From beer to maternity
A new concept in prenatal classes may just have the men in Karratha heading to the pub in the name of childbirth.
Beer and Bubs, a one-night session held in local pubs, was developed six years ago by Sydney-based childbirth educator and birth attendant, Lucy Perry.
“I could see that dads really wanted to be involved in the births of their babies, they just didn’t know how,” said Ms Perry.
“But they like the idea of heading to the pub with a bunch of other men who are in the same boat as them.”
Childbirth educator and birth attendant Kristin Beckedahl, now the Beer and Bubs Perth facilitator, lived in Karratha for six years and provided active birth workshops to expectant couples.
“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,” Ms Beckedahl said.
The two-and-a-half-hour session including dinner, covers 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.
“I understand how time-poor many of these men in the Pilbara are,” she said.
“Consolidating the practical knowledge they need to support their partners through the birth process into a one-night session at the pub is very appealing.
“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.”
Ms Beckedahl intends to bring Beer and Bubs to Karratha and is calling for expressions of interest.
Details: perth@beerandbubs.com.au, www.beerandbubs.com.au/perth or phone 0402 576 451.
