A guide for new fathers to explain their baby’s development and what developmental milestones babies should be reaching has been launched. The ‘Manual for Fathers’ will be given to new dads as part of a pilot project.
Left to Right: Lorraine Mason – Head of Staff Engagement and Wellbeing, Sarah-Jane Marsland – Health Visitor, Alice Webster – Director of Nursing, Cathy O’Callaghan – Interim Head of Midwifery, Marie Foreman – Matron on EMU, Jeanette Williams – Staff Engagement & Wellbeing Programme Lead
Produced by Health Visitor, Sarah-Jane Marsland while training to become a Health Visitor, The ‘Manual for Fathers’ highlights:
- Development milestones from 0 to 12 months
- Provides an introduction to psychosocial development from the age of 0 to 5 years
- Gives brief information regarding postnatal depression.
Health Visitor, Sarah-Jane Marsland said: “The project was first identified when I was training as a Student Health Visitor within the Trust. I was aware that there was a gap in the service delivery for the inclusion of fathers and identified that fathers were going through some feelings of exclusion.
“I decided after doing some research, that in order to help fathers feel more involved in their child’s development and to feel that they could support their partners, to develop a manual aimed specifically at them.
“After gaining positive feedback from both fathers and mothers who were consulted, I realised that this would be a beneficial tool. I am delighted that the Listening into Action initiative at ESHT have provided the funding for 1000 manuals. The plan is to pilot in two different areas of the Trust, with a view to secure further funding in the future. Thanks also go to the Staff engagement and Communications teams who provided the support and guidance throughout the process.”