AFTER years of teaching overcrowded birth classes with few props or visual aids, a pair of midwives have set out on their own to create the perfect birth class.

Janine Percival and Janet Oatway have launched Here 2 Maternity Birth Classes, which gives small groups of couples the chance to find out exactly what they want to know about labour and caring for a newborn.

“The NHS classes have been delivered in the same format for years and years,” said Janet.

“We felt like fathers didn’t really get a look in, so we try to involve them as much as the mothers.”

NHS classes are often held during the day and dads can struggle to attend, so Here 2 Maternity holds classes on Sundays at the Village Hotel and Lymm Hotel.

“It can be quite isolating for a man to see his wife in pain, so we try to arm them with practical coping skills, like teaching them massage,” said Janine.

She and Janet also teach parents-to-be about the things they will soon need to be experts in, like bathing and feeding options.

Here 2 Maternity has been in operation for a year and to celebrate Janine and Janet are offering one couple the chance to enjoy a complimentary class.

If you know a couple who deserve it or want to nominate your partner, e-mail jan@here2maternitybirth classes.com or write to 47 Willow Lane, Appleton, WA4 5EA saying why that person should win.