SMS4dads

Tips For Dads 〰️ Be Ready & Responsive

Whether it’s a reach, a cry, a look or a wriggle – your baby will give you signals

Being responsive to your baby helps them develop their communication and social skills.

Lots of unexpected events happen with a new baby and being ready for all challenges will help you improve your parenting skills.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/13-tips-for-new-dads/

“The colours I incorporated are from an awareness that I currently live on the coast near the ocean, however I’m mindful that I’m from Wiradjuri country – represented by the colour of red dirt.

“The bottom right background has a coastal colour base with two people sitting in a circle. The top left represents the colours of our inland country with two people sitting in a circle up there too. Then you can see a middle circle with an orange U representing a baby in the centre.

“And it kind of looks like a bit like a face, in a sense. Can you see that?

“Like two large eyes.

“That embodies the overall concept, the inner story and then the outer story. So, you’ve got the coastal connection down the bottom, and the inland mob up top. This represents mob communicating from all over Australia, or wherever the footprint of SMS4dads covers.

“So, the artwork maintains the idea that no matter where you’re from, you’re able to have those conversations and talk about what it’s like being a dad. That you’re not alone, that there are other fathers out there experiencing fatherhood as well – from all over Australia – whether they’re on the coast or inland.”

〰️ Kaiden Powell

SMS4DeadlyDads 〰️ SMS4DeadlyDads sends three texts a week up until bub turns 1 year old. Messages include simple tips and info sent straight to your phone just when you and your baby need it.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/deadly-dads/

INVITE A DEADLY DAD 〰️ SMS4DeadlyDads sends short texts with tips, info and links straight to dad’s phone.

If dads identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, they are sent a unique set of messages designed especially for First Nations dads.

The messages help dads:

〰️ connect with their bub
〰️ support mum
〰️ and look after themselves

If you know a Deadly Dad (or soon-to-be dad) you can invite them to join up by filling out a quick form on our website.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/sign-up-a-deadly-dad/

Childcare 〰️ What to Expect

Finding quality and affordable child care remains one of the key barriers for parents’ return to work plans. It’s important to figure out what’s right for you and your children.

The most common types of child care:
〰️ Private arrangements such as family members / friends
〰️ Family Day Care
〰️ Centre based child care or long day care
〰️ Occasional care
〰️ Pre-school
〰️ Nannies, au-pairs and babysitters
〰️ In-home care

Head to our website to learn more about your options. https://www.sms4dads.com.au/child-care-what-to-expect/

IDEAS FROM DADS IN THE NICU 〰️ Do breathing exercises.

Controlled breathing can help with relaxation and reduce feelings of stress. You may like to try this mini meditation from Headspace 〰️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Ndym-IsQg&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1

Learn more 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/10-things-dads-can-do-in-the-nicu/

〰️ F A T H E R ‘ S D A Y 〰️

This Father’s Day, we have so much to celebrate! It’s been a year full of action at SMS4Dads and SMS4DeadlyDads, and we want to acknowledge and celebrate all the new dads out there. We also extend our gratitude to the incredible services and communities who tirelessly support families.

Being a father is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out, connect, and know that there’s support available for you.

We’re proud to say we’ve reached over 14,361 enrolments in SMS4dads and over 650 enrolments in SMS4DeadlyDads!

Thank you to all our champions passing on information, providing feedback and advice on the development of messages and support. The Department of Health have extended our funding for another year. Thank you to all our partners who have worked with us to provide effective support for new dads.

〰️ SMS4dads Reference Group 〰️

The SMS4dads Reference Group provides feedback on the development of new messages. When a new message is created members of the reference group are sent the message and asked to rate it 1-4.

Participants of the Reference Group are invited to add an optional comment about the message.

Invitations to provide feedback on SMS4dads messages are sent about four times a year to members of the Reference Group for rating and review.

If you’re interested in joining, please get in touch.

