The two organisations are planning a tour of private screenings of new film 'The Business of Being Born', which was executive produced by talk show host Ricki Lake.

It is hoped that the film will provoke debate about whether birth is becoming increasingly medicalised and too far removed from a natural life event. It wants to raise awareness among women of the choices they have over their maternity care.

Ricki Lake is coming to the UK on 9 and 10 July to promote screenings.

'We need women in the UK to know what's possible and to stand up for a service that will meet their needs and give them the midwifery care they deserve', said NCT CEO Belinda Phipps.