The NCT catalogue - WTF!!

[MachinesAreGo]

Just seen a copy of this catalogue. Now, for an organisation which is trying to shed its lentil-weaving, middle-class image, it has got
this VERY wrong.
It is a garment designed to give birth in ffs with, and I quote, "An inspirational, original poem printed in silver on the inside neck line".
£60 for a bit of cotton! What about an old shirt if you want some coverage? Do they think women should really be spending their money on this sort of thing?
Interestingly, it has sold out in sz 10 (comes in black and raspberry, arf!), so there is obviously a market, but by God, by sellig this the NCT are really pushing the 'perfect birthing experience' line, which imo does women no favours at all. Makes me mad! AIBU?

The likes of Coleen Rooney would think this was a bargain!

But does it have a hole in the back for an epidural? Now that's what I would call liberating.
I did actually labour in a rather nice LBD from Blooming Marvellous for many hours, but the midwife made me take it off eventually because she thought it was unsuitable (along with the way I was holding my arms while pushing ffs).

TBH, the dress isn't that offensive, but the annoying picture of the perfect, beautiful pregnant lady modelling it, is. That's the type of women who buy it and have more money than sense.

Each to their own I suppose.

The nightshirt I wore to give birth in did get covered in blood, sweat and a bit of poo. When I came home with ds, I discovered my lovely sisters had washed it and it was hanging on the line drying. Bless them, I'd have been quite happy if it had gone in the bin!

Second time I gave birth I did it in a black vest top, I was 9cm when I got to the hospital and had no time to change! If I'd bought this it wouldn't have got worn! Oh and first time round I also had a hospital gown due to csection! at DilysPrice, I like the idea about the hole for an epidural!!

if you want one, be quick, theres 20 quid off in the sale

"TBH, the dress isn't that offensive, but the annoying picture of the perfect, beautiful pregnant lady modelling it, is. That's the type of women who buy it and have more money than sense"

Oh come on - all merchandise marketed for pregnant women and new mothers is advertised using women who look like 16 year old vestal virgins!

"I don't really understand the vitriol on this thread"

I do. NCT is often bashed for supposedly 'idealising' birth and the comments on this thread about the dress are mainly to do with that.

I've had difficult labours myself, but my involvment with the NCT has helped me go into them with a feeling of positivity. I suspect a lot people approach labour anticipating that it's going to be a completely hideous ordeal from start to finish, just something to be endured, with nothing to be gained from it spiritually or emotionally (apart from a lovely baby - obviously! ) Well - fair enough, but that sort of attitude isn't for me. I think that people just LOVE mocking the NCT for daring to be positive about birth and the fact that the NCT has traditionally had a fairly middle-class clientele - well that gives them carte-blanche to really take the piss. It's the icing on the cake in piss-taking terms.

"and the fact that the NCT has traditionally had a fairly middle-class clientele - well that gives them carte-blanche to really take the piss. It's the icing on the cake in piss-taking terms."

Probably true. But every charity has to demonstrate "public benefit" to justify its legal status. What does the NCT do to demonstrate itself demiddleclassification?

here

Sets it all out!

Point taken

Dont many wedding dresses end up with a multitude of stains?

That doesnt stop people spending hundreds of pounds on them.

At least a birthing dress you can re-use next time!

Is this going to be the start of a new genre where putting the word labour or birthing before a product they can immediately add 50% onto the price like they do with weddings?

Totally ridiculous idea IMO! Whats wrong with a scratty old night shirt, I think I have the record ladies - my dear dads 20 year old night shirt ha ha!! he was most touched

that is ridiculous, I wanted to feel nice during my birth so I bought two nighties for a fiver from tesco! I can think of much better things to spend 60 quid on!

i don't get what is so special about it though? Its just a wrap round dress! Does it come with stain remover? hehe

The thing is tittybangbang, the NCT go to all the trouble to carefully set out their aims and objectives in a thoughtful and considered way, and then shoot themselves in the foot by endorsing idiotic products like the one in the (v.old) OP.

After seeing that and the orgasmic birth DVD, they may as well have the lyrics of "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead' as their mission statement.

Interesting comment, Tittybangbang.

The NCT network of groups (bumps and babies, bfing counsellors etc) was a complete lifesaver for me when I moved to a strange part of the Uk with a 4wo baby. I honestly don't know what i would have done without the support and friendship I received via our local group so I guess I'm more than a little defensive about NCT-bashing!

Don't panic it's in the sale now. Only £49.99!