As a dad or partner, you have a vital role in the life of your child. The more you can get stuck in with everyday tasks and spend one-on-one time with your new baby, the more your confidence will build. You will probably parent in a different way from your partner, and that's okay. Adapting to your different parenting styles helps your baby learn social skills.
Things to do
- Dads and partners are very welcome to attend the First Parents groups run at Maternal and Child Health centres.
- If your partner is breastfeeding, learn the important role you play in the breastfeeding partnership.
- In the lead up to the birth, apply for dads and partners leave of up to 2 weeks funded by the government. Check if you're eligible at Services Australia.
- Join a dads group to learn and support each other. Find a dads group via the Fathering Project.
- Check out the resources available at the Relationships Australia Support for Fathers website.
- Learn about postnatal depression and how it can affect you as well as your partner.
- Check out family life stages for more things to do that are appropriate for children of different ages.
-
Find trusted information on parenting, from bonding with your baby to blended families at the Raising Children Network
Activities in Boroondara
- Get out to an activity with your child at one of our libraries.
- Attend a parent's information session.
- Join a playgroup.
- Become a member and volunteer at a toy library.
- Visit a playground.
Support and advice
Having children can be wonderful, but it's also a big change to adapt to. It can put a strain on your relationship as you and your partner might need to look at your roles inside and outside the home and agree on how you will parent together. Luckily there are many services to help you.
- Maternal and Child Health service (MCH): email [email protected] or call 9278 4606.
- Mensline: a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns, anywhere, anytime. Call 1300 78 99 78.
- Parentline: free counselling and advice for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old, 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. Call 13 22 89.
- PANDA: Australia’s free national helpline service for women, men and their families affected by perinatal anxiety and depression, 9am to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday. Call 1300 726 306.
After hours
- The Maternal and Child Health Line: free advice from a qualified MCH nurse for children from birth to school age, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 13 22 29.