SOON-TO-BE mums and dads on the verge of parenthood will be taught how to deal with everything from labour to sleepless nights.

The Leys Children’s Centre is starting new ante-natal style courses in the new year, to help new parents get to grips with their new responsibilities.

Managers want the workshops to focus on new fathers to prepare them for the change.

In the first of two hour-long workshops beginning in February, couples will be asked to think about how they can prepare for the birth, practise relaxation and consider different ways of managing labour. In the second workshop, mothers and fathers will be separated so they can discuss their fears and anxieties about becoming a parent, and how their roles will change, with peers of their own sex.

Conroy Harris, father’s worker at the Blackbird Leys centre, feels new dads need as much guidance as new mums.

He said: “Men need to be brought up to speed and given information about what is going to happen around the birth of their first child.

“It is difficult for some men to say exactly what they really what to say when the woman that they love is having their baby and is not in a position to hear their anxieties.”

Mr Harris said NHS courses tended to be focused on women and other pre birth courses were often too expensive for families.

Mr Harris will focus on fathers, while colleague Monika Celebi will work with the expecting mums. The workshops are on Wednesday, February 2, and Wednesday, February 9, between 5pm and 7pm.

  • To book a place call Conroy Harris on 07775407524 or Monika Celebi on 07879 674425.