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Your birth partner can be your partner, if you have one, or a relative or friend. Some women hire a doula, who can give emotional and practical support before, during and after childbirth. A doula will have lots of experience of childbirth but not necessarily medical training.

Some women may feel pressure to pick a particular person as their birth partner. Choosing a birth partner is a personal decision, so try not to be influenced by anyone's opinion or worry about hurting anyone's feelings. Ask the person you trust the most, who you feel will support you best on the day and who you have the most confidence in.

You can have more than 1 birth partner if you want. But if you're having your baby in a hospital or birth centre, there may be a limit on the number of people you can have in the labour room with you. There may also be a limit if you have a caesarean section. You can ask your midwife about this during your pregnancy.

What do I need my birth partner to do?

Your birth partner's job is to make sure you're as comfortable as possible and to encourage you throughout your labour. You may find it helpful to choose someone who will:

be sensitive to your needs

stay calm and positive under pressure

be attentive

be able to explain what's happening clearly and calmly

ask for help if you need it, or speak up for you

be able to reassure and comfort you

be able to take control if you need them to.

Whoever you choose to be your birth partner, make sure you talk to them about how you'd like them to help. For example, you could talk to them about any relaxation techniques you want to use, such as hypnobirthing or show them how to use a TENS machine.

Share your hopes and fears for your labour with your birth partner and what you would or wouldn't like to happen. Make sure they know what's on your birth plan.

Your birth partner should also understand that you may change your mind about your birth plan. For example, you may decide during labour that you don't want a home birth after all or that you want a different kind of pain relief.

Childbirth doesn't always go to plan and sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Try to choose a birth partner you think will be able to be flexible, stay calm under pressure and help you make decisions about your care.

You may find it helpful to go to antenatal classes with your birth partner. This can give you an opportunity to understand more about what happens in labour and birth, and practice coping strategies together. This can help you both feel more confident and prepared for when labour starts.

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Your birth partner can be your partner, if you have one, or a relative or friend. Some women hire a doula, who can give emotional and practical support before, during and after childbirth. A doula will have lots of experience of childbirth but not necessarily medical training.

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When you take time off because your partner's having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement you might be eligible for:

You may not get both leave and pay, and there are rules on how to claim and when your leave can start.

Employment rights when on leave

Your employment rights are protected while on paternity leave. This includes your right to:

pay rises

build up (accrue) holiday

return to work

You can get time off to accompany your partner (or the surrogate mother) to 2 antenatal appointments.

If you're adopting a child, you can get time off to attend 2 adoption appointments after you've been matched with a child.

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Your Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave - what you get, how to claim, eligibility

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Maternity & Paternity benefits and leave

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Maternity & Paternity benefits and leave

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This page lists the benefits you're entitled to when you're pregnant, and has information on maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.

It also lists other benefits you might be able to receive, depending on your circumstances.

Leave and time off

When you're pregnant, you're entitled to up to a year of maternity leave.

Statutory Maternity Leave

All employed pregnant women are entitled to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave, no matter how long they've worked for their employer.

This is made up of 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and 26 weeks of additional maternity leave.

You have a range of rights during this period and can also request that your employer provides flexible working arrangements if you decide to return to work at the end of your leave.

Find out more about statutory maternity leave.

The GOV.UK website has an online tool that can give you personalised guidance on maternity rights.

Your employment terms (for example, your pension contributions) are protected while you're on Statutory Maternity Leave.

If you're made redundant while on Statutory Maternity Leave, you also have extra rights.

Working when pregnant

If you're pregnant, your employer must protect your health and safety, and you may have the right to paid time off for antenatal care. You're also protected against unfair treatment.

If you enjoy your work and like the people you work with, you may have mixed feelings when you go on maternity leave.

Try to make the most of these few weeks before your baby is born. It's also a good opportunity to make some new friends.

You may meet other pregnant women you want to keep in touch with at antenatal classes, or you may get to know more people living close by.

Find out about your employee rights when you're on maternity, adoption or parental leave.

Planning childcare

You may have decided that you're going to spend some time at home with your baby, or you may be planning to return to work, either full time or part time, fairly soon after the birth.

If you plan to go back to work, start thinking in advance about who will look after your baby.

It's not always easy to find satisfactory childcare arrangements, and it may take you some time.

You may have a relative who's willing to look after your child. If not, contact the Family Information Service at your local authority for a list of registered childminders and nurseries in your area.

