Stoke-on-Trent City Council has worked with the NHS Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust and DadPad to launch the easy-to-use, freely downloadable resource for new dads and dads-to-be.
It is packed with relevant information, as well as details on local support groups and service providers. The DadPad’s aim is to provide new fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
Building a strong attachment will not only enable dads to better enjoy their new role but also contribute towards positive long-term social, health and educational outcomes for their babies. Crucially, the app also provides dads with guidance on how to support and seek help (when needed) for their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles, and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.
The app covers topics such as:
• Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby
• Surviving without sleep and coping with crying
• Getting to know your baby
• Home safety and first aid
• Looking after yourself and supporting your partner
Cllr Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health said: “I am thrilled that the city council has been able to work with the team at DadPad to launch this fantastic free app in Stoke-on-Trent.
“'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.”
“Cllr Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people said: “As a city council, our aim is to provide the best start in life for all children in the city and the DadPad can help with this.
“By building confidence, helping dads engage with their baby’s development and be a supportive co-parent the DadPad can help children and families across the city.”
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.”
To download the DadPad search ‘DadPad’ on the App Store or Play Store or go to https://www.thedadpad.co.uk/app
'There is also a resource for co-parents (LGBTQ+ non-birthing parents) being prepared by DadPad and available to new and expectant families in Stoke in early 2023.
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