Being a dad to a premature child can be challenging, as the early start can influence both the child’s development and your family life.
You might feel jealous when you see other families with full-term babies, and it can be hard to put a premature birth behind you and move on.
How can you begin to see your child as more than just premature and focus on their development, personality and strengths?
As a dad, you might find yourself being extra-attentive to your baby’s signals.
Perhaps you’re searching for signs of long-term effects or worrying if something might be wrong.
This heightened attention can feel isolating, especially if you compare your child to full-term babies.
It can lead to increased uncertainty and worries about complications.
Many parents find this uncertainty is heightened with new transitions, for example starting daycare.
Questions may arise that can be difficult to discuss.
Thoughts like: “Am I a good enough father?” or the question:
“Should we have another child, and do we dare?
Do we have the strength to deal with it if the baby is born prematurely again?”
These thoughts might weigh heavily on your mind.
These are concerns that many dads have but rarely speak about openly.
Remember, you are not alone.
It’s important to share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, other dads or professionals.
This can help you find peace and strength in your role as a father – because your child needs you just as you are.
Also listen to
Link to the podcast episode: Family life after leaving the hospital
The texts for ‘Dads of premature babies’
were created collaboratively by first-time dads of premature babies, doctors, nurses from neonatal units, public health nurses, and the Child, Maternal and Family Health Care research group in The SUPPORTED study project, which aims to foster a more father-inclusive culture in a family-centred context within the healthcare system.
