Preparation for parenthood classes traditionally focus mainly on childbirth and are aimed particularly at women. Fathers (n ϭ 193) who attended these classes were interviewed when their infant was 6 weeks old, and 31% stated that they would have liked more information on caring for the infant, either at the antenatal classes or postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, 77.9% of these fathers said they would have, or might have, attended a class with their infant in the first few postpartum weeks, which discussed ways of caring for young babies. Comparable rates for the women (n ϭ 202) were 29% at 6 weeks, stating they would have liked more information antenatally or postnatally on baby-care issues, and 84.4% at 6 months saying they either would have, or might have, attended a baby-care class postpartum. A separate sample of 71 couples was then offered a postpartum baby-care class, which they could attend alone or with their partner on a weekday, or a special class just for fathers on Saturdays. Of the fathers, 14.1% attended one or other class, while 25.4% of the mothers attended the midweek class. These rates were significantly higher than for a control sample of couples (n ϭ 86 ) who were informed of the services provided by the Family Care Cottage, such as sleep and settling classes for babies, in the routine manner at the antenatal classes. Reasons for the attendance rate by fathers and mothers are discussed, as well as suggestions that might lead to increased uptake of such specialist father-infant classes.
RESUMEN: Tradicionalmente la preparacio ´n para las clases de paternidad/maternidad se enfoca principalmente en el nacimiento del infante y las mismas esta ´n dirigidas en particular a las mujeres. Los padres (n ϭ 193) que asistieron a estas clases fueron entrevistados cuando sus infantes tenı ´an seis semanas de nacidos, y 31% de ellos sen ˜alo ´que les habrı ´a gustado tener ma ´s informacio ´n sobre el cuidado que debe This project was funded by grants from The Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services (Research and Development Section), and Karitane. Acknowledgments to Matthew Hayes, Chris Murrell and Karitane for their assistance in conducting the "Getting to Know Your Baby" classes; to the Liverpool Hospital Parent Education Unit; to