New information sheets from NCT offer helping hand for parents

Released on 13/08/2008

The NCT has produced three new free information sheets to provide parents with information on what to expect after the birth of their baby.‘Blood loss after birth’, ‘How can I tell if my baby is thriving?’ and ‘Understanding your baby’s sleep’ factsheets include valuable information at a time when you need encouragement and support as a parent.  

• Women vary in how they recover from pregnancy and labour, ‘Blood loss after birth’ draws on recent research to provide you with information about what blood loss is normal and what to expect for the first six weeks after birth. Topics covered are common problems related to blood loss after birth.

• ‘How can I tell if my baby is thriving?’ includes useful signs for checking whether a baby is growing well and what can be done if they are not, as well as providing information about weight gain and weight charts.

• ‘Understanding your baby’s sleep’ looks at what is likely to happen, and why, and will help you cope more easily with the new experience of looking after a newborn. Topics covered in the factsheet include your own sleep, your baby’s sleep and night feeding.

Mary Newburn, Head of Policy Research, NCT, said; “As the leading evidence-based parent information charity, the NCT has produced these three new factsheets to provide reliable information that is sensitive to parents’ experiences and concerns.” 

For free individual copies of any of the NCT’s new factsheets ‘Blood loss after birth’, ‘How can I tell if my baby is thriving?’ and ‘Understanding your baby’s sleep’, please call NCT Enquiries on 0300 33 00 770 or download from NCT website www.nct.org.uk  

Parents who have questions or concerns can call the NCT’s Pregnancy & Birth Line on 0300 33 00 772 or visit www.nct.org.uk  

The NCT is the UK’s leading trusted charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year we support over 100,000 parents through an incredible life changing experience, offering information and practical and emotional support through 300 UK-wide branch networks and we campaign for better maternity care. 

Ends

 For more information contact NCT Press Office, Charlotte Sayer, on 020 8752 2404 or email press@nct.org.uk 

Further information

1.         The information in the ‘Blood loss after birth’ sheet is the result of a research project called The BliPP Study (Blood Loss in the Postnatal Period) which was undertaken by researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford. This project was funded by a grant from the South & West NHS Executive Research and Development Committee. The NCT would like to thank Dr. Sally Marchant PhD, RM, RN, Dip Ed. For the use of the information in ‘Blood loss after birth.’ 

2.         Further healthcare information related to the subject of blood loss can be found by visiting the MIDIRS website for consumers at www.choicesforbirth.org, or the MIDIRS website for healthcare professionals www.infochoice.org. Alternatively call 0800 581 009 or email sales@midir.org  

3.         The NCT (formerly know as the National Childbirth Trust) is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Every year the charity supports thousands of parents through an incredible life-changing experience, offering relevant information and mutual support through our network of over 300 local branches, UK wide helplines, antenatal and early days courses, breastfeeding counselling and peer support schemes. 

Operating for over 50 years, the NCT is recognised as the voice of those expecting a baby and new parents throughout the UK. The charity works for improvements to maternity care and better services and facilities for new parents. We are viewed by many as independent experts in matters relating to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood and are an influential and trusted advisor to UK governments, royal colleges, private sector bodies and other charities. For more information visit www.nct.org.uk or call NCT Enquiries line at 0300 33 00 770. 

Contact

Press Office
Email: press@nct.org.uk
Website: www.nct.org.uk
Telephone: 0208 752 2404 [Out of hours press phone 07722839428]