Fatherhood

Finding out that you are going to become a dad can be an EXCITING and CONFUSING time. You may ask yourself:

• Am I READY to be a Dad??
• Can I AFFORD to Support a Child??
• Is OUR REALTIONSHIP Ready for a Child??
• Am I Prepared for the RESPONSIBILITY (24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week!!)??
• How Will Having a Child Affect My Future PLANS AND GOALS??

Becoming a father demands DEDICATION, PASSION and SUPPORT. Men bring remarkable expertise and affection to the parenting process, and are critical to the health and well-being of their families.

SO……HOW CAN A FATHER BE SUPPORTIVE EVEN BEFORE THE BABY IS BORN……

1. Go With Your Partner to Her Prenatal Visits

• The Doctor needs your MEDICAL HISTORY TOO!!
• You can hear the baby's heartbeat
• You can learn about labor and delivery
• Be there to support MOM!!

2. Learn About Pregnancy and Your Developing Child

• Watch Videotapes about fetal development, labor and delivery
• Look for Internet resources

LINKS: www.marchofdimes.com www.fathers.com www.strongfathers.com www.fafny.org

• Read Books about pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a parent
• Take a Childbirth Class at your local hospital or clinic

LINKS: www.ormc.org (calendar of events) www.stlukescornwallhospital.org www.bonsecourscommunityhosp.org (Community Programs) www.stanthonycommunityhosp.org (Community Programs) www.crmcny.org/healthmatters.html www.benedictine.org/hospital/classes.php

• Call Maternal-Infant Services Network of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties for information about Health Insurance, Child Care, Breastfeeding, Parenting Classes, etc at 1-800-453-4666

3. Help Your Partner Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

• Help her eat HEALTHY - whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low fat milk, yogurt and cheese.

• QUIT SMOKING!!!! Both you and your partner should quit if you are expecting. Second Hand Smoke is bad for mom and baby. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to give birth to infants who are too small and born too soon, which increases the baby's risk for repertory problems and infections.

www.cancer.org www.health.state.ny.us www.lungsusa.org www.powragainsttobacco.org

• Help Mom AVOID ALCOHOL!! When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy she is placing the fetus at risk to develop FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME, which can result in irreversible birth defects such physical malformations and mental retardation. To learn more about fetal alcohol syndrome, visit the following sites:

• Encourage Mom to avoid Street Drugs (Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.) and Over the Counter Drugs (aspirin, cough medicine, nasal decongestants, etc), which can cause harm to the developing baby. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ASK THE DOCTOR BEFORE MOM TAKES ANY MEDICINE!!!!

For a List of OASAS Certified Treatment Providers in Your County, visit the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services at: http://oasasapps.oasas.state.ny.us

For Information and Confidential Referrals for Substance Abuse Treatment Programs You Can Contact the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council or Orange County at:
Phone: 845-294-9000
Web: www.adacinfo.com

• Make sure that Mom avoids potentially hazardous household products. Pregnant women should not Change Cat Litter due to the risk for Toxoplasmosis.
• Encourage Mom to EXERCISE!!! This is a great way for mom and dad to spend some time together. While moderate exercise is beneficial for Mom and Baby, pregnant women should avoid activities that involve running or a risk of falling, particularly later in pregnancy.

• Support Breastfeeding - breast milk is the best nutrition for your infant.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.