NHS Highland bring the DadPad to new fathers and dads-to-be

In a first for Scotland, a new app which will “enable new dads to enjoy their babies and feel more confident about fatherhood” was launched today by NHS Highland.

Developed in 2012 by Inspire Cornwall CIC, Cornish-based community interest company Inspire Cornwall CIC, the hard-copy resource is now available across a number of areas in the UK as an app.

The DadPad is an easy-to-use resource that’s free to download and has been developed with the NHS to provide support and guidance for new dads and dads-to-be.

“New dads will feel excited, but may also feel left out, unsure and overwhelmed. The

DadPad can help,” explained Susan Ross, perinatal mental health advanced nurse with NHS Highland.

“It has been designed to be used as a quick reference tool that will enable new dads to enjoy their babies and feel more confident about fatherhood.

“The app is packed with relevant information, as well as details on local support groups and service providers. Its aim is to provide new fathers, whether it is their first child or not, with guidance on how to develop the mind-set, 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.

The app, which is available across Highland and Argyll and Bute, 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

Julian Bose, director of Inspire Cornwall CIC, said: “The DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions, and dads told us that there was important information that they wanted to be given on what to expect and how to care for their baby.

“We listened to what dads, their partners and health professionals asked for and combined it all in the DadPad.

“With technology playing such a big part in everyone’s lives today, developing an app to complement the existing DadPad seemed the obvious next step. This has opened up a world of possibilities in delivering new content and features and, crucially, getting updates and news out to the dads quickly and easily.

“We are delighted to have been given the chance to launch DadPad in Scotland for the first time, with the help and support of the Perinatal Infant Mental Health Team at NHS Highland, and to get this resource available for all new dads and dads-to-be across the Highlands and Argyll and Bute area.”

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