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.

See Antenatal Classes for more information on the different types of class and what they offer.