Dads, Partners & Support People
Welcome
Whether you are a dad, partner, co-parent or support person, you are an important part of this journey.
We want you to feel:
- Included
- Informed
- Supported
You can be so important in your role, in your partner’s care and your baby’s early life.
There is support available for you.
[We use the words dads, partners and support people to include everyone including same-sex partners, co-parents, non-resident partners, and anyone supporting someone through pregnancy and birth.]
Your role
You can be an important part of the care team.
You might:
- Support your partner emotionally
- Help with decisions, if they want this
- Speak up for your partner if needed
- Care for your baby
There is no one “right way” to do this. Being there and learning as you go is enough.
What to Expect
During pregnancy
You may be able to attend some or all appointments, if your partner would like you to.
You can:
- Be involved in discussions
- Ask questions
- Learn together
You can help by:
- Supporting healthy choices
- Listening and being present
- Going to antenatal classes with your partner.
The more you know about what happens during labour and birth, the more comfortable you may be, and the more support you'll be able to offer.
Book onto antenatal classes here at the Jessop Wing: Antenatal Classes
For support with stopping smoking click here: NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree
During labour & birth
Your partner will decide who they want with them during labour and birth.
You can:
- Offer comfort and reassurance
- Help your partner stay calm
- Support your partner’s wishes and preferences
- Speak to staff if needed
Our team will support you too.
Things you can do to prepare:
Plan your route to the hospital or birth centre. Keep the car topped up with petrol, or have local taxi numbers ready.
If your partner is having a home birth, have the maternity assessment centre’s phone number nearby.
Antenatal classes can help you prepare for how you might support your partner during labour and birth. Book onto antenatal classes here at the Jessop Wing: Antenatal Classes
After your baby is born
You can:
- Help your partner rest and recover
- Spend time getting to know and bond with your baby
- Support feeding
- Help at home
Small things can make a big difference.
Feeding your baby – your role
Feeding your baby is an important part of caring for them.
There are different ways to feed a baby, and your partner will make the choice that feels right for them.
You have an important role, whatever feeding method is used.
How you can support feeding
You can:
- Encourage and support your partner
- Bring food and drinks during feeds
- Help with household tasks
- Spend time caring for your baby
Your support can make a big difference.
If your baby is being breastfed
You can help by:
- Supporting your partner to feel comfortable and relaxed
- Helping them rest when needed
- Being patient while feeding is being established
- Encouraging them to seek help if needed
Breastfeeding can take time to learn, and support is important.
If your baby is formula fed
It is important that formula is made safely.
You can help by:
- Following guidance on how to prepare feeds safely
- Making up feeds as advised
- Keeping bottles and equipment clean
Find out more about feeding your baby
Need support?
If you have questions about feeding, please speak to your midwife.
Becoming Dad- A guide for new fathers.
For more information on becoming a new parent by The Fatherhood Institute and The Mental Health Foundation click here.
New father guide
Practical Information
For practical information, please see:
Support for You
Becoming a parent, or supporting someone through this time, can feel overwhelming.
You might feel:
- Worried
- Stressed
- Overwhelmed
- Guilt
This is common.
If you feel you need support:
- Speak to your GP
- Contact Sheffield Talking therapies
- Use the services below such as groups and Light Peer support.
You do not have to manage this alone.
If you or your partner are in a mental health crisis:
Samaritans: 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258
Sheffield Rethink: 08088010440
Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team: 0114 2716310
You can also call NHS 111 or attend your local A&E department
Helpful guides and resources
NHS – Advice for Partners
Practical advice to help you support your partner during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Click here for more information.
DadPad Guide for Dads & Partners
DadPad App
A free app with:
- Baby care advice
- Support for partners, single parents, separate parents
- Local services
- Support with things such as money, mental health, staying healthy.
- Support that is shaped to meet the needs of people from different backgrounds
Simply enter ‘DadPad’ into the app store of your phone to download the app. Once the app is installed, enter your post code when prompted and select your local hospital or area.
If you would like a copy of the DadPad or Co-ParentPad books, please contact the Sheffield Perinatal Mental Health service on 0114 2716069 and we can send you one.
Fatherhood institute – factsheets
The Fatherhood Institute factsheets are short guides to support dads, partners and co-parents.
They include:
- Work and rights – paternity leave and flexible working
- Caring for your child – bonding, safety and development
- Family life – co-parenting and relationships
- Your wellbeing – looking after your mental and physical health
- Practical information – birth registration and parental responsibility
- When things are difficult – including baby loss and getting support
View all factsheets:
https://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/fatherhood-factsheets
NHS Infant feeding support
Trusted advice and support: Please click here for more information.
Local support & resources
These services are optional and you can choose what feels right for you.
Sheffield Parent Hub
Find local:
- Groups and activities
- Parenting advice
- Support services
Click here for more information
Sheffield Family Hubs
Family Hubs are a great place to find support, meet other parents and access local services - all in one place.
They offer:
- Groups and activities for you and your baby
- Feeding and parenting support
- Wellbeing support
- Help from a range of local services
Register with your local Family Hub to see what’s available near you and get the support that’s right for your family. Family Hubs | Sheffield City Council
Steel City Dads
Support for dads, partners and co-parents:
- Groups and workshops
- Mental health support
- Supportive Whatsapp Community
Please click here for more information:
Light peer support
Light offers one-to-one peer support for dads, co-parents and partners.
Peer support means talking to someone who understands, because they have had similar experiences.
You can access support in a way that works for you:
- Face-to-face
- By phone or video call
- By text or email
Please click here for more information:
Support for LGBTQ+ parents and partners
Some parents and partners may have different journeys into parenthood.
Tommy's works with LGBT Mummies to support LGBTQ+ families with information, community and support.
Click here for more information:
Feedback
We know not everyone has always felt included or welcomed in maternity services.
We are working to improve this.
We care about your experiences and what you think.
We welcome your feedback through Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS).