Ngala Partners with Beyond Blue to launch new HeyDad booklet

Posted on: Thu 22 July 2010

Ngala, in partnership with beyondblue have produced a new parenting resource for fathers called Hey Dad - Fatherhood - First 12 Months. 

The booklet contains useful information relevant to new dads.  This new edition also explores ante- and post-natal depression and anxiety.  Deputy CEO of beyondblue Dr Nicole Highet says that recent research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of the child.  This resource is designed to raise awareness about some of these issues which affect many families.

Dr Highet 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."

This booklet is available free of charge and can also be downloaded from the beyondblue website.

For more information about beyondblue, please visit their website. 

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