VALE dads to be can now prepare for parenthood with a new online resource called DadPad which covers a range of issues from pregnancy, birth and caring for a baby.
DadPad is an online app developed by dads for dads to help fathers prepare for family life and also tackles the mental health issues which can affect new parents.
Among the areas covered by the pack is the support dads can give while mums are breastfeeding, being aware of perinatal mental illness and the anxiety and frustrations that come with parenthood, as well as hands-on advice on issues like nappy changing.
It aims is to provide new fathers across Worcestershire with guidance on how to develop the mind-set, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their baby’s needs.
Christobel Hargraves, chair of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS), said: “We want to continue to improve the maternity experience for women and their families, and give every child the best start in life so we are delighted to have commissioned this fantastic new resource which compliments this aim.
“There is traditionally lots of information, advice and support available for new mums, but often dads can feel equally unsure or overwhelmed.
“DadPad will help reduce anxiety for new dads in a number of ways – for example by helping them get involved with their baby’s care and gain confidence; learning how to create a strong bond; and building a stronger family relationships, as well as providing links to other sources of information and advice.”
DadPad was developed with the NHS by Inspire Cornwall CIC – a Cornish-based community interest company – it gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support themselves and their partner, so babies get the best possible start in life.
Julian Bose, director of Inspire Cornwall CIC, said: “DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions, and dads told us that there was important information they wanted to be given on what to expect and how to care for their baby.
“We listened to what dads, their partners and health professionals asked for and combined it all in the DadPad.”
Visit thedadpad.co.uk for more information.
