Fatherhood2022-05-10T12:50:04+10:00

Fatherhood

Fatherhood

When you become a father for the first time, everything changes. It is a journey as exciting as it is challenging. There is a great deal of information out there for mums-to-be. However as encouraged as fathers are to be involved in their new baby’s life, information specifically for dads-to-be can be hard to find.

This situation can lead to frustration, confusion, and fear for fathers as they attempt to prepare for the birth of their child, and navigate the early weeks and months of new parenthood. The reality is that in the past dads were often pushed to the sidelines when it came to pregnancy, birth and parenthood. However, thankfully, times have changed.

Recent research has revealed how vital the role of Dads is in their child’s parenting. Yet fathers can feel as though support and information which reflects their unique role is hard to find. On this page, you’ll find resources aimed specifically at dads. Read about Preparing for fatherhood: What you need to know and do, How dads can help new mums: 9 essential tasks, and Postnatal depression in men: What are the signs, and how can you help? And much more. If you’re looking for a more, consider checking out helpful Fatherhood Links

Do you have a story about being or becoming a new father? We are always looking for new content for this page and nothing supports a new dad more than the words of someone who has been there (or is there). If you have a story to share or would like to suggest a topic around fatherhood that you’d like to read more about, please email Pregnancy Birth and Beyond.

Fatherhood links

As you begin the amazing and sometimes challenging journey that is new fatherhood, it can be great to know that there are people and groups here to help. Whether you are wondering how you can support your partner during your baby’s birth, are keen to be the best father you can be but aren’t sure where to start, or feel that you need support on the journey, the links and videos below can help!

  • Beer and Bubs: A one-night workshop at the pub where dads can learn how to support their spouse or partner through the birth of their baby. See their website for venues and dates.
  • Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation: An Australian resource promoting excellence in fathering, the Fatherhood Project is a not-for-profit, independent organisation dedicated to valuing the experience of fatherhood and building a positive community through enriching the lives of children, fathers, and their families.
  • The Fathering Project: An Australian evidence-based organisation with the goal of promoting positive behaviours and engagement of fathers in their children’s lives from infancy to adolescence.
  • MensLine Australia: Supporting men and their families, Mensline offers telephone counselling for men dealing with family and relationship difficulties or simply needing a sympathetic person to share their concerns or fears with.

Fatherhood Stories and Articles

Becoming an older dad? The truth about the risks – and its unique benefits

After age 30, women seem to attract frequent reminders about the ticking of their ‘biological clock’. But men – you have one too. By your late 30s, you might wonder how old is too old to be a dad. You might have heard there are risks with conceiving as an older dad. There are upsides and downsides to becoming a father later in life. And you can better plan if you know what you might be dealing with. How

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Postnatal depression in men: What are the signs, and how can you help?

Pregnancy and early parenting are vulnerable times for both parents’ mental health, which is why it’s routine to ask mums about their mental health. But, postnatal depression in men gets far less attention. It’s vital to know the signs of postnatal depression in dads, how to protect their mental health, and where to find help. With the number of dads with postnatal depression being 1 in 10, we owe dads the opportunity to talk about their mental health during

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How dads can help new mums: 9 essential tasks

Being a new dad can leave you feeling a bit at sea when mums are the ones who give birth and breastfeed. However, there are several important ways dads can help new mums. We know that dads want to be involved. However, reviews of various studies tell us there are barriers preventing dads from being more hands-on. One barrier for fathers is insufficient preparation for fatherhood and not having enough information. Another is a lack of confidence in being

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Preparing for fatherhood: What you need to know and do

Dads-to-be, is it fair to say you haven't given parenthood as much thought as the mum-to-be has? Most of you don't usually look at pregnancy websites, maybe because they speak more to mums, and you're busy. But preparing for fatherhood is worthwhile. When dads are positively involved in their kids' care, the children are better off. They end up socially and emotionally healthier and achieve more at school. Taking an active role as a new dad might mean buying

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Information for Dads

I personally find that information for expectant and new dads is very hard to come by. In my research looking for helpful information for fathers, I came across Good Beginnings. Good Beginnings is a national charity that provides practical, community-based parenting programs and support to ensure children get the best start in life. Good Beginnings state that "parents are doing one of the most vital jobs in the country – bringing up the next generation of Australians.  If we

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