You may also want to think about organising care in your own home, either on your own or sharing with other parents.

Care in your own home doesn't need to be registered, but make sure your carer is experienced and trained to care for babies.

The GOV.UK website has more information on help paying for childcare.

Returning to work after Statutory Maternity Leave

You have employment rights and responsibilities when you go back to work.

Make sure you know what these are and what to do if you have any problems or you're denied your rights.

Find out more about your right to return to work after Statutory Maternity Leave.

Requesting flexible working

Parents of children aged 16 and under, or of disabled children aged 18 and under, are entitled to request a flexible working pattern.

You need to follow a specific procedure when making your request.

Find out more about asking for flexible working.

Paternity Leave

If you're a father-to-be or a pregnant woman's partner - including same-sex partner - you could have the right to paternity leave.

You may have the right to up to 26 weeks' Additional Paternity Leave.

Find out more about paternity leave.

GOV.UK has an online tool that can give you personalised guidance on paternity rights at work.

Shared Parental Leave

You may be eligible to share parental leave and pay with your partner.

Shared parental leave is designed to give parents the flexibility to decide when to return to work and allow families to spend time together in the early stages of a child's life.

Leave and pay can be shared following the first 2 weeks after your baby's birth. This means up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared.

You don't have to take all of your shared parental leave at the same time.

You can take shared parental leave in up to 3 blocks (each block must be a minimum of 1 week) and return to work in between.

Shared parental leave can be taken by both parents at the same time so you and your partner can spend time at home together with your baby.

Find out more about shared parental leave and check your eligibility.

Benefits for pregnant women

There are benefits and financial help for pregnant women, whether they're employed or not.

Free prescriptions and dental care

All prescriptions and NHS dental treatment are free while you're pregnant and for 12 months after your baby's due date. Children also get free prescriptions until they're 16.

To claim free prescriptions, ask your doctor or midwife for form FW8 and send it to your health authority.

You'll be sent a maternity exemption certificate (MATEX) that lasts for 12 months after your due date. You must have a valid exemption certificate to claim free prescriptions and dental care.

Most of the links in this list take you to the GOV.UK website, where you'll find the most up-to-date information about rights and benefits, including those for pregnant women and parents.

Healthy Start

Free milk, infant formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables for pregnant women receiving certain benefits, and for all pregnant women under 18.

Find out more on the Healthy Start website.

Tax credits

Child Tax Credit gives financial support for children, and Working Tax Credit helps people in lower-paid jobs by topping up their wages.

Find out more about tax credits.

Statutory Maternity Pay

A weekly payment from your employer to help you take time off before and after your baby is born.

Find out more about Statutory Maternity Pay, including when you need to tell your employer that you're pregnant.

Maternity Allowance

If you're pregnant or have a new baby but don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you might be able to claim Maternity Allowance through Jobcentre Plus.

Find out more about Maternity Allowance, including how to apply.

Statutory Paternity Pay

If your wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or civil partner gives birth or adopts a child, you may be able to claim Statutory Paternity Pay to help you take time off work to support her.

Find out more about Statutory Paternity Pay, including when you need to let your employer know that you're expecting.

Statutory Adoption Pay

A weekly payment from your employer to help you take time off if you adopt a child.

Find out more about Statutory Adoption Pay, including how and when to let your employer know.

Other financial help

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you're on a low income and get certain benefits or tax credits, and there are no other children under 16 in your family, you could get this one-off payment.

Find out more about the Sure Start Maternity Grant.

Jobseeker's Allowance

The main benefit for people of working age who are out of work.

Find out more about Jobseeker's Allowance.

Income Support

If you can't be available for full-time work and haven't got enough money to live on, you might qualify for Income Support, depending on your circumstances.

Find out more about Income Support, including how and where to claim.

Employment and Support Allowance

This has replaced Income Support for people who can't work because of illness or disability.

Find out more about Employment and Support Allowance.

Housing Benefit

You might be eligible for help with all or part of your rent if you're on a low income.

Find out more about Housing Benefit.

Support for Mortgage Interest

Help with mortgage interest repayments if you receive certain benefits.

Find out more about Support for Mortgage Interest.

Council Tax Reduction

You might be eligible for help with paying your council tax if your income is low.

Find out more about Council Tax Reduction.

