NCT Reaches Out to Dads

Released on 10/06/2008

The NCT is encouraging dads to help support each other during their partner’s pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The charity has set up an online support network ‘NCT E Dads’ that aims to give expectant or new dads support and encouragement from others who are going through the same life experiences. Dads are being recommended to sign up today to the e-group and to share their thoughts.

Becoming a dad for the first time can be a major life event - relationships can change, economic finances can be affected and there’s a whole new range of responsibilities to take on board. Of parents supported by NCT, one in four are dads (28%).

Belinda Phipps, NCT Chief Executive, says, “Being a dad is a time of joy, celebration, and pride but it can also be a time of worry and dads may feel they need support. They may also need information on what exactly their partner is going through and how they can best support her.

“We have set up our online support group to give dads an opportunity to chat to other dads who are in the same position as them - they can swap stories and share advice and tips. Often, after a baby is born, the focus is on the mum, but dads have needs too as their identity changes and we are helping to address this.”

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

The NCT believes that dads could be involved in all aspects of a new baby’s life including the birth, breastfeeding, bathing and nappy changing, and provides information and factsheets on how they can do this.

The charity also provides NCT antenatal classes that give dads the opportunity to develop their knowledge about pregnancy and prepare for the birth of their baby. Classes allow dads to build up their skills and confidence and to share in the joys and challenges ahead.

If you are a dad and would like to join the NCT’s online support group in the run up to Father’s Day on June 15^th, visit: www.nct.org.uk/info-centre/egroups

The NCT is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year we support over 100,000 parents through an incredible life changing experience, offering information and practical and emotional support through 300 UK-wide branch networks and we campaign for better maternity care.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The NCT has a range of information for fathers and fathers-to-be. To access this information call the NCT’s Enquiry Line on 0300 330 0770.

Leaflets available include:

• Fathers and Breastfeeding
• Bath-time tips for new parents

The NCT - formerly the National Childbirth Trust - is the leading charity for pregnancy, birth and parenting in the UK. Every year we support thousands of people through this incredible life-changing experience, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support through our local branch networks, national telephone helplines and antenatal and postnatal courses.

The NCT is run by parents, for parents with over 70,000 members - our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers, who work through our network of branches to provide local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and professionals. We are trusted and respected by health professionals and governments as an organisation that represents the needs of parents.

For further information visit our website at www.nct.org.uk

 

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