Step by tiny step advice guide for new fathers
The Men's Project at Parents Advice Centre has put the 'man' into manual with the launch of its new publication Men and Babies. The booklet is designed to help fathers fully understand what is happening during the pregnancy period and immediately after the birth and to encourage them to recognise the important role that they should be playing in their children's lives.
Colin Fowler, Regional Manager, The Men’s Project, Parents Advice Centre said:
“There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that involved fathers can help to improve many aspects of their children’s lives such as health, well-being, confidence, self-esteem and educational achievement.
“This research highlights the need to engage fathers at the earliest stages of their child’s development and stresses the benefits of involving fathers in the ante-natal period.”
Colin adds: “Each year, there are approximately 22,500 live births in Northern Ireland. However, there is a degree of uncertainty and confusion among service providers about what kind of support to offer new fathers.
“We are aiming to fill this information gap. The manual will discuss a wide range of topics from pregnancy and possible complications to preparing for ‘B Day’ and child development.”
Men and Babies will be available to every new father in Northern Ireland through most hospital maternity units, Parents Advice Centre offices, Sure Starts, Home-Starts, Lifestarts, local pharmacies, and from other family support projects.
Welcoming the initiative Dr Michael McBride, chief medical officer, added: “When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, men can sometimes feel that they are the forgotten partner.
“That is why this booklet, Men and Babies, is very timely, giving helpful advice in relation to not only childbirth but also to child development. The Men’s Project is to be congratulated on this excellent initiative.”
The Men and Babies mini-manual is a shortened version of the highly acclaimed Haynes Baby Manual, written by Professor Ian Banks, President of the European Men’s Health Forum and local GP.
It uses the distinctive format of the Haynes Car Repair Manuals and provides step-by-step instructions and advice on all the practical things a father-to-be or new father needs to know – including where to access help.
Men and Babies is available free of charge both in hard copy and online at http://www.mensproject.org/resources/menandbabies.html For further information on The Men’s Project, call Colin Fowler on 028 90 310891 or email colin@mensproject.org
n If you feel you would like help with any family issue, Parents Advice Centre’s freephone is 0808 8010 722 or email parents@pachelp.org
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Friday 25 May 2012
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