Help with transport costs to hospital

You might be able to get help from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, depending on your circumstances.

Find out more about help with transport costs to hospital.

Where to get help and support

You should get advice on benefits as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Benefits have to be claimed on different forms, from different offices, depending on what you're claiming.

There are lots of voluntary organisations that are happy to help, so don't hesitate to ask for advice or get an opinion.

Some local authorities have welfare rights officers - phone your social services department and ask.

Some voluntary organisations give information and advice on benefits and rights at work - try Gingerbread and Working Families.

For advice on your rights at work, call ACAS on 08457 474747.

If you're 19 or under, you can get advice on work from the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.

Find your local:

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Maternity and paternity benefits and leave

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This page lists the benefits you're entitled to when you're pregnant, and has information on maternity, paternity and shared parental leave. It also lists other benefits you might be able to receive, depending on your circumstances. When you're pregnant, you're entitled to up to a year of maternity leave.

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NCT

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When mums are about to go through an event as life-changing and unknown as childbirth, it's no wonder that most of them want their partner, friend or close family member by their side.

But what's it like for the birth partner themselves? Mums can feel like they're doing the 'hard' bit (and yes, let's face it, they are!) but the huge contribution that birth partners make to their experience shouldn't be downplayed.

It's been shown that having a birth partner present at the birth can lead to a better birthing experience and can even make labour progress more quickly.

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What's it like being a birth partner? - NCT Matters

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When mums are about to go through an event as life-changing and unknown as childbirth, it's no wonder that most of them want their partner, friend or close family member by their side. But what's it like for the birth partner themselves? Mums can feel like they're doing the 'hard' bit (and yes, let's face it, they are!)

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Find out how your birth partner can help during labour, such as reminding you of relaxation techniques, massaging you and holding your hand.

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I was a bit scared when we found out we were having a baby, obviously happy, but a bit scared and in the beginning I was a bit clueless. The child development part is my favourite bit, but there's things in there, like things about mental health, that I didn't know about and that I didn't know you needed to know about.

Ross, 22

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DadPad | The Essential Guide for New Dads | Support Guide for New Dads

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Developed with the NHS, DadPad gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and skills needed to gain confidence and give their baby the best start in life.

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We found out we were expecting Everley-Quinn on 25th January 2020. The whole pregnancy journey was up and down due to my wife's underlying health condition and the lockdown restrictions. We had a miscarriage last year, which was upsetting for both myself and my wife, but we knew we wanted another child, and decided to try again.

For me, being in lockdown during the pregnancy was really difficult. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to the 12-week scan with my wife. After going through a previous miscarriage, I was so nervous about it and even more so that I couldn't go with her to the scan. All I could do was wait for a phone call to say everything was okay.

Missing out on all the scans and doctors appointments during the pregnancy made me feel very disconnected from the baby. Yes, I could feel her move sometimes, but for me it just didn't feel the same as with the other two pregnancies.

Near the end of the pregnancy, my wife had reduced movements. I wasn't able to go into the hospital and had to wait in the car. Eventually, I went home and within 20 minutes or so I got a phone call to say she was going to be induced and I could go back to be with her.

Managing mental health

Since becoming a dad, it's been a rollercoaster of a ride. With my oldest, I was fine. I had down days, where I felt I didn't know what I was doing, but that didn't get me down too much. My second child Aurelia suffered from cmpa but we didn't get told till around 6 months. During this time, my mental health took a massive turn. My wife noticed I was down a lot and said speaking to someone could help, so I contacted the doctor. They recommended I started taking some medication to help and I ended up doing some counselling as well. It felt uncomfortable at first, but I'm so glad I did it.

I actually feel that being in lockdown and having more time together since Everley-Quinn was born has definitely helped me and my wife be in a better place, both mentally and emotionally. Generally, if I am finding things difficult to copy with, I try to get out of the situation for a while. I go for a walk and clear my head. I think it helps to just talk to people, even if I don't know them, and not even about the problems or feelings themselves.

Connecting with other dads

I never thought I would be a guy to open up on social media and talk to other people about issues like this. But I'm glad I did. I started up a social media account as a bit of a joke, to see if I could get more followers than my wife. I started following more dads and mums online, and have found that it helps so much talking to other parents. I found a dad's app as well called Dad AF, which is fantastic if I need to vent or ask for advice.

