Prenatal classes for new dads set to hit Geelong and the Surf Coast

NEW dads across Australia continue to gain access to more and more resources when it comes to fatherhood, and now another one is making its way to Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Beers + Bubs has been around since 2004 when Sydney-based childbirth educator and birth attendant Lucy Perry first developed the idea of educating new fathers in the comfortable environment of a pub or a bar.

Now, thanks to the combined efforts of counsellor and facilitator Andrew Braddy and doula Lyndelle Anson, Beers + Bubs is an option for local fathers in the Barwon region.

The two-and-a-half-hour sessions, soon to be held at Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay and The Brewery in Geelong, cover what to say and what not to say during childbirth, tips on how to be an advocate for the birthing mother, practical tips on pain management as well as specific recommendations on how to support a woman through each stage of labour, including a caesarean.

“Most men are surprised to learn that childbirth is not a spectator sport and that they can have a profound impact on their partner’s birth experience, helping to make it faster and easier for them,” Mr Braddy said.

“The friendly, casual atmosphere of the pub is a great venue for childbirth education.

“Childbirth is unfamiliar territory for most blokes, so it’s more comfortable for them to be in their natural environment to learn about something so foreign!”

For Ms Anson, she feels that the best part about a concept like Beer + Bubs is equipping dads with the resources and the tools to empower their wives/partners to have a better more magical experience at birth.

“I have amazing memories of so many partners really holding their wives/partners through their journeys and seeing the outcomes that that provides,” Ms Anson said.

“Seeing women feeling really connected to their partners through their birth experience really allows them to move through a physiological birth getting to the other side feeling like they were connected to one another during that time.”

Andrew and Lyndelle have their first session set for October 7 at Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay and their first session at The Brewery in Geelong on December 2.

Mr Braddy has also indicated that should interest in these events increase, then sessions may move to a once per month frequency further down the track.

To book now either head to beerandbubs.com.au or email [email protected].