Paul Milburn with Georgia Picture: SIOBHAN BOYLE Ref: 76839-32DADS are to be offered male-only antenatal classes.

The Having A Baby Company started classes for couples in Wroughton a year ago.

But partners Sian Beautyman and Sandy Bridges found men were too embarrassed to ask questions.

Now they plan to make life easier for them by offering back-to-basics classes exclusively for men.

Mum-of-two Mrs Beauty-man, 38, reckons there is big demand.

"A lot of couples come to Swindon for work so they may not have the support of their families close by," she said.

"As a result, women need the support of their partners even more.

"Sadly, men don't like asking questions in front of women partly because they're embarrassed and partly because they don't want to scare their partners."

From April 20, men will be encouraged to stay behind at the end of weekly couple sessions for the extra tuition.

Seven-week sessions cost £120 and last for two hours.

The first course is aimed at couples expecting a child between June and August.

"Research shows that active support from men helps women through pregnancy," said Mrs Beauty-man.

"It's about education. Pregnancy affects men too but men are reluctant to ask questions.

"Pregnancy spells big changes both physically and psychologically and men need to know about that."

Paul Milburn, 29, of Oakhurst, thought up the idea.

He and wife, Tracy, 27 parents to four-month-old Georgia attended antenatal classes last October.

Mr Milburn, an independent financial advisor, said: "Men need an opportunity to talk to other blokes in the same situation.

"Pregnancy is geared towards women but it is important men get help and advice too so we can be sympathetic to our women when the baby comes."

His wife, a buyer for BT, added: "Men need to get involved and support their partners more I'm all for these classes."

For information call Sian Beautyman on 01793 813363.

Kevin Shoesmith