I didn't open up about my mental health until my wife was 6 months pregnant with our third baby. I personally would say to any dads out there, find a support network. Talk to your mates who are already dads and if you don't know many, search for others via social media or support groups. There are so many out there willing to talk and not just about their kids. I'm part of a dad's live chat every week. It's not as lonely as you first think.

Organisations to support dads and partners

Mind

You can contact Mind's Infoline 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 123 3393.
Text them on 86463, or email[email protected] .

CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offer support to any man who is down or in crisis online, over the phone on 0800 58 58 58, or on webchat.

PANDAS Dads

PANDAS Dads have a private Facebook support group to help dads going through and anxiety and/or those who are supporting their partner with perinatal mental illness.

Samaritans

Day or night, Samaritans are there if you need to talk. Call them on 116 123.

SMS4dads

SMS4dads gives dads information and connects them to online services by text. As well as this, every three weeks you get an interactive 'How's it going?" message. Give it a try.

Dad AF

The Dad AF app is a digital support network for Dads from those at the pregnancy stage; through to those with teenage children.

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Reaching out to other dads for support during pregnancy and beyond

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We found out we were expecting Everley-Quinn on 25th January 2020. The whole pregnancy journey was up and down due to my wife's underlying health condition and the lockdown restrictions. We had a miscarriage last year, which was upsetting for both myself and my wife, but we knew we wanted another child, and decided to try again.

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APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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Postnatal depression is not limited to women following childbirth, some men experience it too and this is known as Paternal Postnatal Depression. In the first two months after birth it is thought that up to a quarter of men may experience symptoms of depression. Many things can affect how likely this is to happen such as stress, biological factors, lack of support or being excluded from the new relationship between the mother and the baby. Other factors include a change to your role, previous emotional difficulties, lack of sleep and living with a partner who is depressed.

Symptoms of Paternal Postnatal Depression
It is thought that the symptoms of Paternal PND are similar to maternal PND and can include:

Changes in your emotions or feelings: such as feeling sad, anxious, disconnected, guilty, inadequate, alone, unable to cope, feelings of anger, frustration or irritability.

Changes in your thoughts: losing confidence, worrying about death, irrational or negative thought

Changes in your body: poor sleep, changes in appetite, tearfulness, poor concentration

Changes in your behaviour: finding it difficult to do even the simplest of things, cutting yourself off, finding it hard to bond with your baby, being inactive for long periods of time, becoming quite obsessive about certain routines.

It is important to note that not everyone who is depressed has all of these symptoms. However, if you experience several of the symptoms listed above and these are not getting better over time, then you may be suffering from depression. Paternal PND does not always happen straight after your child is born. It may take longer to develop than maternal PND. It is important that you take steps to help yourself and/or seek help from others.

What can be done if you have Paternal PND?

If you are struggling following the birth of your baby then it is very important to tell your GP about how you are feeling. You may decide you need more support and want to be referred to a therapist which your GP will be able to arrange for you. Treating your depression will help you feel happier and more settled in your new role as a father. Anti-depressant medication may be an option to consider. They can help ease the symptoms of moderate or severe PND and give you some breathing space to adjust to all the changes involved in becoming a father.
Aside from your doctor, there are also things you can do to help yourself. The following are helpful advice and activities which might help:

Talk to your partner. We know that a lack of social support contributes to depression. It is important to try and let your partner know how you feel. This will help them to be more supporting and comforting as it will help them understand why you may have been acting differently. Parenting is tough and couples that can help each other will be in a stronger position.

Talk to other fathers. It may help to meet other new dads. Dads groups are becoming more and more common as a place for them to share their thoughts and experiences of becoming a parent with their peers. Check your local NCT branch or family information service for groups or go online. Some useful websites for fathers are: www.dad.info www.fatherhoodinstitute.org www.dadsmatteruk.org and www.netmums.com who have a section on male pnd.
Do something active. Take some exercise every day, like a walk with the buggy or other exercise that you used to enjoy. Any kind of activity that increases your heart rate will have a positive effect on your mood.
Be involved: However you are feeling, you are very important to your baby. It's the little things that help you and your baby build a relationship, such as holding and talking to your baby, bathing and changing nappies.
Look after yourself: Eat well and aim for 3 balanced meals a day. Avoid negative coping strategies such as drinking too much or working too hard. Try to keep in touch with your friends (even if it is less frequent) and find ways to keep up your hobbies and interests as much you as you can.

