Mantenatal classes, anyone? Dad launches men-only birth groups... where fathers-to-be watch Monty Python clips
Last updated at 7:27 PM on 10th May 2011
An NHS hospital is offering expectant fathers the chance to leave their pregnant partners at home and sign up for Britain's first male-only antenatal classes.
Builder Dean Beaumont, 43, set up the classes with Peterborough City Hospital in Cambridgeshire, after he felt unprepared for the birth of his first child.
He is now Britain's only fully qualified male Antenatal Educator and runs two-day workshops tailored exclusively for men.
Antenatal pioneer: Dean Beaumont at home in Corby, Northamptonshire, with partner Steph and son Oren, two, and daughter Willow, 18-months
The father-of-two enforces a strict ban on women in the sessions to create a male-only environment where fathers-to-be can chat openly about their fears.
Dean uses 'male humour' to discuss the role fathers play during pregnancy, labour, birth and caring for newborn children, so they don't feel 'like a spare part'.
He said: 'Before the birth of my first child, I read the books, attended the couples antenatal classes and felt I had prepared.
'But it was a complicated labour and I was left with feelings of guilt that I had failed to fully support my partner.
'I felt like a spare part and just didn't really know what I could do to help. I realised there was a gap and set up the first antenatal classes to be run by men for men.
'We can use male humour that perhaps wouldn't go down so well in a mixed setting. It is laidback and we can openly admit that we're terrified of birth.'
Support: Dean, with Oren, said he felt like a spare part during labour
Dean lives in Corby, Northamptonshire, with his partner Steph Hawryla, 30, son Oren, two, and daughter Willow, 18 months.
Dean, who is manager of a building firm, set up his DaddyNatal classes in April 2010 and holds sessions in various locations after office hours.
During the sessions he heads a group discussion and uses illustrations in books to discuss pregnancy, labour, birth, and bonding with newborn babies.
He also shows fathers-to-be clips from Monty Python films and sketches, which relate to fatherhood.
Dean believes the classes have proved popular because they explore mens' feelings and natural fears about becoming a father.
He said: 'It is a very personal, totally informal group discussion, with a lot of male joking.
'When you are asking men to talk about their feelings they will often be macho or embarrassed in front of women.
'It is particularly important to encourage men to bond with their baby in the womb, by talking to it and keeping pictures of the scans.
'It is common for men to feel excluded and uncomfortable holding the baby at first but if you get the bonding going before birth they will find that easier.
'I'm not seeking to replace traditional couples classes but to offer an additional resource just for men.'
Dean's classes are now being offered free on the NHS with Peterborough City Hospital at various locations in Peterborough, in May, June and July.
Head of Midwifery at Peterborough City Hospital, Penny Brett, revealed the pilot classes have been funded through donations.
Groups: Antenatal classes traditionally use breathing techniques and exercises to help pregnant women to prepare for childbirth
She said: 'Traditional antenatal classes concentrate on the woman giving birth, these give men a chance to talk about the role they will play as a father.
'It is important for men to feel prepared, particularly if the birth is complicated.
'It's really positive and will be offered free of charge for a limited time on a first-come-first-served basis.'
Dean, Diploma of Childbirth Education (Dip CBEd), is a registered teacher with the Federation of Antenatal Educators (FEDANT) and fully accredited FEDANT trainer.
(source:dailymail.co.uk)
================================================
No comments:
Post a Comment