Getting to Know Your Baby

Feeling on the outside looking in?

Some fathers feel excluded from forming a relationship with their new child through the pregnancy and birth.

Some fathers feel more uncomfortable if they are not involved in the process of breastfeeding. Dads report that where they are able to talk about their feelings with their partner they are able to deal with this in a helpful way.

There are many important things a father can do to assist in building a relationship with their child such as bathing, changing nappies, cuddling them while they are awake, and playing simple games with them–even when they are a few days old.

Bathing

Bathing your baby can really assist with bonding and help you learn your babies language. Some fathers feel this takes longer because they are not feeding their baby. Changing nappies, despite the sight and smell, is a great way to develop a strong physical and emotional relationship with your child.

Breastfeeding

If you want to give your child a great start in life and your partner can breastfeed, your encouragement can make a big difference. If you feel that the breastfeeding is impacting on your relationship with your partner talk to each other about it.

If your family is having difficulties with breastfeeding speak to:

• the Maternity Hospital you attended.
• the Local Child Health Nurse.
• Australian Breastfeeding Association.
• Ngala Helpline (08) 9368 9368. (WA only)

Research into breastfeeding shows that:

• The antibodies in breast milk protect against upper respiratory and ear infection, which is very common in babies.
• Women who breastfeed have a lower rate of breast cancer.
• Mothers are more likely to stop breastfeeding if the Father is not supportive.

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