"I went along to the conference primarily so that
I could find out more about the organisation I have belonged
to for the past 4 years from the people who are at the
forefront of leading the NCT. I also wanted to put faces
to the many names I have heard mentioned at committee
meetings and in the publications we receive.I went with
an open mind and no agenda and I had a really enjoyable
time.
It was interesting speaking to people from branches all
over the country and even more inspiring listening to
how the NCT has enriched the lives of so many members.
Branches have the ability to make such a difference to
peoples lives and this should not be underestimated.
Highlights for me included attending a workshop on
hypnosis and how it can be used in childbirth. Not only
did a volunteer reach a state of hypnosis but a 6 month
old baby who attended with her mother also curled up and
fell asleep on the carpet. The "Boomwhackers"
have to be another highlight but I'm not sure how you
can explain how melodic 100 or so woman hitting plastic
tubes against their hands can be!!
I came away from Glasgow feeling that I was part of
a special organisation that does make a difference to
the lives of people across the country and I look forward
to hopefully being able to attend the conference in 2008."
Joy Cassidy, Editor and Trainee
Antenatal Teacher
“I have to say that I have never been so moved
by a piece of drama as I was by the Birthday Theatre group.
I was literally reduced to tears by their accounts of
their traumatic birth experiences and how they came to
terms with them. They were extremely brave women and presenting
their stories in this way was very effective.”
Kathleen McDonald, Antenatal Teacher
"Would definitely recommend the conference.You don't
have to be a health professional to find sessions that
are relevant to you and don't be put off by some of the
session titles - the Programme didn't do many of them
justice.Everyone is really friendly and enthusiastic and
overall I found my day enjoyable, informative and thought
provoking."
Sandy Brand, Branch Member
“I’m probably not the only one who finds the
idea of crowds of women daunting, even if we’ve
shared similar experiences (entonox, anyone?) but this
was one of many preconceptions that were challenged on
Saturday. The NCT conference was an opportunity to learn
much more about the experiences and challenges that women
and men face as parents. At the regional get-together
on the Saturday morning, I met members from around Scotland
and afterwards talked to people UK-wide about new ways
to provide ante-natal and post-natal support. In the afternoon
I went to a session about self-hypnosis which was swiftly
followed by a wine reception - a great way to ensure I
ended the day in my happy place. Heartily recommended.
Elizabeth Harvey, Website Editor
" It was great to meet so many new people and hear
about what other branches are doing. And the highlight
for me was getting the chance to hear Jack Welsh's presentation
on "The effect of birth practices on breastfeeding"
Gillian Rhodes, Breastfeeding Counsellor
Trainee
