth at home or in a birth centre.        
Providing birth preparation classes.       
Ensuring one-to-one midwifery care for women in labour.       
Encouraging mobility and upright positions during labour.       
Offering access to immersion in water during labour for pain relief. 
NCT’s report sets out the case for using normal birth rates as a measure of quality and draws on a range of research literature, evidence-based NCT publications and women’s stories. Recent statistics for normal birth show that rates have fallen over the last two decades - figures for 2006 show that in England around 47% of women having their baby in hospital had a normal birth compared to 60% in 1990, and in 2008 in Scotland this figure was less than 41%. 
The report also looks at different components of care which have been shown to increase normal birth rates and summarises key points of evidence on how these contribute to high quality midwifery care. It suggests ways in which these aspects of care can be measured in local services and used to drive improvements in the quality of care that women and their families receive. 
Mary Newburn, NCT’s Head of Research and Information and co-author of the report, says: “The concern over increased medical interventions during birth has led to a renewed focus on how it is possible to promote normality in labour and birth. This means finding out what is acceptable to women and midwives, what is actively welcomed by them and what makes a real difference. This report brings together evidence on practices that increase the quality of care for women and their families.” 
Included in the report are women’s own stories, showing the importance of birth in their lives – both the positive nature of normal birth and the potential negative effect that interventions can have when they diminish a woman’s sense of autonomy and control during labour.  
One mother says: “The fact that I was surrounded by people who cared about me and that inside of my head a voice was singing ‘I did it!’, made the first moments of being that child’s mother confident ones.” 
Another is quoted saying: “Being allowed to trust my instincts about where I wanted to be and when I wanted to push was important… I had a midwife with me throughout labour. I needed the comfort and support of a caring and qualified female presence.” 
NCT’s report is in line with policy from the new coalition Government. The recent Department of Health White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS (July 2010) stated: “The primary purpose of the NHS is to improve the outcomes of healthcare for all: to deliver care that is safer, more effective and that provides a better experience for patients. Building on Lord Darzi’s work, the Government will now establish improvement in quality and healthcare outcomes as the primary purpose of all NHS-funded care.” 
NCT’s report was used to inform the recent Midwifery 2020 programme report, a UK-wide vision for the future of midwifery which aims to improve the experience of women during their maternity care and outcomes for mothers, babies and families.  

Over the last 50 years, NCT has been working to improve parents’ experiences. With 105,000 members and over 10,000 volunteers, NCT supports up to a million parents each year through its information and supporter services. The charity also campaigns to improve services and facilities to help build skilled and confident parents for the future.

You can view the full report, ‘Normal birth as a measure of the quality of care’

here.

Pregnant Women 'Miss Out On Antenatal Care.

Story sourced from the BBC providing top class service to the people of tomorrow,
By Nick Triggle Health reporter, BBC News


Antenatal classes can help pick up health problems during pregnancy

Many of the most vulnerable pregnant women are missing out on vital care in England and Wales, experts say.

NHS watchdog NICE said teenage mothers, domestic abuse victims, drug users and non-English speakers were the least likely to use antenatal services despite being the most in need.
The body said the health service needed to become more flexible and welcoming.
But there has been criticism over its suggestion for schools and colleges to start hosting antenatal classes.

Dr Gillian Leng from NICE: 'The problem at the moment is lack of access'

NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence which acts as the official advisory body to the health service, said antenatal classes played an essential role in improving the health of mothers and babies.
They offer lifestyle advice about drinking and smoking, as well as helping to spot medical problems such as pre-eclampsia and a form of diabetes linked to pregnancy.
But NICE said that despite teenage mothers, domestic abuse victims, drug users and non-English speakers being the most likely to encounter problems, antenatal attendance among these groups remained low - although it was unable to supply figures, and instead based its report on anecdotal evidence.
NICE said not using antenatal services was a factor in the high rates of complications.
Fourteen in 100,000 women die during pregnancy or after childbirth on average, but in deprived communities that figure rises five-fold. Stillbirths and infant mortality rates are also higher, according to official figures.
Interpreters
The guidance said the NHS should take a range of steps to ensure more women from difficult backgrounds accessed antenatal care.
As well as providing classes in schools and colleges where appropriate, the body called for more interpreters for those with difficulty speaking English, out-of-hours contacts, a text-messaging service to remind women of appointments and one-on-one sessions to allow sensitive subjects to be discussed.

