Becoming a father? Just had a baby? Fancy some support? Come and talk informally about your thoughts, anxieties and ideas about fathering
and fatherhood in an open discussion group led by Ben Gold
Becoming a father or having another child presents new joys and challenges within the existing family dynamic. In our busy lives, prioritising time to consider our thoughts and feelings about these changes is not often done. This open discussion group is an opportunity to get together and talk with other men going through similar experiences, in the comfortable surroundings of the Active Birth Centre.
This group is open to all fathers, whether you are expecting your first child, have recently become a father for the first time, or you are having/have recently had another. Many of the concerns we have are often shared by others, and meeting in a group can be enjoyable,
informative and very supportive.

There will be no fixed agenda but topics for discussion could include:

Defining fatherhood for you.
Bonding with your baby – before and after birth.
Facing new responsibilities.
Caring for your partner.
Communication and relationship issues.
What you can do at the birth.
Early days after the birth – what to expect.
What your baby needs from you.
Play, fun and games – how babies learn and play.
Shared parenting and family issues.
Sexual needs, love and intimacy.
Emotions of new fatherhood, self esteem and caring for yourself.

Ben Gold is a father of two children. He is currently working in IT and is also attending a one year course in Psychotherapy at Spectrum. He participates in an ongoing men’s group and is involved in men’s work in general. He runs weekends for fathers and sons in the New Forest.