Are you part of a couple currently expecting your first baby together? If so, the new Family Foundations course could be for you.

Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby is a time of huge change for a couple, and the move into parenthood can have a big impact on a couple’s relationship.

Family Foundations is a free antenatal course for couples expecting their first baby together including those intending to co-parent. It’s designed to help you build a strong family unit and become the best parents you can be to support your child’s development.

It’s part of a range of parent education courses offered in the antenatal period in Stockport for couples between 20-32 weeks pregnant. The small group sessions are led by expert male and female facilitators including midwives. Each week they will introduce you to different topics to discuss, and communication strategies to try out with your partner.

Topics in the course will include preparing for and giving birth, working together as parents, learning new skills to strengthen relationships, and coping with feelings parental stress.

The courses consist of relaxed and informal two-hour sessions with free refreshments; with four sessions before the birth of your baby to prepare you for parenthood, and three sessions after the birth for you as a new family.

Family Foundations will help you to understand the important role you play in your child’s life as a mum or a dad, and together as a team.

It is part of the Family Hubs support network from One Stockport , which includes Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and other partners.

The courses start in March. If you are interested, or want to find out more, e-mail family.hubs@stockport.nhs.uk or look up www.stockport.gov.uk/familyhubs