Antenatal classes offer men an excellent opportunity to take time out to think about their baby, which they might not otherwise do. But some men feel very awkward about going to antenatal classes.
There are several different sorts of classes available:
- Women-only, with just one or two men’s sessions
- Couples classes requiring participation and involvement from both partners
- A straight lecture
- Practical sessions on babycare, such as nappy changing or bathing
Find out before you go what type of class is on offer, and think about what you want
from the class and how much you are prepared to participate. If you plan to be at the
birth and be very involved, then you will need classes that prepare you as a couple, with
practical skills like massage, plenty of information and the chance to talk through the
issues that concern you. If you see your role more as a hand-holding exercise, then one or
two ‘dads’ classes may be sufficient.
