NEW antenatal classes will be launched next month in St Neots…for men only. Called the Mantenatal class , the free sessions are believed to be the first of their kind in the town which are aimed at giving expectant dads a chance to find out more about pr

NEW antenatal classes will be launched next month in St Neots...for men only.

Called the 'Mantenatal class', the free sessions are believed to be the first of their kind in the town which are aimed at giving expectant dads a chance to find out more about pregnancy.

Trained antenatal teacher Jenny Barrett, of Kings Road, St Neots, will run the free classes.

She said: "I am very excited about this venture. I think that dads are sadly often overlooked during pregnancy and I hope the sessions will be a lot of fun and a chance for fathers to find out more about the huge change in their lives."

The weekly classes will be held at the Eaton's Children's Centre on the Bushmead School site, off Bushmead Road, with the first session on Thursday, March 5 from 7pm to 9pm.

Mrs Barrett, a mother of three, added: "The sessions will help expectant fathers find out more about pregnancy, birth and early parenting from their perspective and to meet other local dads.

"It is also an opportunity for men to learn more about what is happening to their partner and their body."

Classes will include practical work and discussion sessions. There will even be a model pelvis and a dummy baby used to illustrate what happens during childbirth.

The sessions are being supported by the National Childbirth Trust, one of the UK's leading charities on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Simon Leher, dad to Joshua, two, of St Neots, attended one of Mrs Barrett's traditional antenatal classes, told The Hunts Post: HOLDING QUOTE "When it came to childbirth, the knowledge I thought I had was mostly gleaned from television and had absolutely no basis in reality.

"The antenatal classes not only put to rest many misconceptions I had, but also helped me prepare for the birth and support my wife during labour."

INFORMATION: To find out more visit www.mantenatal.com or phone Jenny Barrett on 01480 215658 or e-mail jenny@philb.co.uk