Ahead of their new arrival, Tracey and Simon joined a YMCA-run antenatal class. Parents as First Teachers (PAFT), run by a Children’s Centre Family Support Worker, helped them prepare both practically and emotionally for the birth of their child.
Tracey and Simon both learnt about:
The development of their baby during pregnancy
“It helped us better understand how our baby is developing and what we can do during pregnancy to bond with baby and help his early development.”
How to prepare for changes
“We learnt how our routines would change and how important it is to make sure we both get time to ourselves and time with baby. Also, planning for the recovery period after birth by having some meals prepared or easy meals in the freezer.”
The support available
“We discussed the various routes we could go down for support and information once the baby has been born. Whether that was general feeding or baby advice, or support with mental health concerns.”
Their local services
“Before our PAFT sessions we were not aware of the sling library or that we could hire breast pumps from the children’s centres. This will be a massive help to us both in terms of our budget and finding the right options for us. Before this we thought if we wanted either a baby carrier or a breast pump we would need to buy one online without trying it.”
Tracey found she gained particular support when it came to: Feeding
“The biggest thing to come out of PAFT for me were our discussions around feeding. The idea of breastfeeding made me quite anxious but our discussions really helped to clear up some of the anxiety I had. I’m still not sure whether I will want to try breastfeeding, but I feel more relaxed about it. I am quite excited to try expressing colostrum and then milk for baby, that both myself and husband can feed him. I am really happy that I now have an option to give our baby the benefits of at least some breastmilk, even if we need, or want, to add in some formula feeds as well.”
Being able to be speak to someone
“Obviously, our situation was slightly out of the norm with Covid-19 but we still really appreciated having someone go through the antenatal information with us and being able to ask questions. We had already watched the antenatal videos before starting PAFT, so we knew a bit about labour and caring for baby, but it was so helpful to be able to go into more depth.”
For Simon, PAFT was helpful in: Connecting with baby during pregnancy
“I found the information about how to connect with our baby before he’s born really informative and also how what we do in pregnancy can positively (or negatively) affect baby’s development. For example, making sure that our environment is nice and calm, for me to talk to baby and read to him often.”
Discussing the role of Dad
“As everything in pregnancy is naturally very mum/baby focused, it was really helpful for me to discuss some of the things that I can do before and after baby has been born. I know that each of us comforting him when he cries will build up those caregiver connections for him.”
Considering a new routine
“I knew our routine would change but I hadn’t thought about it in depth before PAFT. And now I am excited about planning in the time that I will have with baby before and after work, either one on one so that my wife can have some time to herself, or as a family.”
“Overall, we have learnt so much during these six weeks and we definitely feel as though we have come out of this much more confident and prepared. We really enjoyed the sessions and chatting about our future with our baby.”
