HeyDad Fatherhood - the first 12 months
06 Sep 2010
To create awareness around the issues new parents are likely to face, beyondblue and Western Australian early parenting service provider Ngala, have produced a free booklet - HeyDad Fatherhood - first 12 months.
Dr Highet, the CEO of beyondblue says: "This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives - the advice and practical tips are invaluable. New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety - such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope - and too often it's put down to the 'baby blues' and treated as if it's a normal part of parenthood."
Ngala CEO Rae Walter says the whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. "Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children."
"Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a 'toolkit' to help new families manage change," Ms Walter says.
Dr Highet continues: "Men are an important part of the parenting equation and need to look at their own mental health as well as that of their partners and their families. This free resource will be available to all families, health professionals and organisations working with families and new parents."
The HeyDad booklet was launched in Perth on July 19th. The free booklet is via the link below or to order your free copy call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.