Prepared Dad Foundation

It's perinatal mental health awareness week in Australia which is a perfect time to announce a very exciting project we are kicking off in 2025. We are taking on a huge challenge - providing 10,000 first time dads (over 3 years) with the opportunity to take our Prepared Dad Program at no cost. We know we have developed a ground breaking program because dads have told us just how much it resonates with them. Testimonials are here: https://lnkd.in/gX-FRcim We still have one more session in our pilot program that starts on 3 December. If you know any first time expectant fathers please send them our way! See: https://lnkd.in/g3EqemEd On behalf of dads everywhere Thanks again Associate Professor Alka Kothari for your tireless advocacy and support! #perinatalmenatlhealthawarenessweek

You are cordially invited to contribute to a ground breaking project that will better #supportfathers during the perinatal period. Associate Professor Alka Kothari has undertaken a rigorous process to develop Best Practice Principles for the #EngagementofFathers. After a series of peer led workshops and vetting by an eminent Professional Reference Group its time to consult consumers. Your crucial feedback and endorsement will take us another step closer to the inclusion of fathers during the perinatal period. If we #supportfathers they are better able to support themselves and their families! Please register using the QRcode below to join the session appropriate for you. #helpingdadshelpsfamilies #perinatalmentalhealth Dads: Wednesday?9th October, 7PM to 8:30 PM AEST Family members (Including Mums): Monday?14th October, 7PM to 8:30 PM AEST Rural or Remote Mums / Dads / Families: Monday?28th October, 7PM to 8:30 PM AEST Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (Date to be advised)

We're excited to be supporting this fantastic initiative this year! Paternal mental health awareness is growing but we still have a way to go. This is a great day out for dads and also raises funds for our friends over at Dads Group. Please help us amplify the impact of this event by sharing this post or head to https://lnkd.in/g9NW9TUq for more details and to register.?

Back in 2020 we partnered with The Fathering Project to produce our first video series for first time dads. We interviewed 15 prominent perinatal professionals and asked them what advice they would give dads about the transition to fatherhood. We then took the highlights and weaved it together with an interview with Charlie - an expectant dad. This is the finished edit.

CONTENT WARNING: PERINATAL LOSS In a ground breaking move to provide support for fathers navigating the complexities of pregnancy, still birth and infant loss, the Tiny Footprints Brotherhood is officially launching, after a 6 month trial period. This global initiative, a collaboration of two charities—the Prepare Foundation in Australia and 4Louis in the UK—is set to transform the way we support bereaved fathers. The Tiny Footprints Brotherhood is an online support network for fathers who have experienced the devastating loss of a child. Providing access to counselling services, an online support group, and links with community organisations, the Brotherhood aims to create a safe space where fathers can share their grief, find solace, and embark on a journey towards healing. The monthly sessions are co facilitated by a qualified Psychologist trained in perinatal loss. (Sincere thanks Mathew Aquilina). ?Key Features of the Tiny Footprints Brotherhood: 1.?Global Support Network:?Fathers from all corners of the world can connect, share experiences, and find strength in a diverse and empathic community. 2.?Expert Guidance:?Access to professional counselling, expert advice, and resources tailored to help fathers cope with grief, navigate the healing process, and support their partners and families. 3.?Monthly Support Group:? Addressing a range of topics, from managing grief to nurturing healthy relationships, enhancing parenting skills, and fostering emotional well-being. 4.?Community Outreach:?Partnerships with organizations, and mental health advocates to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by bereaved fathers and to promote dialogue surrounding child loss. 5.?Advocacy and Education:?Aiming to dispel myths, challenge societal stigmas, and advocate for policies that support grieving fathers in the workplace, healthcare systems, and within their communities. ?Founder’s Statement: "The Tiny Footprints Brotherhood represents a powerful alliance between two charitable organizations, pooling resources and expertise to create a global support network for bereaved fathers in their darkest hours," said Steven Kennedy, Founder of the Prepare Foundation. "Our goal is to ensure that no father walks this journey alone. Together, we can provide the understanding, compassion, and support needed to rebuild lives shattered by loss." Said Bob McGurrell, CEO of 4Louis. Testimonials in comments below. 4Louis, Bob McGurrell, Alka Kothari, Associate Professor Rob Mills, Bryanne Barnett, Hannah Dahlen AM, Vijay Roach, Sands Australia, Red Nose Australia, Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Inc, Dr. Nicole Highet, Julie Borninkhof, Arabella Gibson, Amy Dawes OAM, Amber NT | Beside You In Grief, Stillbirth CRE, Miscarriage Matters, Inc., Petals, The Lullaby Trust , Miscarriage Association, THE MISCARRIAGE FOUNDATION, Child Death Helpline, Child Bereavement UK, Simon Says Child Bereavement Support, Tommy's, The SUDC Foundation

Dr Vijay Roach shares his thoughts on the Prepare for Fatherhood Program. #menatbirth, #preparefoundation #birthingdads #P4F #PrepareforFatherhoodProgram https://lnkd.in/gqBEm5pm

A hugely positive and historical step forward in the evolution of birth culture today by the NSW Government.? The Select Committee on Birth Trauma should be congratulated for bravely pulling back the curtain on a critical subject that has long been shrouded in shame and sadness. The diversity and calibre of witnesses and sheer number of submissions revealed the depth and breadth of pain and suffering felt by families every day, everywhere in this country.? Thank you to each and every member of the Select Committee for listening to our stories and bearing witness. Your compassion and commitment made all of what will follow possible. ?? From our perspective @preparefoundation we are pleased to see fathers and non birthing parents among the recommendations for greater inclusion.??We eagerly look forward to working with NSW Government to implement the paternal recommendations.? Bravo Select Committee and Bravo 4 #dadsinclusion!

THE WHEEL OF CONTINUOUS SUPPORT One of the first obstacles I faced when starting to engage fathers in perinatal health was busting the myth that's dads have no functional role during the perinatal period. A common myth is "Fatherhood begins at birth". NO! The best outcomes can be achieved when we encourage men to think like a dad during pregnancy because #fatherhoodbeginsatconception. I figured there are physical attributes as well as senses that can be used to be helpful and the Wheel of Continuous Support was born. This poster is intended to bust the myth that dads are helpless during pregnancy, childbirth, early fatherhood and throughout the entire perinatal period! For example: His lips can be used to sing, hum and talk to "the belly"to build connection and he can also "ask for help" postnatally. How do you communicate the role of dads during the perinatal period? If you'd like a (free) copy please go to our website https://prepare.org.au and download from the Resources tab.

Our signature program is getting great reviews! #newdad?#birthingdads #menatbirth?#perinatalmentalhealth?#preparefoundation #fathers?#newfathers?#doula?#birth?#labouranddelivery #labour?#positivebirth?#pregnancy?#empoweredbirth #birthworker?#firsttimedad #birtheducation?#birthsupport #birthworker #postivebirthmovement?#childbirth #birthmatters?#positivebirth?#birthwithoutfear #empoweredbirth?#postpartum?#postnatal?#birthsupport?#birthingdadsPOSSE #preparefoundation #normalphysiologicalbirth #birthingdadsprogram

It's great to see parental sleep on the research agenda of these prestigious organisations. The investigators are recruiting mothers and fathers for a study on sleep health during the transition to parenthood. More information at?https://sleepshine.org/. #sleeppenalty Participants receive up to $100 token of appreciation.