 

"Implementing the recommendations will require additional resourcing and staffing at a level that it is not clearly available in the current context of cutbacks in NHS spending," she said.

Mary Newburn, from the National Childbirth Trust parenting charity, said the proposals would make the NHS "more accessible and responsive to the complex needs of vulnerable women who can often slip through the net".

Continue reading the main story

LONDON NCT OFFICES AND BRANCHES

Hackney & Islington

Branch telephone 0844 243 6147 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion To find out more about what we offer in the Hackney & Islington branch and how you can get involved go to www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/hackney Antenatal course bookings - bookings5d@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6899

Distance : 4.8Km (2.98 miles)

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Above is your local branch, other nearby branches are listed below.

North West London

Branch telephone 0844 243 6229 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion North West London branch covers all NW postcodes(except NW7). We run two nearly new sales a year, Speed Bumps evenings for expectant parents and Bumps & Babies coffee drop-ins in NW6 and more to come thanks to recent volunteers. Check our events page for details and please help us make it happen. NCT Antenatal Class Bookings and Information: go to the Course Finder and fill in our enquiry form: http://www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/northwestlondon/courses. General Enquiries about local branch activities chairnctnw@yahoo.co.uk

Distance : 2.98Km (1.85 miles)

Southwark & Lambeth

Branch telephone 0844 243 6274 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Antenatal classes: Alison 0844 243 6921 / bookings4h@nct.org.uk

Distance : 3.61Km (2.24 miles)

Tower Hamlets

Branch telephone 0844 243 6300 General enquiries: towerhamletsnct@yahoo.com Mums-to-be evenings: thnctmums2b@googlemail.com Postnatal enquiries: thnctpostnatal@googlemail.com Membership enquiries: thnctmembership@googlemail.com Branch advertising: thnctadvertising@googlemail.com Website enquires:thnctwebmaster@googlemail.com General enquiries: towerhamletsnct@yahoo.com Mums-to-be evenings: thnctmums2b@googlemail.com Postnatal enquiries: thnctpostnatal@googlemail.com Membership enquiries: thnctmembership@googlemail.com Branch advertising: thnctadvertising@googlemail.com Website enquires:thnctwebmaster@googlemail.com Antenatal classes: E-mail Ruth at bookings5a@nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6902

Distance : 3.63Km (2.26 miles)

Westminster

Branch telephone 0844 243 6078 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT antenatal class bookings: 0844 243 6882 or email bookings5u@nct.org.uk

Distance : 3.93Km (2.44 miles)

Tottenham

Welcome to Tottenham NCT We have just been born so watch as we change and grow day on day. See what we are getting up to daily by joining our Facebook group: We can be contacted: 0844 243 0299 Your NCT committee Chair Coordinator: Beewan Athwal email: ncttottenhamchair@hotmail.com Treasurer: Annabel Kanjurs Membership Coordinator: Alyson Slorach email: Alysoncttottenham@hotmail.com Parent Support coordinator: Luci Davin

Distance : 6.81Km (4.23 miles)

Kensington and Chelsea

Branch Telephone 0844 243 0007 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion

Distance : 7.1Km (4.41 miles)

Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest NCT has lots on offer to make your transition to parenthood happy and rewarding: the chance to meet other mums and parents-to-be, education & information on parenting and childbirth, information on local area activities and facilities, and much more... Our branch covers Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow and Chingford. If you're already a member and feel you could help in any way to make our branch better, please get involved - help out at an event, write an article for our newsletter, host a coffee morning, train to be an antenatal teacher, give a talk.... the branch is only as active as we make it. Antenatal class bookings: Ruth - bookings5a@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6902 Postnatal enquiries: Lucy 0870 420 8949 Membership and general enquiries: Claire 0870 460 9532

Distance : 7.64Km (4.75 miles)

Clapham

Branch telephone 0844 243 6092 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT Antenatal bookings - contact Vanessa at bookings4b@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6927

Distance : 7.85Km (4.88 miles)

Greenwich

NCT Greenwich branch.

