A course for expectant fathers in Burntwood is set to feature in a new BBC documentary.

The award-winning Hit the Ground Crawling initiative gives dads-to-be advice and support about birth and baby care.

And following a visit by BBC4, expectant fathers and health visitors will now appear in Biology of Dads, set to be screened at 9pm tomorrow (June 22).

Health visitor Caroline Bullock, who runs Hit the Ground Crawling at Boney Hay Children’s Centre, said:

“The expectant fathers are given the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and concerns with other fathers who share their experience of fatherhood. The scheme has been a fantastic success and we are delighted to be able to show others how it can increase confidence among expectant dads.

“Hit the Ground Crawling has been very popular with local dads and staff at the centre. We are proud to be able to support them in what can be an exciting but daunting journey into fatherhood and thrilled the BBC wanted to include us in their series.”

Kevin Rock with wife Anna and daughter Phoebe
Kevin Rock with wife Anna and daughter Phoebe

The new group-mentoring method of supporting fathers was set up by health visitors, a social worker and Burntwood Community and Learning Partnership and gives first time dads access to information and support about pending births and what to expect after.

The initiative was recently recognised as a Gold Standard of practice from the Fatherhood Institute for demonstrating best practice.

Burntwood dad Kevin Rock – who was one of those interviewed for the documentary – said:

“My confidence increased greatly as a result of attending the sessions enabling me to play a much more informed part in the birth and care of my daughter Phoebe.”

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