New Dads should be more involved

While 86% of fathers are now present for the birth of their children, not enough is being done to involve them in the first few days of their baby's life, a new report has warned.

Published on Monday by the Fatherhood Institute the report emphasised the importance of early paternal involvement for the well being of both mother and baby and criticised the lack of information and support that new fathers currently receive.

In a series of recommendations that accompanied the report the Fatherhood Institute suggested that new Dads should be allowed to stay in hospital overnight with their partner and baby, share equal rights when it comes to registering their child's birth and signing the birth certificate, receive equal guidance on baby care and be more involved in doctor's checkups.

Duncan Fisher, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute commented: "Research clearly shows that the positive involvement of fathers right from the start is crucial; and that when professionals engage with fathers, particularly young or otherwise vulnerable dads, this makes a huge difference to mother and baby. "

"What actually happens now is that while the mother's responsibilities are reinforced at every opportunity, the first message many fathers get after the birth is 'leave this place now'."

"Currently, we don't ask questions if a father fails to show for the antenatal appointment or doesn't sign the birth certificate. "

"If things are going to change, we have got to start sending both mums and dads some very different signals."