Distance : 8.16Km (5.07 miles)

Haringey

Branch telephone 0844 243 6151 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Haringey Branch Website: http://www.davemac.demon.co.uk/nct/ NCT Antenatal Class Bookings: email bookings5b@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6901

Distance : 8.25Km (5.13 miles)

Redbridge & District

Branch telephone 0844 243 6247 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Nearly New Sale: nct_redbridge_nns@yahoo.co.uk General Enquiries: nct_redbridge@yahoo.co.uk Antenatal Class Bookings: bookings5a@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6902

Distance : 8.8Km (5.47 miles)

Chiswick & Hammersmith

Branch telephone 0844 243 6089 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT antenatal and postnatal course bookings and information: Angela Basit bookings5t@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6883

Distance : 9.26Km (5.75 miles)

Newham

Branch telephone 0844 243 6217 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Antenatal course bookings: 0844 243 6902 or email: bookings5a@nct.org.uk

Distance : 10.89Km (6.77 miles)

Richmond

Branch telephone 0844 243 6250 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion For NCT antenatal course bookings, please go to the "Course Finder" on this website and use your postcode to find courses near you. For all other enquiries email: nctrichmond@hotmail.com

Distance : 11.16Km (6.94 miles)

Putney & Fulham

Branch telephone 0844 243 6245 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT antenatal course information and bookings: bookings4c@nct.org.uk or see our Course Finder page for courses in your area.

Distance : 11.38Km (7.07 miles)

Lewisham

Branch telephone 0844 243 6120 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Antenatal Class Bookings Alison - bookings4h@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6921

Distance : 12.16Km (7.56 miles)

Wimbledon & Wandsworth

Branch volunteering and event enquiries: 0844 243 6326 or email wandwnct+enquiries@googlemail.com NCT antenatal and postnatal courses: bookings4c@nct.org.uk

Distance : 13.77Km (8.56 miles)

Barnet

Branch telephone 0844 243 6038 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion The range of support we can offer is antenatal classes, breast feed counseling, regular coffee mornings in your area for mum's with babies or toddlers. Various social events ranging from days out or picking up bargains at our Near New Sales. We also produce a quarterly newsletter full of useful contact details and articles to make you laugh or just to pick up a few tips. General enquiries Contact Michelle Kirschner on 07973 987162 or email Enquiries@barnetnct.co.uk for general enquiries about NCT Barnet activities and opportunities for involvement. Our areas include: Arkley, Borehamwood, Edgware, Hadley Wood, New Barnet, East Barnet, High Barnet, Friern Barnet, Mill Hill, Finchley, Totteridge, Whetstone If you would like further information about our branch please visit our website http://www.barnetnct.co.uk/

Distance : 13.96Km (8.68 miles)

Beckenham & Borders

General Enquiries: 0844 243 6046 General Email Address: nct.beckenham.borders@hotmail.co.uk NCT Antenatal Course Bookings: 0844 243 6919 or email bookings4j@nct.org.uk

Distance : 14.18Km (8.82 miles)

Harrow

Branch telephone 0844 243 6155 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion General Enquiries: harrownctenquiries@nct.org.uk NCT antenatal class bookings : 0844 243 6900 or email bookings5c@nct.org.uk

Distance : 14.22Km (8.84 miles)

 

 

Hackney & Islington

Branch telephone 0844 243 6147 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion To find out more about what we offer in the Hackney & Islington branch and how you can get involved go to www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/hackney Antenatal course bookings - bookings5d@nct.org.uk / 0844 243 6899

Distance : 4.8Km (2.98 miles)

---

Above is your local branch, other nearby branches are listed below.

