Fathers’ involvement increases positive birth outcomes

Although the role of the father during pregnancy has traditionally been that of the protector and the provider, in terms of overall maternal and child health, the Fathers nurturing and support roles are seldom highlighted. This Father's Day, the Governor's Council on Maternal and Infant Health (Council) and the Georgia Department of Human Resources want to highlight the essential role fathers play in contributing to the health and well being of mothers and babies.

"Father's Day gives us the perfect opportunity to acknowledge one of the most important partners for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth - the fathers," said Stuart Brown, M.D., director of DHR's Division of Public Health. "We know that children who have an ongoing, positive connection to their fathers do better in school, tend to stay out of trouble and get along better with their peers than children without such a relationship. So, I urge all fathers and all fathers-to-be to let Father's Day inspire you to do your best to be a great father."

DHR and the Council offer eight recommendations that fathers can use to help ensure the health of the mothers and babies in their lives.

1. Share decision-making and communicate with your partner about birth planning.

2. Be aware of and support good maternal health practices - freedom from physical, mental and drug abuse, adequate rest and exercise, and a healthy diet.

3. Participate in prenatal, childbirth, post partum (after child birth) care of the mother.

4. Provide emotional support to the mother and help reduce stress during pregnancy.

5. Participate in the care of the infant and be sure that it receives regular health check-ups.

6. Be actively involved in raising and educating your child in a way that is responsible and positive.

7. Provide a safe and healthy home environment.

8. Learn the signs of an emergency medical situation and the appropriate response for the mother and infant.

"Research by Dr. J. Teitler of Columbia University has shown that when fathers are present and give support to mothers, the mothers adjust better during pregnancy, have more positive birth outcomes, and there is an increase in joy and affection towards infants," said George L. Heck III, chair of the Council.

"Part of our work is to highlight the crucial issues that challenge the health status of mothers and infants in Georgia. A major focus of the Council is on increasing the involvement of fathers in the support of mothers and babies," Heck stated.

The Council and DHR have collaborated on two special reports that can offer fathers valuable insight and direction about how to improve maternal and child health, Public Dialogues: Report On Findings, and Maternal and Child Health in Georgia: Birth through Age 5.

Over the past few years, the Council has held public dialogues in seven local communities around Georgia with health care leaders, public and private service providers, faith-based organizations, legislators, educators, and citizens about the health of Georgia's mothers and babies. Discussions focused on identifying effective efforts to support maternal and child health, potential improvements, and communities' greatest needs. Fathers should be aware of the five priority issues that emerged from the dialogues which, if adequately addressed, could dramatically improve the health status of Georgia's mothers and infants: 1) Premature Births (Babies Born Too Early), 2) Teenage Pregnancy, 3) Adolescent Health, 4) Mental Health, and 5) Oral Health. The Public Dialogues report also discusses other key issues affecting maternal and child health, including barriers to adequate health care, racial health disparities, and behavioral risk factors.

The Maternal and Child Health in Georgia report focuses on the health of mothers and young children birth through age five. As an educational resource guide for fathers, it provides information about maternal and child health trends, highlights successful programs in the state, and provides recommendations to improve health outcomes for mothers and young children. There is information related to pre-pregnancy health, prenatal and maternal health, infant health, and early childhood health and development. The report also provides detailed information on programs addressing these issues and where to find additional support.

"The Council wants to ensure that babies are born healthy and that children are raised in a safe and nurturing environment," stated Heck. "Fathers are the key to accomplishing these goals. We hope that fathers all over Georgia will use these eight tips and the two reports to help them be the best fathers they can be. Happy Father's Day."

Both reports are available online at http://health.state.ga.us/programs/maternalinfant/ or http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/publications/reports/mchreportsummary.04.pdf or may be ordered by calling DHR's Family Health Branch at 404.657.2749. For more help on fatherhood, visit the National Fatherhood Initiative online at http://fatherhood.org or call (301) 948-0599.