Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have launched a ‘DadPad’ app to support new and expectant fathers.
They said the app will include information such as details of local support groups and services providers, aimed at helping the fathers develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
This is aimed at helping the babies grow up health and well prepared for education.
It includes topics such as: feeding, holding, changing and cleaning babies; getting by without sleep and coping with crying; home safety and first aid; getting to know the baby; and looking after yourself.
Cllr Lorrain Beardmore, the city council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health, said: “'The DadPad was created by listening to what dads, their partners and professionals asked for in relation to preparing for fatherhood, what to expect and how to care for their baby.
“Having this information can bring many benefits, including helping to improve the mental health of new dads and their partners across the city during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child.
“As well as providing general information to fathers and families, the DadPad has been customised to include local Stoke-on-Trent support groups and services, along with links to the Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory which is regularly updated.”
Improving maternity experience
Kate Cox, head of universal services at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are committed to continually improving the maternity experience for families in Stoke-on-Trent so that every child gets the best start in life, so we are delighted to support this fantastic new resource.
“Traditionally, lots of information, advice and support is female focused, but partners can feel equally unsure or overwhelmed. DadPad is designed to reduce anxiety in a number of ways, for example, by helping dads gain confidence by getting involved with their baby’s care, as well as learning how to create a strong bond and build stronger family relationships. It also provides links to trusted sources of information and advice.
“We expect that it will enable new dads to play an active role in helping improve the health and wellbeing outcomes families in the city.”
The app is available on the App Store and Play store and through a web link.
The council added that a resource for co-parents – LGBTQ+ and non-berthing – is being prepared for launch early next year.
