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It takes two to make a baby… so where do Dads fit into the picture?
Becoming a Father
Nothing can quite prepare you for becoming a father as it is life-changing. It can often turn out to be a time of great challenge and extreme stress for both mum and dad. This pressure along with a sense of struggling to navigate the unknown can sometimes become overwhelming. The health visiting service recognise that fathers are important too and are working on ways in which we can include them in the support we provide.
DadPad
The DadPad launched September 2021 and is available as a hard copy booklet or a downloadable app. It was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions, and Dads deserve to have the important information on what to expect and how to care for their baby available to them. The creators listened to what dads, their partners and professionals asked for and combined it all in the DadPad for dads-to-be. The DadPad is for fathers who want to provide their child with the very best start in life. Whether you are about to become a dad for the first time or want to ensure that you can still cover all bases with a new addition to your family. The DadPad is best utilised as early as possible during pregnancy, around birth and beyond, and provides guidance for babies and children up to the age of two. It’s particularly useful to have during paternity leave. If you would like a hard copy you can ask your Health Visitor, or for a virtual copy please download the app.
Acacia Dads
Acacia is a mental health support service which was established in 2004 offering support to the family in the perinatal period. Recent research reveals that up to one in 10 dads will develop postnatal illnesses regardless of whether their partner develops it or not and this includes not just depression/anxiety but also other perinatal conditions like OCD traits and post-traumatic stress disorder relating to the birth. Remember, depression/anxiety and other mental health problems are not a sign of weakness any more than a physical health problem is. They are a treatable health condition and the sooner you get help, the sooner things will start to get better. If you live in Birmingham or Solihull, Acacia can offer you a range of support. They can provide a free support service for dads and partners who are affected by perinatal mental health problems in a wife/partner or for themselves. Ring 0121 301 5990 to access support or complete a self-referral form via the website. You can also search local support groups in your area via the website if you prefer group support.
Acacia: Self assessment/referral form
Other support services include:
