If you are the father-to-be or father of a baby who needs special care, you may be finding this a particularly tough time. Mother and baby tend to get a lot of attention and concern, and perhaps no-one has asked you how you are.

As well as dealing with the usual hurdles new fathers have to face – like having increased responsibility, feeling left out, not being understood or not having a say in decisions – fathers of premature babies also have to cope with other difficulties like;

• not being able to get close to their baby
• not understanding the procedures their baby goes through or the equipment being used
• the need to be strong and supportive for their partner 
• the responsibility of caring for other children and the home.

We understand that this can be a very difficult time. If you would like to talk to someone, perhaps another dad who has been through the experience and understands how you might be feeling, Bliss provides a parents-4-parents support network as a free service, for just this purpose.

Bliss has also developed a special forum on our messageboard that allows other fathers to keep in touch, support each other and offer their experiences and advice. This dad's forum is password protected so just register online and email admin@bliss.org.uk with your username so we can add you to the fathers member's list.

For more information, download our Fathers factsheet here
For further information, download our booklet Facts for fathers

Further advice, support and publications can be requested by phoning our Family Support Helpline on freephone 0500 618140. The line is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday. You can also email us at enquiries@bliss.org.uk