The Association opposes the use of unnecessary intervention and medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth and campaigns for the recognition of childbirth as a normal physiological process. Tel 01 2954953. Members of the ICT provide support during the early weeks and months of living with a new baby. In some areas ICT trained teachers hold classes, which enable parents to explore different method of relaxation and breathing, massage, birth positions, breastfeeding, fathers role, hospital procedures and other topics - all of which enable women to give birth with confidence. Class groups are kept small to encourage discussion and are informal.
Fathers are welcome to attend all or part of the course.
A fee is charged for this service. The ICT offers the breastfeeding mother the opportunity to meet other breastfeeding women, who can encourage and support. It also trains breastfeeding advisors who can help a new mother with common problems at any time, day or night. Non-medical advice is given and women are advised to see their GP if irregularities occur. Local groups run Mother and Baby groups and Mother and Toddler groups where friend are easily made and views exchanged.