For Dads in a Mums World
New Dads Workshops are a great place to ask all the questions you didn’t want to ask the midwife.
Join Dad Matters for an online workshop for dads-to-be and new dads with babies under 12 weeks old.
Each month, we hold two New Dad Workshops specifically for dads. These are on a Saturday morning and a Tuesday evening, to fit around work patterns. we provide dads with information to help them along their parenting journey, with information about bonding with baby; baby states; consoling a crying baby; watchpoints for mental health; and services which can provide support during the perinatal period.
This is your chance to learn about aiding your baby’s development, consoling your baby, how to cope with a crying baby, how to look after yourself in this major life transition, how to support your partner, where to go for help, support, advice and education about new babies!
During this online session, we will talk about our three key topics; Attachment and Bonding, Mum’s and Dad’s Mental Health and Wellbeing and Access to Appropriate Services.
USE THE FORM BELOW TO REGISTER ON A WORKSHOP
we will contact you with details of the next session
How can I bond with my new baby?
Some men find bonding with a baby difficult, but you don’t have to wait until they are born to start!
Babies can hear in the womb from about the 18th week of pregnancy. try talking, singing and reading to your baby, before and after they are born.
If it feels a bit awkward try playing your baby your favourite song, talking about your hobbies, your work or your ambitions for you all as a family.
Skin to skin also increases your and babies levels of the hormone, oxytocin, which promotes bonding & attachment.
Carrying your baby, in your arms or in a sling/carrier can also help you to learn their cues and become more responsive to their signals, helping you both to get to know each other better.
How do I do skin to skin?
Get comfy with your arms and back supported, as you could be sitting or lying a while
Get baby on your bare chest in just their nappy and cover them with a blanket to keep them warm
Hold your baby close supporting them with both hands
Take note of how your baby responds to you, and how they react to things around them.
How can help my babies brain development?
Parents help babies build their brain into a strong and stable blueprint for the future.
Baby’s brain wiring (neural pathways) is around 20% connected when they are born.
How well that wiring develops can affect the way they communicate, handle problems, and how they learn. It can also impact on their relationships, physical and emotional health when they become adults.
Consistent , positive, loving relationships help your babies brain to grow and lower the effects of stress
Babies are primed to look for two way interaction with their caregivers including touch, facial expressions and conversations. When you respond to their cues you are helping them to build positive brain connections.
responding to your baby, especially when upset or sick and providing them with a safe, supporting loving relationship is laying the foundations for their future wellbeing.
The Dad Chat
Why is my mental health and wellbeing so important for my baby?
When a parent experiences poor mental health it can affect the way they respond to, bond with and care for their child.
This can impact the child’s psychological, intellectual, social and emotional development
What is the likelihood of developing poor mental health as a new dad?
In England 1 in 8 men experience depression, anxiety, panic disorders, or obsessive compulsive disorders.
Post natal depression affects 1 in 10 dads
peak time for men to develop post natal depression is 3-6 months following the birth,
but symptoms can come on anytime in the first few years of being a dad.
Signs to look for can include one or more of:
Withdrawal from family life, work, social events
Feelings of helplessness
Greater risk taking
Partner conflict
Increased alcohol use
Loss of interest in sex, erectile disfunction
Cynicism
Anger
Drug use
Insomnia
Fear/Panic
Confusion
Uncertainty about the future
Negative parenting behaviours
Indecisiveness
Frustration
Irritability
Physical Symptoms, e.g. headaches, nausea, indigestion,
change in appetite and weight, diarrhea, constipation, toothache.
Who can I contact if I am worried about my relationship with my baby, or my own wellbeing?
Your Midwife, Health Visitor, GP, or Adult Mental Health Services
Dad Matters 07787823441
also see our resources page for more options
DAD MATTERS YORKSHIRE
2 Kilnsey Road, Wakefield.WF1 4RW
Office 01924 251205
Office Mobile: 07787823441