Preparing dad for baby

Monday 18 April 2005

"New research shows that all-male antenatal sessions benefit expectant fathers who want to be more included in the preparation for the birth of their baby," says Richard Fletcher, a researcher at the University of Newcastle.

"The study, to be published in The Journal of Perinatal Education next month, analysed responses from 617 expectant fathers who had attended the all-male Father-Time sessions on the Central Coast," says Richard Fletcher from the University’s Family Action Centre.

"Ninety-nine percent of the participants agreed that the session had benefited them in their role as a father and that all-male forums should be continued."

"When asked what they found most valuable about the sessions most of the men nominated the all-male forum where they can talk with others in the same situation."

While Richard still encourages men to attend antenatal classes with their partners, he says these forums offer would be dads a chance to hear how other men are preparing for probably the biggest change of their lives.

Originator of the Father-Time forums Mark Friedewald says, "five years ago we started these all-male sessions to clarify information on various aspects of pregnancy and labour to give expectant fathers a chance to hear from other expectant fathers and to encourage effective communication with their wife or partner."

"Central Coast Area Health Service has since expanded the forums to run at all antenatal classes and now employs ten male educators to conduct the sessions," says Mark Friedewald.

"These all-male forums are now a part of the antenatal support offered to all couples as they approach the birth of their baby reflecting the reality that fathers play an important role both during and after the pregnancy," says Mark.

The Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle is supporting both public and private health providers in the Hunter to deliver special classes for expectant fathers.

A Baby Bonding for Dads workshop is delivered at Newcastle Private Hospital and in May, the first Nuts & Bolts of being a Dad workshop will be offered by the Parenting Education Services at John Hunter Hospital in association with the Family Action Centre.

Expectant fathers wishing to hear about the latest research on how fathers affect babies development, see practical demonstrations of fathers 'talking' to a baby in the first few days after birth, and be involved in a practical workshop with other expectant fathers should call (02) 4921 3992 to book into the workshop on Saturday 7 May 2005.

For media interviews: Richard Fletcher on (02) 4921 6401.