New fathers will be given right to take six months of paternity leave. Around 400,000 men a year will qualify for the right to extended leave from April 2011.
At the moment, they can only take two weeks off and new mothers can take a year off. Parents will be able to decide how to divide up a total of 12 months of parental leave between themselves. A mother going back to work after six months off will be able to transfer the rest of her leave to her partner.
They will be paid the statutory rate of £123.06 a week up to the 39-week cut-off period for women, after which the leave will be unpaid.

Actress Samia Smith who plays Maria Connor in Coronation Street has given birth to a baby girl.
The 27-year-old and her property developer husband Matt Smith have named the new arrival Freya, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz.
Everyone at Corination Street is said to be thrilled at the latest arrival.

Normal flu can cause complications in pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. If you fall ill from flu-like symptoms, it is best to speak to your doctor as soon as possible to ensure that any physical symptoms are alleviated as soon as possible with medicaction. If an illness like swine or flu normal flu is not cleared up quickly and leads to a problem such as a chest infection, you may require antibiotics. If you do require any drugs, remind the doctor who is prescribing your medication that you are pregnant. If you are trying for a baby and are not sure if you are pregnant or not, it is wise to flag this up with your GP to be on the safe side. You can then be prescribed pregnancy-safe antiviral option for this illness.

A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth, specially trained to give emotional and practical help who can guide you and your partner through the process of preparing for birth. Sometimes called birth partners or birth companions, she will be with you both during labour, through birth and bonding with your newborn.
She will meet with you several times during the pregnancy and will help you write a birth plan so that you are clear about your choices and she is familiar with your preferences on issues such as pain relief, breastfeeding etc. She will be on 24 hour call for two weeks before your due date and for as long as it takes past that time and during that period is available to be called at any time should you need her. In labour she will help to make your needs and hopes for the birth a priority.

Tennis champion Federer and his wife welcomed their first children, twin girls on 23rd July 2009. They proudly announced the birth of twin daughters, Charlene Riva and Myla Rose who were born in Switzerland.