Ealing

Branch telephone 0844 243 6114 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5. valley cushion Antenatal Class Enquiries: 0844 243 6900 or email bookings5c@nct.org.uk

Distance : 14.53Km (9.03 miles)

Enfield

Branch telephone 0844 243 6125 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion General equiries Email address enquiries@enfieldnct.org.uk Antenatal Course Bookings Contact: email bookings5b@nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6901

Distance : 14.7Km (9.14 miles)

Bromley & Chislehurst

Branch telephone 0844 243 6064 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT Antenatal Course Bookings - bookings4j@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6919

Distance : 14.78Km (9.18 miles)

Croydon

Branch telephone 0844 243 6100 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Branch e-mail: information@nctcroydon.co.uk NCT antenatal and postnatal course bookings: 0844 243 6928 or email bookings4a@nct.org.uk

Distance : 16.79Km (10.44 miles)

Twickenham, Hounslow & District

Branch telephone 0844 243 6304 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Class bookings contact Sara on 0844 243 6923 or bookings4f@nct.org.uk

Distance : 17.09Km (10.62 miles)

West Wickham & Hayes

General enquiries: 0844 243 6320 NCT Antenatal Class bookings: bookings4j@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6919

Distance : 17.86Km (11.1 miles)

Kingston

Branch telephone 0844 243 6180 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion For NCT antenatal and postnatal courses, contact bookings4g@nct.org.uk

Distance : 18.73Km (11.64 miles)

Orpington District

Branch telephone 0844 243 6235 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT Antenatal Course Bookings: bookings4j@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6919

Distance : 20.01Km (12.43 miles)

Havering

Branch telephone 0844 243 6158 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion NCT Havering antenatal & parentcraft courses enquiries & bookings: bookings5i@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6894

Distance : 20.46Km (12.72 miles)

Hillingdon

Branch telephone 0844 243 6168 Option1. Local events and general enquiries Option2. Nearly new sales Option3. Branch newsletter enquiries and advertising Option4. Membership secretary Option5.Bra/breast pump/valley cushion Branch information: www.ncthillingdon.org.uk NCT Antenatal class bookings: email bookings5c@nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6900

Distance : 21.46Km (13.34 miles)

 

 

NCT Active - Take Action for Parents!

NCT Active - Take Action for Parent!

Latest action you can take: Stop misleading exams in England!

 

Do you want your children to be educated with inaccurate information about formula feeding? You can take action now to ensure education and exams provide the accurate information.

How to take action:

Join NCT Active and you can send an email to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Nick Gibb MP, your own MP and Ofqual, asking them to stop industry influence in education. Read more about NCT's concerns about exam papers.

Join NCT Active now

If you are already a member of NCT Active please log in to your account

What is NCT Active?

NCT Active is our free, easy and quick to use campaigners’ network 

What happens if I join?

Once you join we will send you a monthly newsletter with news of our successes and tips to make a real and lasting difference for parents in your local area.  We will ask you to spend two minutes once a month to make a difference for you parents in your local area, in your region or nationally.  

You will also be able to log in to find out about our current campaigns and take action straight away. You don’t need to be a member of NCT- you just need the desire to help parents during pregnancy and birth, babyfeeding and early parenthood.

For any more information please e-mail campaigns@nct.org.uk

NCT Campaigning Objectives.

NCT Campaigning Objectives

Pregnancy and Birth
1. One-to-one support in labour
2. Birth environments designed around women’s needs
3. Easily accessible, individualised services for all
4. Choice of place of birth
5. Well informed parents and professionals
6. Protection and promotion of the normality of birth

Babyfeeding
1. The Baby Friendly Initiative being fully implemented
2. Informed, individualised support
3. Integrated government breastfeeding strategies
4. Peer and specialist supporters
5. Well informed and supportive communities

Early Parenthood
1. Information on parenting approaches to be evidence-based
2. Continuous parent-centred, empowering services
3. Improved postnatal care
4. High quality, affordable childcare
5. Improved maternity and paternity leave and pay

Remember that NCT, whether a local branch or nationally, can only campaigns on these objectives. We can help you find a local group to campaign with if you want to campaign on areas such as creche closures, green parenting or international children's issues. Just email us on campaigns@nct.org.uk.