📧 [email protected]
📞 02 4921 6401

SMS4DeadlyDads joined Awabakal for their annual baby ceremony where Elders from the community welcomed new babies. The ceremony was held at Yamulong as part of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day celebrations.

Babies born on Awabakal country from 2023-2024 were presented to elders who marked their foreheads in ochre and gifted them with their very first personalised patch of possum cloak, which can be built on throughout their lives.

“It’s important to celebrate our babies and our families and welcome them to community. It’s just such a special way to do that. Our people have been doing it for thousands of years.

The message is that we’re here for you – not only as a service – but as a whole community. It gives people a sense of belonging and a knowing that they they’re part of a big community.” Auntie Julie-Rose

New dads also received a DeadlyDad pack from SMS4DeadlyDads to highlight and raise awareness of the importance of including fathers during the perinatal phase:

“Our fathers are really involved. We get fathers coming along to antenatal appointments and a lot of the fathers – the dads were there, and really proud with their babies, bringing them in to get their photo taken. And I should say, there’s lots of dads here today. The dads were taking their babies up, and they are so proud. I think that’s really, really important to acknowledge the fathers as well.” Auntie Julie-Rose

Thank you for including SMS4DeadlyDads on this special day and for the wonderful work you continue to do with families living on Awabakal country. It was an honour to see 100 lucky babies welcomed by community. Congratulations on a deeply moving ceremony. Awabakal Ltd

There’s not a lot out there that speaks directly to dads. SMS4dads supports men in their role as fathers and increases awareness of their influence on baby’s brain development.

Because most family and parenting services are aimed at mums, they don’t engage directly with dads or provide specific materials and resources for them.

Join up 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com/v4/w1

SMS4dads has been designed specifically for dads!

Some messages provide tips and encouragement. Others are health related with developmental information related to looking after their baby, and also about being mindful of their own health and ways to support their partner.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/

FAQ 〰️ Who can sign up for SMS4dads?

Any dad or partner of a mum who is pregnant, or any dad (or someone who is in the role of the dad) of a baby less than 12 months of age.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/faqs/

〰️ SMS4DeadlyDads – Yarn Up | Healing Through Community 〰️

In partnership with Red Nose, SMS4DeadlyDads have been consulting with First Nations communities in QLD, NSW and South Australia to develop messages for First Nations fathers when there is a pregnancy loss or stillbirth. We have developed a set of draft messages and will be refining them with advisory groups and workshops in each state.

Health professionals and community working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, come along and join this important conversation.

〰️ Monday, August 26th || 10.30am - 12.30m
〰️ At Wandiyali

We hope you can make it and look forward to seeing you.

RSVP 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com.au/sms4deadlydads-nsw/

SMS4DeadlyDads is ­sending good vibes for all the NAIDOC week gatherings, celebrations and community days.
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We’re walking together and listening deeply – not just for one day, but all the days – as we grow our learning, understanding and respect together for the different experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men as they become new dads. If you’re keen to get involved and share your story about being a dad – get in touch.

[email protected]

and

〰️ International Fathers’ Mental Health Day 〰️

It’s time we looked out for Dad..

International Fathers’ Mental Health Day (IFMHD) is an annual global event first launched in 2016 which gives voice to issues unique to men and non-birthing partners as they transition to parenthood—their strengths, difficulties, and needs.

1 in 10 expecting or new dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression in Australia and 56% do not seek support. 43% of first-time dads believe postnatal depression and anxiety is a sign of weakness.

The father’s role has changed dramatically over the past few decades and today, dads are much more involved, both in the practicalities of parenting and in building their relationship with their child.

However, adjusting to fatherhood, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming. Dads who become the sole breadwinner need to balance the demands of continued work performance and supportive home life on reduced sleep.

Around 10% of fathers experience mental health problems in the first year, following the birth of their child and 57% of first-time fathers admit to significantly increased stress levels.

