The Buscot Parents NCT Drop-In is a support group for parents with babies in Buscot Ward
Special Care Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
When is it?
Mondays 10.30am – 12.30pm in the Family Room on Buscot Ward.
Who can attend?
Any parent is welcome to drop in at any time during the session. No appointment necessary.
Having a baby in Special Care is an emotional, challenging experience. You may be shocked by your baby’s size and appearance. You may feel sad and worried one day, hopeful and positive the next. Your baby may require many medical interventions which are distressing and difficult to experience as parents.
You may find it very difficult to relate to other parents, including your own friends or family, or attend other postnatal groups.
Why not come along to the Buscot Parents NCT Drop-in?
NCT and BIBS run a Drop-In for parents of babies in Buscot Ward. The Drop-in also affiliated with Bliss, the national charity dedicated to supporting premature and sick babies and their families.
The Drop-in gives you an opportunity to talk through your experiences and concerns with other parents in a supportive and understanding postnatal support group.
The sessions are flexible – a session may cover a broad discussion topic, such as feeding, your thoughts about returning to work, or your own wellbeing – or the topic can be customized according to what you would like to talk about that day.
The sessions are open and friendly – any parent who would like to attend is welcome to any session.
The Drop-in is held once a week in the Family Room on Buscot Ward, and the session is facilitated by a trained NCT Advanced Postnatal Practitioner. An NCT Breastfeeding
Counsellor also attends regularly.
What are the sessions like?
The session topics are specially designed for parents of premature or poorly babies, with discussion and activities that will help you explore your own feelings and gain confidence as a parent.
Session topics are adjusted depending on the needs of the parents attending each week, but could
include:
- Coping and finding support
- Your needs and your baby’s needs
- Postnatal health and looking after yourself
- Thoughts on returning to work, remaining at
home - Feeding, sleeping, crying, contentment
Don’t worry if you are not sure if you want to participate in a discussion, or if you are not sure what you would like to talk about.
Will I have to pay?
No. The sessions are completely free of charge to parents. The sessions are provided by the NCT and funded by BIBS and a grant from the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. Complimentary refreshments are served.
More details
For more information, please feel free to contact the session facilitator:
Catherine Neil
NCT Advanced
Postnatal Practitioner
Telephone: 07969 788 349
Email: catherineneil.aus@btinternet.com
Henley & District NCT
Catherine Neil, NCT Advanced Postnatal Practitioner
Telephone: 07969 788 349
Website: http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/henley
Registered Charity No (England and Wales): 801395
Bliss
Bliss – National Charity for the Newborn
Family Support Helpline: Freephone 0500 618 140
Website: http://www.bliss.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1002973
