Birth Archives - NCT Matters

Using a TENS machine for labour

NCT Antenatal practitioner Kathryn Kelly gives some background to using Babycare TENS in labour, and you could save £20 when you buy one.

Tips for birth partners during a vaginal birth

Every woman should have access to a birth companion of choice throughout labour, birth and immediately after their baby is born. Read our ideas to help birth partners get prepared.

Hospital bag checklist: what do I need to take?

Snuggly PJs, baby grows and a whole buffet of snacks. Here’s what you should think about adding to your bag when you go into labour.

Steph’s Top 5 books!

I’m Steph, I live in High Wycombe with my husband and our 10- and 11-year-old daughters. I’m an NCT antenatal teacher and breastfeeding counsellor and I teach hypnobirthing and run baby massage classes.

The early signs of labour

You might already know about active labour but what happens before that? Here we explain the early signs of labour and when to call your midwife…

Pregnant in the pandemic: Hannah’s story

Here Hannah talks about pregnancy second-time round and how coronavirus changed things plus her tips and advice for other mums-to-be

How do I know I’m going into labour?

What are the early signs of labour, and how can you tell when it's started? Find out what to look out for and what you might expect when the time comes.

Watch video

How do I support my partner during labour?

Watch our video for tips on the best ways to help your partner when she's in labour

10 things you need to know about giving birth

You know your baby has to come out out after nine months but how and when? Read our list to help you feel as confident and calm as you can be about having a baby