The links below will take you to pages that contain excerpts from these areas:

SONS to DADS

A Transition Guide just for Dads

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An excerpt from

Kangaroo Care

This is a new technique for men of today.  We have been using it for years with lactating moms and parents of premature infants.  However, now, finally, the idea is being developed for dads of full term infants.

It is performed like this:  Once the baby has been delivered, placed to breast, (if mom is going to breast feed ;) the initial assessment completed; a diaper and cap put on the infant; dad is asked to open, or remove his shirt, (without a T-shirt,) and to make himself comfortable in a chair provided.  The nurse places the newborn vertically, head up and midline of dad’s chest, allowing the father to cradle the infant in the fetal position with one hand from underneath, while holding a blanket over the infant’s back with the other hand.  Usually, after a brief period of adjustment, the infant will settle down and cuddle into the dad’s chest.  This encounter provides more than just holding the baby, rather it gives the new father the opportunity to hold and communicate with his new born in ways that, up until now, has been impossible to do.  I encourage you to listen to your baby; repeat the soft sounds back to your baby; this allows each to take in the sound, smell, and touch of the other.  Kangaroo care also promotes a better feeling between mom and dad.  She can see how well the infant is bonding with dad and that dad can do this too, promoting a “triad bonding” effect.

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