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Text messages that speak to dads with a baby or babies in NICU/SCN
SMS4dads NICU messages have been developed from information offered by dads and mums, in collaboration with Miracle Babies and Life’s Little Treasures Foundations. You can see more about how the message set was developed here
We asked dads and mums with lived experience of the NICU/SCN what would have helped them cope with the situation and what they wish they had known. The messages developed for dads with a baby in NICU are based on their advice.
The text messages speak to any dad with a baby or babies in NICU/SCN and can be received for up to 7 weeks.
Messages are sent daily and aim to help dads adjust to the NICU environment by giving useful information, valuable tips, and advice. SMS4dads sought feedback and input from professionals and parents with lived experience of the NICU to ensure that messages were interpreted as clear, helpful, and credible.
The content of the NICU messages revolve around the same three themes as messages in the general set from SMS4dads. Here are some examples:
NOTE Some messages are written as if they are from the baby. This has worked well for many dads.
SMS4dads is FREE and dads from anywhere in Australia can JOIN UP
Dads enrol via SMS4dads.com – the JOIN UP button is on the menu on each page. When dads enrol they choose which message set is the most suitable for them at the time and they also enter their babies due and/or actual date of birth. SMS4dads also offers a message set for bereaved dads and for dads whose partner has mental distress.
NICU texts are sent to dads each day for up to 7 weeks. The first arrives on the Monday after they JOIN UP.
When the messages have finished, or if the baby leaves NICU, dads can switch to the general set of SMS4dads messages. General SMS4dads texts are sent 3 times a week. They include occasional surveys to check how dads are going (Mood-Checker Messages) and can be sent up until their baby turns one.
Dads can reply to any message to let us know of any changes to their situation, to opt out, or to give feedback about that message.
NOTE
SMS4dads refers to dads as, he/him/his in current text message sets. This is a deliberate strategy to talk directly to fathers. It is known that fathers often think that information with less gendered language, such as parent, is not directed at them. We understand that families (and dads) come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, genders, and non-binary representations and that some family members may prefer different wording. SMS4dads does not require any gender-related disclosure, and we hope those who enrol find the information useful.
WHAT DADS SAY
Here’s what dads say they wish they had known while their baby was in the NICU
What do dads wish they had known when their baby was in the NICU?
Here’s what dads say would have helped them feel more involved while their baby was in the NICU
HOW DADS COPE
What dads say helped them to cope with the situation
Feedback from dads has been enormously positive, with 92% saying SMS4dads has helped them in their role as a dad, and over 80% saying it helped their relationship with their partner.
The co-design of surveys to integrate message feedback was an integral part of the message development. This enabled feedback from both clinicians and parents with lived experience to have input and contribute to the messages.
Miracle Babies and Life’s Little Treasures help improve our understanding of dads’ experiences in the NICU.
Our teams have similar missions to support dads and their families, based on robust evidence and up to date information.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation supports families with babies in the NICU/SCN and recognises SMS4dads as an important tool to communicate important tips, information and mental health support to help dads through their parenting journey.
LIFE’S LITTLE TREASURES | Felicia Welstead, CEO
Miracle Babies Foundation recognises the importance of SMS4dads in the way it speaks directly to fathers with babies in the NICU/SCN. Miracle Babies Foundation is keen to engage with dads and support their needs too.
MIRACLE BABIES FOUNDATION | Tina Parker, Nurture Program Officer
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.