Voluntary Sector and user support organisations
The NCT provides information and support to new parents together with providing policy input and representation of user interests at National level. It has a branch-based network of trained antenatal teachers and is the largest source of user representatives for local maternity services in the UK. The NCT manages a range of support for its members who are reps - from e-mail yahoo-groups to information bulletins and training courses.
AIMS... at the forefront of the childbirth movement for more than forty years.
- Working towards normal birth
- Providing independent support and information about maternity choices
- Raising awareness of current research on childbirth and related issues
Sands is a national charity, established by bereaved parents in 1981. They have 3 core aims which are to:
- Support anyone affected by the death of a baby;
- To work in partnership with health professionals to improve the quality of care and services offered to bereaved families; and
- To promote research and changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies' lives
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
The Miscarriage Association produces leaflets, fact-sheets and audiotapes which answer the most commonly asked questions about pregnancy loss. Their website provides an additional source of information, with most leaflets available on-line.
Tamba is a nationwide UK charity providing information and mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets and more.
Action on pre-eclampsia aim to educate, inform and advise the public and health professionals about the prevalence, nature and risks of pre-eclampsia
A national charity, BLISS was established 27 years ago, and is the only national organisation dedicated to working for special care babies and their families. It commissions research and publishes statistics and recommendations around the provision of special care for neonates, together with providing a voice for parents whose babies need, or have needed this care.
www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/
The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) supports all women who have had a traumatic birth experience.