Bonding with your baby advice - Dads

My Dad and Me - Bonding for Fathers “My first race in life won, our journey has started Dad!” 10 11 TIP #8 Will you be at my birth? Fathers’ involvement during labour has been found to deepen the relationship with their partner and increase their emotional involvement with baby. Think about and talk to your partner about your role as a birthing partner. The human brain is only partially formed at birth and becomes hardwired by the baby’s earliest experiences. Ideally the first hour or so following birth, skin to skin contact with mum is really important. But your baby will be ready to bond with you too. Fathers who care for and play with their babies, make a huge difference to their child’s growth, development and confidence. Skin to skin contact Physical contact helps baby grow. Loving and gentle physical touch makes baby feel safe and secure and builds trust with you. TIP #9 These are some of the things that your baby will really enjoy; Interaction Getting involved in their daily care – dressing, settling, playing, bathing and nappy changing – will give you and baby lots of time to get to know one and other. They will love it when they have your full attention - it helps to build a special connection.