Fathers-To-Be

providing information, education, and forums for parents and professionals

Announcing the publication of the Fathers-To-Be Handbook

Men becoming fathers today face new challenges as they increase their involvement in the family and participation in the birth of their children. Using real stories and solid research Patrick Houser provides information, ideas and even Power Tools to assist expectant and new dads in navigating this territory.

Research shows:

"Men who respond to

impending fatherhood

by reflecting on the way

they were parented

produce happier

children."

She is having a baby!

What am I supposed to be doing?

Welcome!

Fathers, mothers, birthcare practitioners, educators

and others interested in expanded possibilities for the family.

Fathers-To-Be provides opportunities to learn

about pregnancy, birth and fathering in a way that

meets the specific needs of parents and birthcare professionals.

FATHERS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

The Fathers-To-Be programmes are a revolution in antenatal education for men and birthcare professionals. It brings together leading edge research about the nature of the father/child relationship and the power of intention.

We recognise that 'birth matters' for the whole family. Most women, when properly prepared and supported, can give birth naturally and without intervention. Fathers can make an important contribution to this natural process.

Today nearly all fathers are at the birth of their children. Men have an instinctive ability for fathering which can easily be awakened. Additional skills, like maintaining a calm and useful presence at the birth, can be learned.

Through a combination of discussion, practice and inspiration Fathers-To-Be creates a profoundly useful environment for exploring creative parenting before, during and after birth.

Direct benefits are improved family bonding, improved relationships, decreased stress and more enjoyment for mothers, fathers and professionals.

It has been found that activating the 'fight or flight' response in people present at a birth can affect a mothers ability to birth her baby. In our classes fathers learn to detect this mechanism and how to manage this response in a creative and useful way.

We find that when fathers come together they enjoy opening up and sharing their experiences. They revel in hearing from other fathers about some of the same joys, questions and fears they also have.

A fathers contribution to his family is invaluable and irreplaceable.

"I have been looking for something like this for most of these last 8 months."

Mike A., recent F2B participant

We also consult with midwifery schools, antenatal organisations and other professionals

providing care for families during the primal time. We have various formats including lectures, workshops, study days, CPD, film screenings and more, to enhance father and family services.

Forum

We are raising awareness throughout society regarding the importance of 'whole family' support during the all important 'primal time'. We do this through illuminating policies, procedures and most especially practices of individuals and organisations in the field. A family is born with the birth of a child and all family members deserve support in order to be best able to contribute. This includes fully supporting fathers and acknowledging that the experience they are having is significant.

Please feel free to contribute your ideas, observations, experiences and thoughts of value to our blog (link below). The more individuals who use it, the more valuable it becomes to more people.