Recognising you might be experiencing PND and seeking help can be hard but it is the first step towards feeling better. No new parent should be embarrassed about seeking help or feel they can't talk about it. Recovery from PND is gradual but you will make a full recovery with the right help and support.

Further information:
For more information about paternal postnatal depression contact us at:
The Association for Postnatal Illness
145 Dawes Road
London SW6 7EB
Phone: 020 7386 0868
Website: www.apni.org
Email:[email protected]
Office hours: 10am - 2pm, weekdays

The National Childbirth Trust
Phone: 0300 330 0700
Website: www.nct.org.uk
or
Netmums
Website: www.netmums.com

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Postnatal Depression in Dads - APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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Postnatal depression is not limited to women following childbirth, some men experience it too and this is known as Paternal Postnatal Depression. In the first two months after birth it is thought that up to a quarter of men may experience symptoms of depression.

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We aim to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues.

We hope to get dads engaged with services that have traditionally been targeted at mums, and to train & support volunteer dads to work with us.

We work directly with services that support Dads, families and especially babies to increase engagement and knowledge across the sector.

We want to make sure dads know how important they are, how to access support when they need it and why it's essential for baby's development.

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VOLUNTEER WITH US EVENTS REGISTRATION FIND SUPPORT IN YOUR AREA DONATE HERE We aim to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues. We hope to get dads engaged with services that have traditionally been targeted at mums,

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Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter

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Home | Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter

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Empowering Families: Children thrive when they maintain positive relationships with both parents, even after separation or divorce.

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How are you Dad - raising awareness around mental ill-health in new fathers

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Columns are titled for ease of search
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- scroll right to see all topics
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- Being a birth partner

- Resources for fathers

- Resources for LGBTQ+ families

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Birth partners can help a woman feel supported in labour and make the experience more positive. Here are some top tips for being a brilliant birth partner.

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INSIGHTS FROM A LONDON DAD, ON PREGNANCY, BABIES AND PARENTHOOD

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If you thought that paternity leave was merely an exercise in sleep deprivation, nappy changing and tea making, think again! As someone who has just completed two full-on weeks of parental leave, I've come to realise that the role that new dads play in this pivotal period is infinitely more than that.

Which got me thinking. Which Mr Men characters can new dads look towards for advice on being the perfect dad during paternity leave?

Unfortunately on closer inspection, it quickly became apparent that the existing group of Mr Men were wholly unsuitable for the job in hand. I mean, would you really trust Mr Tickle or Mr Bump to look after your baby?

And so, in honour of the 45th anniversary of the Mr Men books, I've created a whole new bunch of inspirational Mr Men characters for new dads to aspire to during paternity leave. Enjoy!

If Mr Men did paternity leave...

During paternity leave, no household chore is too big or too dirty for Mr Maid. 'King of the Kitchen', 'Iron Man of the Ironing Board' and 'Don of the Dusting', Mr Maid is on top of every domestic task while Mrs Maid is sleeping, or otherwise indisposed looking after the new baby. The only thing Mr Maid ever worries about is putting something away in the wrong place. Mrs Maid chuffing hates that.

***

Mr Milky bloody loves boobs. And he knows that new parents are far more likely to succeed at breastfeeding if both mum AND dad know how it should be done. So, during paternity leave Mr Milky is on hand at every feed to support Mrs Milky, whenever and however she needs him. Mr Milky never forgets which breast the baby fed from last. He can spot a bad latch from 10 yards. And he always remembers to bring Mrs Milky a regular supply of drinks and snacks during each feed to keep her energy levels up. Mr Milky has even had a cheeky taste of breast milk himself, and doesn't know what all the fuss is about. It pretty much tastes just like regular milk.

***

Mr Medicine isn't a doctor. He isn't even a nurse. But by God he knows how and when to dish out paracetamol and ibuprofen to ensure Mrs Medicine manages her pain during paternity leave. In fact, he's so efficient in his four-hourly drugs distribution, you could set your watch by his schedule. Mr Medicine has even dabbled in some amateur Obstetrics & Gynaecology, inspecting Mrs Medicine's 'intimate stitches' daily and providing regular damage reports. What a trooper.

