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Don't shut fathers out

A leading fatherhood think-tank has recently announced a 12 point action plan dedicated to helping to make sure that fathers are not ‘shut out' of their children's lives. This comes amidst claims that maternity services are not concerned with involving fathers from the beginning of their child's life.

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The report is set to show the ‘missing piece of the maternity jigsaw’ by highlighting how important it is to involve fathers in maternity services and the current failure to do so. The plan calls for all mothers and fathers being allowed to stay overnight on postnatal wards, as well as fathers also being required to sign their child’s birth certificate. The report goes on to say that while the vast majority of fathers are interested in fulfilling their responsibilities they often get no encouragement or support. At the same time, the small minority who aren’t interested do not get challenged, and are simply allowed to drift away from their obligations.

CEO of the Fatherhood Institute Duncan Fisher says:

‘What actually happens now is that while the mother’s responsibilities are reinforced at every opportunity, the first message many fathers get after the birth is: ‘leave this place now!’ The father needs to be held as responsible as the mother for their child’s wellbeing, which means staff taking every opportunity to inform, help or challenge rather than brushing him aside.’

Other aspects of the action plan call for:

• Professional training for midwives to include engagement with fathers; and a national programme of free study days on this topic
• Maternity services to allow and encourage fathers to be present for doctor’s ward round and when support is given on baby care skills
• Clear NHS definition of the father’s role at birth
• Co-ordinated Government programme to give targeted antenatal support to young mothers and vulnerable fathers.

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