First-Time Father: Pregnancy Birth and Starting out as a Dad

Description

For many men, the birth of their first child is a truly life-changing event. The newness and wonder of it all - the unfamiliar, overwhelming love, the feelings of protectiveness and responsibility - often cause a man to redefine himself and his place in the world. With such a momentous life change, it is important to family wellbeing that the transition be as smooth as possible. In this practical and straightforward book, Tony White and Dr Graeme Russell help 'expectant' dads understand what is happening from the start of the pregnancy through to the first few months with their new baby. They help fathers-to-be: empathise with their partner during the pregnancy, labour and birth, understand how to work with their partner as a parenting team, accommodate changes to the relationship (and their sex life) with their partner, understand what their baby needs from them in terms of practical care and emotional support, connect with their child, appreciate the importance of fathers to children, and consider strategies for balancing work and family life Based on the authors' joint experience in working with dads in Australia for over 30 years, First-time Father helps men grow into the lifelong challenges and joys of fatherhood.

Dr Graeme Russell is Associate Professor in Psychology at Macquarie University and an internationally recognised consultant on fatherhood and work-life strategies. He has been appointed to the Federal Government's National Marriage and Family Council, and is a member of the National Diversity Think Tank. He is also the author of The Changing Role of Fathers and A Practical Guide for Fathers. He lives in Sydney. Tony White, a psychologist and manager of health and welfare services, has worked for 30 years with families, focussing particularly on the antenatal and postnatal role of fathers. He has developed the 'Men in Families' project, a program for first-time fathers in Coffs Harbour that provides support for fathers from the onset. He lives in Coffs Harbour.

'With this book, new dads will understand their baby better, and make better decisions for their baby's wellbeing. It will encourage strong, loving and understanding communication between dads and their partners. My only regret is that First-time Father was not in my hands before I became a dad. Paul Prichard Good Beginnings Australia. 'Graeme and Tony give due recognition to this momentous change in men's lives and loves, and provide a plain-talking guide to the steps along the way. I recommend this book to all those men making the shift to fatherhood, their partners and the professionals doing their best to support the family.' Richard Fletcher Engaging Fathers Project, Family Action Centre, The University of Newcastle.