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While some things are biological and other factors are beyond a father’s direct control, there are ways dads can contribute to a healthy pregnancy environment and help keep their bub growing strong.
Nicotine cuts down the blood oxygen that babies need to grow. DOWNLOAD FLYER
If mum notices bub is not moving as much as usual get her to call someone – better to check than wait. DOWNLOAD FLYER
In the last weeks, help mum sleep on her side
– it’s what your bub needs now in the final stretch. DOWNLOAD FLYER
Naturally, dads want to do everything they can to help with the health of both their partner and baby. The good news is that there are some simple things that dads can do – and encourage mum to do – that can have a real impact on reducing the risk of stillbirth.
If you are a smoker, you should try to quit. And if your partner smokes, support her to quit too. Making sure that pregnant women aren’t exposed to cigarette smoke (either through smoking themselves, or other people’s secondhand smoke) is the single most important thing that can reduce the risk of stillbirth.
When your partner falls asleep at night, or just takes a short nap, encourage her to go to sleep on her side rather than on her back (from 28 weeks into the pregnancy). When she sleeps on her back, the blood flow and oxygen to the womb are restricted. Compared to sleeping on her back, side-sleeping halves the risk of stillbirth.
If she wakes up on her back after a sleep, that’s fine, but encourage her to go to sleep again on her side. Your partner might need your help with finding the right pillows, doonas and lighting so she can feel as comfortable as possible.
Your partner will start to feel the baby move between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy. You might feel the movements too if you place your hands on her belly. Babies have a regular pattern of movements and you should encourage your partner to get know that pattern. Any changes in the baby’s movement pattern may be a sign it’s unwell.
Take time to listen if your partner is concerned about baby’s movements. If she notices a change in movements, she should contact her maternity care professional immediately. As her partner, you should be ready to take her to the maternity unit, and reassure her that she will not be wasting anyone’s time – if there’s a chance the baby may be in danger, you need to seek help quickly.
Make sure you join up to SMS4dads!
SMS4dads sends texts with tips, info and advice to dads from 12 weeks into a pregnancy. The texts are synched to the baby’s development. Some of the texts from SMS4dads suggest info and advice for dads and are timely reminders that help keep bub safe and reduce risks during the pregnancy.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLE MESSAGES
4dad: It will be important for me to sleep in a safe place and in a safe position dad. Get more info on safe sleeping here
4dad: If Mum notices that I’m not moving as much as usual please get her to call someone. Better to check than wait.
4dad: Please don’t steal the pillows when you get to bed. Mum needs them to be comfortable going to sleep on her side.
4dad: Please help mum to sleep on her side. It’s what I need now I am in the final stretch.
Along with…
there are other things dads and mums can work on that help keep bub safe and come out healthy. See more below.
PLEASE NOTE
Sadly, we know that not every stillbirth is preventable. And if there is a loss – it’s important both parents get support and try not to blame or be blamed. Whilst it’s important to remember the tips and steps suggested on this page can help, there are other factors that can contribute to pregnancy loss. If you and your partner experience a miscarriage or stillbirth, it’s important to seek support from healthcare professionals and support groups. Lots of parents say Red Nose is a really good place to start.
Red Nose – Reducing Risks | Red Nose – Grief and Loss Support
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.
Richard credits a varied career, a talented and innovative team, and much life experience for affording him the insight needed to address the challenges related to actively engaging dads.
After completing his masters in Medical Science, studying epidemiology, Richard earned his PhD focusing on fathers and attachment.
“Fathers are invisible in many places, and that is endemic. Not because people dislike fathers, but because the system is set up to be focused on mothers.”
Some services and organisations are aware of the need to engage dads, but have been unsuccessful in their attempts.
“When people are challenged about this, they generally want dads involved,” Richard affirms.
“Often, however, they just don’t know how to do it.”
Richard works with health professionals on issues related to fathers, and has delivered many antenatal programs for expectant dads.
He credits his own family with giving him an understanding of the role of fathers needed to make his work relevant.
“I have three daughters and two stepdaughters,”
“My kids would say they taught me just about everything I know and they’d be right. They’ve taught me a lot, and still do.”
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.