Fathers

After the excitement and hard work of your child’s birth, bringing your partner and baby home may suddenly find you faced with an overwhelming responsibility.

Many fathers have shared feelings of being:

• alone, left out, unsupported
• distanced from partner
• worried, scared, anxious
• tired, exhausted
• stressed, edgy
• frustrated
• annoyed, angry
• sad, depressed
• happy, elated
• overwhelmed
• inexperienced

"I felt like nothing would be the same again."

• relationship with partner, family and friends
• parenting skills
• home, work and leisure routines
• financial needs
• general well-being

• Get involved - help care for your baby
• Talk to a friend about fathering
• Plan - make a list of should do’s and must do’s
• >Don't be afraid to ask for help and support
• Take time for yourself - do something you enjoy
• exercise
• leisure time
• Use humour - it can give you a brighter outlook
• Go solo - spend time alone with your baby
• Discuss parenting responsibilities and feelings with your partner
• Take time for intimacy
• Enjoy conversation other than parenting
• Hire a babysitter - go out!
• Improve your fathering skills by attending a parenting group