The causes of mental health problems, such as postnatal depression, are just as relevant for dads and non-birthing partners as they are for mums. However, men find it much harder to seek support for emotional problems, with 43% of first-time dads believing postnatal depression and anxiety is a sign of weakness.

The impact of mental illness for men can be catastrophic, with su***de being the biggest killer of men under 45. New fathers are unlikely to seek help, with over half (56%) not seeking support during stressful times. Since men are three times more likely to take their own lives, it’s essential that dads who feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed seek help.

During International Fathers’ Mental Health Day on June 17th 2024, SMS4dads is encouraging dads who may be struggling to come forward and seek help.

If you would like to see SMS4dads piloted in your country, please contact us at [email protected] and we will send you the SMS4dads International Starter Kit which explains the steps to have text messages translated and delivered to father!

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/sms4dads-international/

F A Q 〰️ Who can sign up for SMS4dads?

Any dad or partner of a mum who is pregnant, or any dad (or someone who is in the role of the dad) of a baby less than 12 months of age.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/faqs/

〰️ WHAT IS FATIGUE? 〰️

Fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy…

Going 24 hours without sleep reduces your performance in the same way as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent. That’s why, if you are a pilot or a drive a heavy vehicle, there are regulations with serious penalties for being fatigued at work.

For fathers, the peak times for sleep disruption are the time around the birth and the first months of having a new baby. There are no regulations about being too fatigued as a father or mother but fathers are usually back at work a couple of weeks after the birth, trying to resume their work roles as normal.

〰️ SIGNS OF FATIGUE 〰️

• Trouble focusing
• Longer reaction times
• Frequent yawning
• Blurred vision
• Micro-sleeps

〰️ IF YOU ARE FATIGUED THERE ARE FOUR ASPECTS TO CONSIDER 〰️

• Check your routines to help your baby to sleep better
• Check that the family team is working well together
• Check ways to ease work pressure
• Check how you manage the fatigue

Learn more 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/tips-and-info/fatherhood-and-fatigue/

The original idea was one developed by Richard Fletcher but the SMS4dads program has had contributions from many researchers and clinicians from all areas of Australia and overseas.

As well as the thousands of dads who have engaged with SMS4dads there have been lots of individuals who have helped to develop the content and delivery.

Head to our website to learn more about our team 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-professionals/meet-the-team/

〰️ When Things Get Tough 〰️

While few people like being “told what to do”, most dads appreciate practical suggestions on what they can do to help when things aren’t going well.

Research by Wills recommended four areas where dads can offer support to their partner if they are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

〰️ Emotional Support
Dads can tell their partner that she is a “doing a great job” as both a mum and a partner.

〰️ Companionship
Dads can demonstrate this by prioritising the tasks that mum needs to do before their own.
For example, I was going to mow the lawns but let’s feed the baby together.

〰️ Functional Support
Like helping cooking or cleaning. However, it is important that these tasks are discussed first. Well intended acts that are not negotiated sometimes don’t do down well.

〰️ Help Seeking
Dads can talk with mum about whether they need to reach out to other people for help if things are not going as well as they had expected. It is important Dads know it can be very difficult for mums to know exactly what they want or need when they are experiencing anxiety or depression.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/tips-and-info/when-things-get-tough/

IDEAS FROM DADS IN THE NICU 〰️ Get to know the nurses.

Developing relationships with staff, improves communication, and can humanise the experience of being in NICU.

Learn more 〰️ https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/10-things-dads-can-do-in-the-nicu/

〰️ SMS4DeadlyDads • Healing Through Community 〰️

SMS4DeadlyDads have carried out the first and second face-to-face community consultations in Northern Queensland.

The representation and engagement of participants highlighted an eagerness to involve and better connect with Aboriginal and Torres Islander dads and dads-to-be in the perinatal phase.

〰️ Community Consultations 〰️

The SMS4DeadlyDads team is looking forward to taking on feedback and input into the messages gathered from community consultations.

