PROGRAM BRINGs GUIDANCE TO NEW DADS More than 1000 dads across Northern Sydney Local Health District have signed up to a free Baby Kai was born in February this year. Once Kai was born, Ron notified
the program and the messages he received changed to focus on interaction with his baby and helping his partner post- birth. “The context and timelines were spot on,” he said. “I like the fact there’s no pressure to respond or interact, but it acts as a good prompt.” Ron said he finds it gives him new ways to interact with Kai, for example a message about gazing into his eyes. “Previously I did not know simply staring into my baby’s eyes could be so valuable for him,” he said. “I would recommend this to other dads because you don’t have to interact, it sits in the back of your mind, it triggers an action, is low-touch and requires very little time compared to other ‘help’ which is
program to help new and expectant fathers navigate the challenges of parenthood. The Focus on New Fathers program is a pilot being run by NSW Health. The program sends text messages to dads offering valuable health advice and links to other services to help them understand, connect and support their baby and partner. When his partner was 16 weeks, Northern Sydney local resident Ron Pena signed up to the program. He said the texts helped validate some things he had already been doing in the lead up to the birth, but also provided new ideas like putting a pillow behind her back as she slept on her side to make her sleep more comfortable. NORTH Foundation 2021 Tax Appeal The NORTH Foundation has launched the 2021 Tax Appeal campaign to raise vital funds to turn life-changing research and ideas to improve patient care into a reality. NORTH Foundation CEO Gibert Lorquet said: “In our district we have access to some of the best health care workers and medical minds.
Ron Pena and baby Kai
often more involved. “And my partner appreciates the extra effort.” Men living in Northern Sydney can sign up to the program if they are over the age of 18, their partner is at least 12 weeks pregnant or their baby is younger than six months. For more information, and to sign up, visit https:// www.health.nsw.gov.au/ public/Pages/focus-on- fathers.aspx
“The only thing holding us back is lack of funding to get these off the ground. The clock is ticking.” This year’s theme for the appeal is: It isn’t essential, until it becomes essential.
The fundraising target is $210,000 and the community is being called on to help reach this goal. To donate visit https:// northfoundation.org.au/ how-you-can-help/tax- appeal-2021/
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 9 | 14 MAY 2021
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