***

Mr Skin to Skin isn't afraid to whip off his shirt, especially if it means he can partake in some proper daddy/baby bonding time during paternity leave. He knows that a bit of skin to skin contact can calm almost any screaming baby, while (at the same time) giving Mrs Skin to Skin some much needed respite. However Mr Skin to Skin has also learnt, from painful personal experience, that a hungry baby will attempt to latch onto any nipple in its vicinity. Regardless of whether daddy's nipple is a source of milk of not.

***

Mr Thick Skin knows that during paternity leave, his wife's hormones are almost certain to be raging out of control. As such, he doesn't take it personally when Mrs Thick Skin loses her temper. He can handle any criticism, any passive aggression and any sleep-deprivation-related tantrum like a man. He might shed a tear on occasion, but only ever in the privacy of his shed.

***

Mr Organised is a man that all new mums love having around during paternity leave. He is master of the to-do list, keeping track of the timings of every feed and every nappy change (including poo colour and consistency). He ensures that bottles and breast pumps are efficiently sterilised. He never forgets to pay a bill. His fridge is always stocked. He even remembers what presents the baby has received and from whom, so that appropriate thank you cards can be written. If Mr Organised was a personal assistant, he would deserve a massive Christmas bonus.

***

Mr Positive is always jolly and never frowns. He's well aware of the dreaded 'baby blues' and so does everything in his power to prevent them from surfacing. Quick with a compliment, some words of encouragement or a joke to lighten the mood, Mr Positive never criticises or raises his voice. Although, he has been known to talk through gritted teeth on occasion.

***

Mr Gatekeeper is no fun at all, but he has a very important job to do (which, by the way, he takes very seriously). If anyone wants to visit the baby during the two weeks of paternity leave, they have to go through him first. He controls who can come over, at what time and for how long. And he even instructs every visitor that they must bring food, or they will be turned away on arrival. Mr Gatekeeper is clever...very clever indeed.

***

Mr Sleepy is utterly knackered. You see, he spent his first week of paternity leave trying to keep up with his other Mr Men friends. He tried taking on all the household chores that Mr Maid could do so easily. But he ended up just making a mess. He tried to emulate Mr Organised's to-do list. But whenever he ticked one thing off the list, he ended up adding three more. He even tried to stay in a constant good mood, like his jolly friend Mr Positive. But after countless sleepless nights, even that simple task was harder than it sounded.

Thankfully though, he soon realised what needed to be done. So, he started 'cat napping' at strategic points throughout the day. Just 40 minutes here and there, but those small sleeps made all the difference. "After all, I'll be no use to anyone if I get ill or fall into a sleeping beauty style sleep coma," he thought!

***

I hope you've enjoyed today's post! If you did, please do share it with your friends and family on the social media platform of your choice!

So, which one of the new paternity leave-loving Mr Men is your favourite? Are there any alternative ones that you can think of? As always, we'd love to hear from you, so please do share your thoughts and ideas with the group via the comments section below.

And for more daily updates from YOU THE DADDY, don't forget to subscribe at the bottom of this page, or in the sidebar above. Or better yet, come check us out on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and now Facebook!

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A Mr Men Guide to Paternity Leave for first time dads

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If you thought that paternity leave was merely an exercise in sleep deprivation, nappy changing and tea making, think again! As someone who has just completed two full-on weeks of parental leave, I've come to realise that the role that new dads play in this pivotal period is infinitely more than that.

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This short video shows dads bonding with babies. It explains how eye contact, cuddling, talking and smiling help bonding and baby development.

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Description

Toddler Group for dads/male carers and their children.

Tea, coffee and great food.

Cost £2.50

Age range open but aimed at 0-5 years

Source: https://hbc.org.uk/

Service Details

Locations:

Hoole Lighthouse Centre, Westminster Road, Chester, CH2 3AU (directions displayed on map)

Organisation:

Who Let the Dads Out?

Service Type:

Parenting

Website:

https://hbc.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/children-youth-and-family/soda-club/

Age

Actual Ages:

Age range open but aimed at 0-5 years

Age Band:

Before birth-2 years

Early Years 2 - 5 years

Cost Information

Costs:

£2.50

Is the service or activity free?:

Small donation towards costs

Gallery

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# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toddler Group for dads/male carers and their children. Tea, coffee and great food. Cost £2.50 Age range open but aimed at 0-5 years Source: https://hbc.org.uk/ Locations: Hoole Lighthouse Centre, Westminster Road, Chester, CH2 3AU (directions displayed on map) Organisation: Who Let the Dads Out?