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Policies and evidence

NCT focuses on the transition to parenthood: the period from early pregnancy to the first two years after birth.  

Changes for first-time parents are the most significant. So much changes. Parents have different roles and responsibilities, different opportunities and concerns. As families develop new issues emerge. In the 21st century families come in all shapes and sizes. NCT listens to what parents say – what they find helpful, what creates barriers or conflict in their lives.  

Our policies, on issues of importance to parents during this phase of life, are grouped under three main headings: pregnancy and birth, baby feeding and transition to parenthood. We have a key interest in maternity services, family services and rights and public health, access and diversity issues.

We have a range of policy briefings and position statements which set out what we believe, together with the relevant research evidence. We also provide links to other key maternity and parenthood publications.

Also available from NCT are reviews of evidence on topics relating to pregnancy and birth, baby feeding and the transition to parenthood which are also published in the quarterly professional development journal, New Digest.

NCT contributes to the development of national policies working with government departments for the UK, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We help to develop evidence-based guidelines, in collaboration with professional bodies and the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) and SIGN.

We have strategic partnership relationships with MIDIRS and One Plus One and also work on research and policy development projects with universities, research units and a range of voluntary sector organisations, including Bliss, The Fatherhood Institute, and Working Families.