Had a Local Campaigning Success?

Get in touch and help us turn YOUR success into a guide for other activists to use. Power to the Parents!

The Family Room at Political Party Conferences.

The Family Room at political party conferences

 
NCT will be part of the ‘Family Room’ at the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat conferences this autumn. 

We have signed up with 14 other charities to highlight parenting issues to Government Ministers, elected politicians and delegates by holding a number of fringe meetings highlighting parenting and family issues. 

Please click on the link for more details to see what’s going on:
Family Room at the Party Conferences

BABY FRIENDLY YORK FAIR 2010

BABY FRIENDLY YORK FAIR 2010
Nearl New Sale,
Saturday 16th October 1-4 PM Joseph Rowntree School.

The York branch of the NCT provides a support network to help you through pregnancy and early parenthood. For some people, that support may be attending our very popular ante-natal classes, or contacting a breast feeding counsellor. For others it may be meeting new mums at coffee mornings, finding out about child-friendly cafes in York or going on a social night out.

Your York branch provides all these things!

Our branch is run by volunteers and extends across York and surrounding areas including Tadcaster, Market Weighton, Ryedale and Scarborough (LS24, YO1, YO10-14, YO17, YO19, YO23-24, YO26, YO30-32, YO41-43 and YO60).

Antenatal Care for Vulnerable Women

Antenatal Care for Vulnerable Women

Released on 22/09/2010

NCT statement in response to NICE guidance on pregnancy and complex social factors

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said:

“We know vulnerable women are much more at risk. They are the least likely to attend traditional antenatal appointments, so once they are pregnant we need to ensure they have the best experience they can, to enable them to become skilled and confident parents.   

“If implemented, this guidance has real potential to make maternity services more effective in reducing health inequalities. It provides clear recommendations to make maternity care more accessible and responsive to the complex needs of vulnerable women who can often slip through the net. 

“NCT particularly supports the emphasis on multi-agency working to ensure holistic care provision and improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable pregnant women and their partners and children.”

Background

NICE has said today that vulnerable women including teenage mothers, domestic abuse victims, drug users and non-English speakers are missing out on vital care in England and Wales and were the least likely to use antenatal services despite being the most in need.

NICE said the health service needed to become more flexible and welcoming and should take a range of steps, including providing antenatal classes in schools and colleges, to ensure more women from difficult backgrounds accessed antenatal care thereby helping to prevent complications and potentially save the lives of these mothers and their babies. They have also said NHS trusts should commission antenatal care and education in peer groups in a variety of settings, such as GP surgeries, children's centres and schools. As well as calling for more interpreters for those with difficulty speaking English, out-of-hours contacts, a text-messaging service to remind women of appointments and one-on-one sessions to allow sensitive subjects to be discussed.

http://www.latestnewsforum.co.uk

NCT Nearly New Sales

NCT Nearly New Sales

Released on 20/09/2010

LET YOUR BABY BOOM WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK 

Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can be an expensive time too. NCT’s Nearly New Sales give new and expectant mums and dads a financial lifeline by offering an alternative to forking out for brand new baby products – and the opportunity to be a greener parent. 

NCT Nearly New Sales autumn season launches this month across the UK. The Sales allow families to sell off their unwanted baby goods. Meanwhile, local parents can kit out their kids for less than high street prices or save a fortune on preparing for the arrival of their new baby. 

Last year, more than 200,000 parents attended an NCT Nearly New Sale, raising more than £1 million for the charity. More than 600 Sales were held across the UK, with 50,000 parents selling over 1 million items. Even better, every item bought from an NCT Nearly New Sale is an item which isn’t going to landfill. 

The One Show’s Lucy Siegle, who reports and speaks on environmental issues,  endorses the Sales as a green option for parents. She says: “NCT’s Nearly New Sales are a win-win situation for parents. They can make a bit of money by selling items they no longer need and pick up a bargain, all while preserving the environment for future generations by recycling and reducing the amount of unused equipment going into landfill.”

