Raising Children Network (raisingchildren.net.au) surveyed expectant dads and dads with children from birth to three years of age about the information they want when their partners are pregnant and they’re about to become a dad. They found unique insights that informed a new free online Dads Guide to Pregnancy looking at what dads and their partners might be going through during each stage of pregnancy.
‘I was numbed by the experience… it was all a big shock’ said Scott, father of two. The survey found that a lot of males can share this same feeling. Men find most information is ‘mum-focused’ and they are looking for their ‘own space’ online where information is targeted to them
Men surveyed told us that they want informative, cut-to-the chase pregnancy information in a conversational style so we took this on board in developing the guide”, said Dr Julie Green, Executive Director of Raising Children Network.
“Dads have a huge impact on their children and becoming a dad involves lots of learning as you go. The new Dads Guide to Pregnancy gives dads some tools to spend time on what they’re experiencing and to prepare for the changes in the lead-up to becoming a father – it’s a one-stop-shop that has everything, from money and work, what their partner is going through, preparing for their role in the birth as well as stories from dads describing the birth of their babies”.
All information on the Raising Children Network is based on scientifically validated research. To develop the Dads Guide to Pregnancy, the Raising Children Network also collaborated with experts on key topics, including input from organisations such as PANDA (Post & Antenatal Depression Association).
“We hope this unique guide leads to more conversations about men looking after themselves too, so that ultimately there are positive outcomes for the overall health and wellbeing of the new family to be”, said Dr Green.
To find the guide visit http://raisingchildren.net.au. The dads guide to pregnancy is on our homepage. You can also find Raising Children Network on Facebook (facebook.com/RaisingChildrenNetwork) and Twitter (www.twitter/RCN_AUS).
Raisingchildren.net.au is the complete Australian resource for parenting newborns to teens. Developed for Australian families, Raising Children Network is relevant to our unique health, education and support systems. It provides a comprehensive range of information on child health, development and behaviour from infancy to the middle teens in multiple formats (written, graphical, video and interactive resources). Supported by the Australian government, the member organisations of the Raising Children Network are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.
