One of the first things many expat mums in Dubai notice when pregnant is that there’s no such thing as NCT classes here. In the UK, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) antenatal groups are a rite of passage for many first-time parents — not just for birth education, but for building lasting friendships.
So why doesn’t Dubai have NCT? And what can you do instead if you're craving that community experience?
Let’s explore — and introduce you to an incredible alternative born right here in the UAE: Birth & Beyond, created by Lisa from Lullabies and popular midwife Nikki, aka The Fit Midwife.
🤔 What Is NCT, and Why Do So Many Parents Love It?
NCT classes are group antenatal courses popular across the UK. While they do cover birth and baby care essentials, their real magic is in creating a community of parents going through it all at the same time.
You learn together. You laugh together. You might even go into labour around the same time. And those WhatsApp groups? They become lifelines during the 2am feeds, toddler tantrums, and beyond.
🏙️ So Why Are There No NCT Classes in Dubai?
Dubai is home to many UK expats, so it’s a common question. Here’s why:
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NCT is a UK-based charity, and it hasn’t expanded internationally
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The licensing and healthcare regulations in the UAE are different, which makes bringing NCT’s official programme here complicated
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Historically, there haven’t been many structured group antenatal offerings — though that’s now changing
💡 Introducing Birth & Beyond – A UAE-Based Alternative to NCT
When Lisa from Lullabies — a trusted name in newborn care — noticed this gap, she knew something needed to change. Together with Nikki, aka The Fit Midwife, they created Birth & Beyond: a course that combines honest antenatal education with connection-building for UAE-based parents.
And it’s honestly exactly what so many expats have been waiting for.
👶 What Makes Birth & Beyond Special?
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Led by UK-trained midwives and postnatal experts
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Covers everything from birth plans to breastfeeding, newborn sleep, and the fourth trimester
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Designed to help you build your village and meet other parents at the same stage
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Held in relaxed, welcoming venues around Dubai
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Includes WhatsApp groups, follow-up support and in-person meetups
It’s more than a class — it’s a lifeline.
👩👩👧👦 Why This Kind of Connection Matters
Being pregnant in Dubai can be both exciting and isolating. Without extended family nearby or the UK-style antenatal meetups, it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating it alone.
Courses like Birth & Beyond remind us that community still exists — we just have to build it a little differently here.
🎧 Listen to Episode 45: Lisa Lullabies Returns
In Episode 45 of Next of Kin, I chat with Lisa from Lullabies about:
- Top tips for Mums wanting to breastfeed
- What to expect in the NCT-style antenatal classes 'Birth and Beyond'
- Maternal mental health
- The transition from nursing to business owner
🎙️ Listen Now on Spotify / Apple
🛍️ Discover More Mum-Led UAE Resources
At Next of Kin, we’re passionate about spotlighting mummy-owned UAE businesses and community builders like Lisa. From baby essentials to parent-friendly events, we’re your home for discovering everything local, thoughtful and mum-run.