After attending her first Sale, Bree Back from Colchester said: “I started chatting to another mum in the queue who gave me some good tips about how to survive the mad rush. She recommended being focused on getting a few key items, such as a moses basket, baby bath etc. 

“The best thing I found was a vibrating bouncy chair – it’s a godsend. Without that, I don’t think I would be able to have a shower in the morning. It’s the only thing that keeps my little bub quiet and entertained long enough!”

Every year the Sales prevent over 300 tonnes of baby clothes and equipment ending up as landfill so parents can save cash, and the environment, at the same time! 

The Sales are not exclusively for NCT members, they are open to everyone whether buying, selling or both! On average, parents spend £25 at a Sale, which could buy a range of items such as bedding, a changing station, a moses basket, travel cot or high chair.  Clothes and equipment must be in excellent condition and sellers keep up to 70% of the proceeds. The rest is returned to fund NCT’s vital services and support for parents. 

Timothy Todhunter, Branch Fundraising Manager says: “More babies are born in September than in any other month, so now is a great time to be a seller or a buyer at an NCT Nearly New Sale.”

For details of your nearest NCT Nearly New Sale, sponsored by Comfort Pure and Persil Non-Bio, visit www.nct.org.uk/nearlynewsales or call NCT Enquiries on 0300 330 0770. 

Funds raised for NCT from Nearly New Sales go to supporting parents through: providing evidence-based information; national helplines; local services such as breastfeeding and coffee mornings; subsidised or free antenatal and postnatal classes for vulnerable people; training antenatal and postnatal teachers and campaigns to improve maternity services and support for parents in the workplace.

Extending UK Maternity Leave

Extending UK Maternity Leave

Released on 17/09/2010

Background: An impact assessment carried out by the European Parliament revealed that the cost of extending maternity leave to 20 weeks at full pay in the UK would be £2.5bn per year. MEPs will vote on the proposal in October 2010. 

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of NCT, said: “NCT supports the right of all parents to equal access to time off after the birth of their baby. We support the introduction of extended periods of maternity leave.  Currently maternity leave payments lag behind minimum wage and create a situation whereby time of to care for young children is not available to those with the lowest resources to rely on. 

“We fully appreciate the difficult economic situation for businesses and the government, but failing to address the inequalities in the maternity leave system brushes the problem under the carpet.  Women are faced with the decision to go back to work too early due to economic pressure, more and more in a tough economic climate.  With that decision comes childcare costs and arrangements as well as unnecessary pressure at such a precious time in their baby’s development.

“Providing 20 weeks paid leave would be a giant step to take, but one in the right direction if we are going to create a family-friendly society that respects the rights of all mothers regardless of their current salary.  We would therefore call on the government and UK MEPs to support the principle of working towards at least 20 weeks paid leave and examine when this may be possible within the forthcoming comprehensive spending review.”

NCT Supports the Vision of Midwifery 2020

NCT Supports the Vision of Midwifery 2020

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, says; “This report reaffirms the important role of skilled midwives and how crucial they are in supporting women and their partners through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If the health service implements its recommendations, it will spell the end of the factory approach to maternity services and make having a baby a more community-focused, personal and positive experience.

The report clearly recognises that women need a safe and life-enhancing experience – the success of maternity services should be measured by its ability to do both.

It is particularly good to see the emphasis on midwives’ involvement in social care of women. The report’s vision sees midwives as professionals who manage a woman’s health and social needs, working outside the medical model of care, and firmly rooted in the community.

There is also emphasis on the importance of a woman and her partner having the support of a midwife they know and trust from the start of pregnancy to the end of the postnatal period. The health service cannot yet make sure it builds a relationship with every woman, but it is aspiration for the future.

We are delighted to see a number of NCT’s recommendations, based on what parents and evidence says, have been accepted. NCT takes seriously its role of making sure UK maternity and early parenthood policy is designed for parents who use the service."

You can read the full Midwifery 2020 report here.

http://www.midwifery2020.org/

Lack of Action to the Exam Question Sham.

Lack of action to the exam question sham.


NCT is disappointed by the current lack of action from the authorities over the GCSE exam question scandal, but your support could spur them on.

