Informed choice.

A film encouraging women to take control of decision-making around the birth of their baby. NCT staff describe their ethos and work. Louise Younger and her mother-in-law Margaret go shopping for pushchairs. Louise explains her expectations to Margaret. Joan Aavold is Louise's antenatal teacher and explains the rationale behind preparing both parents for the birth and beyond. Mary Newburn, Head of Policy and Support, explains what the NCT do. Together with volunteers, there is some footage of the head-office and their work in schools. A class is in progress with advice on massaging the expectant mother. Joan uses a model to describe the second stage of labour. Louise subsequently gives birth to a baby boy which is shown. Three weeks after the birth, Carolyn, a breast feeding counsellor visits Louise. A post-natal group is explained. One member organises breast pump loans. One mother is blind and received support for bottle feeding. The NCT campaigns for the retention of small maternity units. Eileen Hutton, NCT President, explains how important continuity of care is. Sue Bruton addresses the National Conference of Community Health Councils. School children get the opportunity to meet babies and breast feeding mothers.