A MIDWIFE with more than 27 years’ experience has set up her own ante-natal classes for parents-to-be.

Sandra Lively, who is originally from Kendal, has launched a business to provide training to expectant mums and dads.

Empowering Parents 2b will offer five-week courses for small groups to learn about life before and after birth.

Mrs Lively has supported hundreds of couples thro-ugh pregnancy at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and said she was looking forward to meeting new faces at her own classes.

The 52-year-old, who is also a mum, will lead even-ing demonstrations, discussion and relaxation sessions at The Centre, on Low Road, Halton. She hopes to focus on parents’ individual concerns, as well as covering topics such as emotional and physical changes before and after birth, the birthing partner’s role, traditional and alter-native methods of coping with pain, and caring for a newborn baby.

Mrs Lively, who was born at Helme Chase hospital at its old site in Kendal, said: “My aim is to enable expectant parents feel more comfortable, confident and competent as they make their transition to parenthood. The information in the classes is relevant and up-to-date to help parents-to-be feel more empowered to make fully informed deci-sions about labour, birth and the care you give your newborn baby.

“Groups tend to be very big in the community so I wanted to offer smaller and more intimate groups. I tailor make them to be flexible for independent parents. I’ve got a real passion for the support of breast feeding and to be able to assist mums through initial difficulties and enourage them is great.”

It is hoped each parent will meet at a group reunion after their baby is born to show what their ‘bump’ turned out to be.

For more information on all 079066 99989.