Supporting our Proud Mater Dads
Tuesday 27 October 2020
As a father of young children himself, Mater Pastoral Care Practitioner Samuel Dow understands becoming a new parent can be a tricky and sometimes stressful situation. To support new dads he has been working on several programs at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals.
Samuel believes that fathers can often feel left out of the pregnancy and birthing journey especially in the first few days after birth and says he wants to encourage fathers to take on this new role life has thrown at them with both hands.
“While they are still in the hospital our team run twice-weekly sessions in the hospital where fathers can come along with their babies in a safe and welcoming environment and we can discuss what’s ahead of them and some of the challenges they may face,” Samuel said.
“We speak about the birth experience and give fathers time to reflect on this, we discuss what is their role as a father in the family unit, we give them ideas on how they can support their partners, how to deal with stressful situations and how to have a good work-life balance.
“Finally, we have midwives and lactation consultants come along to talk to the fathers about breastfeeding and how they can support their partners to successfully breastfeed their babies. Midwives will also help with feeding cues, baby wrapping and other baby care skills.”
Samuel says the fathers are very engaged in the sessions, they feel it’s a space they can discuss anything or even ask questions they might have felt self-conscious to ask in front of their partner.
“The sessions are very informal and conversational, fathers are welcome to talk about whatever is on their mind. It’s also wonderful to see them meet other fathers in this space, some of them exchange numbers and arrange play dates,” Samuel said.
“Our sessions are not just for new fathers as well, we welcome fathers who already have children who might want a refresher or additional support persons like grandparents.”
For more information on support services for Fathers you can contact our Parenting Support Centre on 07 3163 2229.