This is an article from the paper today about a new play which focuses on a father giving birth – a bit strange I would agree – but it is perhaps an interesting way to look at the roles of mums and dads during birth
Stephen Mangan: Motherhood is no laughing matter – Telegraph.
This is a really nice piece about how dads can support mums who are breastfeeding (many thanks to Louise Hale for posting). I would say dads are always included in the breastfeeding sessions in my NCT couples classes and I often discuss it in dads only sessions too.
Jolly Tots Magazine is a free magazine distributed across Huntingdonshire and Peterborough. It is under new ownership and Mantenatal will have a regular column for new and expectant dads. The next issue has just gone to print so look out for it and let me know what you think
Wishing all new and expectant dads a very happy Fathers Day for tomorrow – this page on the NCT website has lots of information for dads that you might want to look at or pass on to other dads.
Three new downloadable sheets on babies sleep patterns which look very useful for new dads and mums
An interesting piece from the Guardian giving a dads perspective on extended breastfeeding.
Some useful video clips on the NHS site about how dads can prepare for birth and how it feels to be a birth partner.
Advice for dads to be on the new department for health website start4life.
Here’s an interesting blog about when parents to be disagree about whether to find out the sex of their baby at the 20 week scan – this is on the new combined Dad Talk and Dads Info website – worth a look.
Jon R. says
Mantenatal has been really useful and now that I’m a dad I constantly draw on the tools, techniques and knowledge I acquired during Jenny’s classes. During labour I was really focused on being able to support my wife as best I could and some of the skills I picked up really helped me (and my wife!) make her labour as comfortable as possible. Attending was a very good use of my time and really helped me prepare for my new arrival. Additionally I gained lots of value from chatting with other dads and dads-to-be over coffee and sharing stories/ideas! It would be great if Jenny were to do a follow up sharing the secrets of how to get babies to eat, sleep and be happy (although so far, so good!)
Simon L. says
I really enjoyed attending the Mantenatal session and would thoroughly recommend them. It was great to rub shoulders with other expectant dads and, without our other halves present; we could really let our hair down! Even though I attended NCT antenatal classes two years ago with our first baby, I was surprised to see how much I had forgotten. I feel more confident going into the birth of our second child as I feel the course has refreshed my knowledge. I’ve also scored valuable points with my wife!