Over the coming months we will be speaking with health professionals, community members and dads in other states and territories for additional suggestions and information on specific cultural considerations. The final set of messages will be brief texts with links to online resources and services.

Upcoming consultations on messages for grieving fathers will be taking place in Queensland (Northern Queensland and Torres Strait), New South Wales (Hunter Valley and regional centres) and in South Australia (Adelaide and regional centres).

Please get in touch:

📧 [email protected]
📞 02 4921 6401

SMS4DeadlyDads 🖤❤️💛🤍

SMS4DeadlyDads sends three texts a week up until bub turns 1 year old. Messages include simple tips and info sent straight to your phone just when you and your baby need it.

“I joined up to SMS4dads – it’s helped me so much trying to navigate the change in lifestyle with bub and mum.”

Take a look at what a bunch of deadly dads have to say about their experience of parenthood – before, during and after the birth.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/sms4deadlydads-videos/

Dads, it’s easy to join up for SMS4dads. It’s also free.

Head to our website.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au

〰️ IS FATIGUE NORMAL FOR NEW DADS? 〰️

Australian researchers analysed results from studies examining sleep disturbance of over 3,000 fathers of infants over the first 12 months and found that sleep difficulties included lying awake before falling asleep as well as waking up (or being woken up) after falling asleep.

Although babies will sleep better as they get older, fathers, in some of the studies had increased levels of fatigue over the first year. The researchers suggested that this might be a result of the build-up of fatigue over the critical first six months.

They also found that in the first three months after the birth fathers with greater fatigue had poorer safety compliance and participation at work.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT FATIGUE?

Here are four aspects to consider.

〰️ Check your routines to help your baby to sleep better
〰️ Check that the family team is working well together
〰️ Check ways to ease work pressure
〰️ Check how you manage the fatigue

Learn more: https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/tips-and-info/fatherhood-and-fatigue/

SMS4DeadlyDads are forming state-based advisory groups in NSW, QLD and SA. The SMS4DeadlyDads Advisory Group Members will be community contact points for yarn ups about the loss of a pregnancy or baby. Their insight and learnings will inform the message and resource development.

Initial discussions will centre around what supports, information, resources (if any) are currently in place for dads have a loss? What cultural traditions, nuances and implications in various communities should be considered? And what support and resources would be culturally appropriate and useful.

Advisory Group Members will meet quarterly with the SMS4DeadlyDads team after gathering feedback from services and their communities.

If you would like to be get involved in these conversations, you can reach out to Advisory Group Members in your area or you can get in touch with the SMS4DeadlyDads Team, contact us:
📞 02 4921 6401
📧 [email protected]

〰️ Healing Through Community 〰️

SMS4DeadlyDads have carried out the the first and second face-to-face community consultations in Northern Queensland.

In December 2023, Wuchopperen Health Service hosted a workshop with First Nations and Health Service representatives from Cairns and the Torres Strait.

The focus of the workshop was to seek input around the content of text messages and support for First Nations men in the event of pregnancy loss or stillbirth.

The representation and engagement of participants highlighted an eagerness to involve and better connect with Aboriginal and Torres Islander dads and dads-to-be in the perinatal phase.

The positive reception towards SMS4DeadlyDads and the concept of developing text messages especially for First Nations dads when things don’t go to plan during a pregnancy or around the birth was heartening.

An overview of feedback from the workshop is available on our website:

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/healing-through-community

F A Q 〰️ Why is there such a focus on dads?

There are countless programs marketed for ‘parents’ or ‘families’. Often these programs don’t necessarily talk with fathers. If fathers do join up for parenting programs, they often drop out as they are focused on the needs and experiences of mothers.

Learn more • https://www.sms4dads.com.au/for-dads/faqs/

〰️ INVITE A DEADLY DAD 〰️

If you know of a new or soon-to-be dad, you can have them sent an invite to find out more about SMS4DeadlyDads. Let us know who to send an invite to via our website.

https://www.sms4dads.com.au/sign-up-a-deadly-dad/