You can email the Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove MP) and the Minister for Schools (Nick Gibb MP) today and show them that we don’t want our children’s exams exposed to poor information that will lead them to false assumptions.


Following a great amount of interest from you on this important issue, we were hoping for some good news from Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. So far, we have only had a holding reply, having raised the issue with them in July.

Your action now could make them step up a gear since your email will be going to the Ministerial team, your own MP and Ofqual themselves will be copied in. This will keep up the pressure on Ofqual to do a thorough investigation into how such poor information got into exams.


Previous NCT investigations found that a GCSE question contains factual inaccuracies and is constructed with a clear bias in favour of formula feeding. It presents erroneous information as fact, and directs students to mistrust charities.


The exam question uses an example of a fictional packet of infant formula milk, called My Baby Food, which is recommended ‘as being the closest to a mother’s own breast milk’ and that it is given free to mothers in the developing world – as without it their babies might die of malnutrition.


If this was a real product, such messages would be illegal. The statement about being given to mothers in the developing world is also misleading since around 1.45 million children die every year through lack of breastfeeding, mainly as a result of unsafe bottle feeding.


Another example of poor information about formula feeding comes from an SAT Science paper, which asks why a comparison between formula, cow and breastmilk is a fair one. The comparison looks at quantities of nutrition in these, but does not provide information about how much of each element a baby needs. Therefore, looking at vitamin and iron content, students would assume that the formula is the ‘best’ option, as it contains more of these. No mention is made of how easily nutrients are absorbed from the various milks either, so someone who doesn’t appreciate that breastmilk is absorbed more readily than formula may be led to believe that these values do indeed provide a fair comparison, when the fact is they do not.


You can help to get a response from Ofqual and from the Government. Take action now by using our NCT Active software and stop inaccurate and misleading information making its way into education.

The role of GPs in Maternity Care

NCT statement in response to King's Fund report: 'The role of GPs in maternity care - what does the future hold?'


A report out today by the King’s Fund: ‘The role of GPs in maternity care - what does the future hold’, suggests that GPs could take a more active role in delivering high quality maternity care by sharing responsibilities with midwives and obstetricians, particularly for women with ongoing medical conditions. 

Commenting on the new report suggesting a greater role for GPs in maternity care Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, says;

"This report comes at a time when maternity services are under close scrutiny and though it makes some useful suggestions, the preferred model of care would be to continue to provide choice of carer and to actively promote midwife-led care to women. 

“The current problems in maternity care are caused not by the principle of less GP involvement but rather by the lack of supportive systems to make the role of the lead carer, midwife or consultant obstetrician, easier and seamless.  A partnership needs to emerge between the health professionals involved in the care of pregnant women, when they are well and when they are unwell. 

“Birth is a normal, physiological process and the majority of women who are healthy, with a straightforward pregnancy, do not require medical involvement either at general practitioner or hospital consultant level. A social model of care is therefore preferable which is why midwife-led care should be offered to all women. Some women will benefit from the involvement of a GP or require specialist help from dieticians, substance abuse services or social services and some will want to maintain their relationship with their GP. However, many women find getting to know a midwife they can trust and who will be with them through their pregnancy and birth is vital.

“Pregnant women in England currently have a choice to receive their care from their GP or a midwife. The midwife will explain this choice to them when they book their first visit.

“GP knowledge on maternity issues has fallen behind current evidence and a considerable amount of retraining will be required to enable them to fulfill their role in pregnancy in relation to the health of the woman and the baby who have medical needs. Even more training would be required if GPs are expected to deal with the pregnancy and birth and the post partum period, as a midwife would. 

“In the current, cost conscious climate, the most effective solution would be for a pregnant woman to book in with a midwife, for the midwife to have her medical records on her first visit, and the midwife then informing the GP of the pregnancy of one of their patients. Where there are pre-existing medical problems, the woman should be referred by the midwife to the appropriate service, which may be the GP or may be other services.”

To read the King's Fund report visit the


http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/current_projects/gp_inquiry/dimensions_of_care/maternity_care_in.html