Support for dads

NCT has launched a brand new set of resources for dads and dads-to-be including online booklets and a DVD to help them adjust to their role. Dads can use these to help them handle changes to their lifestyle, and the major questions that fatherhood throws up. 

Online booklets

The two free, online booklets; ‘Becoming a parent & Early days with your baby’, have been written by dads for dads. They explain the options available when making key decisions and cover topics such as understanding the different stages of pregnancy, developing a birth plan, changing lifestyles and relationships, juggling life as a parent, managing finances and the joys of fatherhood.

To download the free booklets please click on the links below: 

PDF 3.6MB	PDF 1.7MB

Daddy Cool

The DVD; ‘Daddy Cool’ combines reliable information from NCT experts with interviews from three dads-to-be who share their real-life experiences, as well as James McQuillan, BBC Apprentice runner up 2009.

The DVD follows the dads through the final stages of their partner’s pregnancy, and covers live birth and the first six weeks of their new baby’s life.

The DVD explores the dads’ roles and choices, the way they feel about becoming a dad and how they get to grips with their new responsibilities.

The ‘Daddy Cool’ DVD is available for only £4.99 and all of the profit goes back into the charity.

Available from NCT Shop by calling 0845 8100100 or www.nctshop.co.uk

Other resources for dads

As well the new resources, NCT has a range of information sheets and online support for dads. If you’re a dad and would like to join NCT’s online support group in the run up to Father’s Day on 20th June visit: www.nct.org.uk/info-centre/egroups. Plus NCT antenatal courses give dads the opportunity to develop their knowledge about pregnancy and prepare for the birth of their baby.

An honest look at breastfeeding from a father's viewpoint, this information sheet addresses any concerns men may have about their partner breastfeeding and gives suggestions as to how men can support their partner to breastfeed.		Bathtime Tips shows different ways you can clean your baby - whether topping and tailing, in the sink, in the bath or in a small baby bath.

Visit the Info Centre for all help you need to decide between the countless choices facing new parents.

“Having children changes everything – that’s a fact. You certainly can’t be as self-centred any more, the centre moves towards the child and the sense of responsibility is pretty distracting. As a new parent you probably won’t be leafing through the Sunday papers with a bacon butty for a while, but having a daughter is my greatest pleasure." Nick, new dad. 

NCT and dads

NCT has been helping dads play a key role in early family life since the 1950’s. Over a generation of babies have been born with their dads in the birth room thanks to campaigning from the NCT charity to allow dads to attend the birth. This is now common practice and today over 97% of dads attend their child’s birth.

NCT has a history of providing reliable information and support for parents and recognises the important role that dads play. According to NCT’s latest research by Ipsos Mori, 80% of adults (aged 15-45) think support given to new dads is just as important for the well being of the child as support given to new mothers.¹ 

1. 917 parents and expectant parents of all ages and 971 British adults aged 15-45 took part in the Ipsos MORI survey from 8 – 28 January 2010. The research was conducted using face-to-face, in-home interviewing of a nationally representative quota sample across Great Britain.