Dad of one, Raza, 44, felt out of place as he was the only dad sat among all the expectant and new mums at the Maternity Circle that he attended with his pregnant wife. That changed when Dad Matters Bradford Coordinator Mohammed came along to the session to meet him.
Raza’s Story
I was told about Dad Matters Bradford by Sarah, who runs the Maternity Circle at Laisterdyke Library. She arranged for Mohammed from Dad Matters Bradford to come to the session. When he spoke to me, he made me feel so comfortable as I did feel a bit out of place being the only dad at the maternity circle.
The support given by Dad Matters Bradford was definitely helpful; he spoke about how important it is for the dad to be involved with the child and the importance of bonding and attachment. I liked what Mohammed told me and informed him that I wanted to be fully involved with my baby’s upbringing and drop all the cultural baggage of being a hands-off dad.
Mohammed advised me to talk to my child whilst my wife was pregnant and I was so happy about this and when I did it our child used to kick, which was wonderful. I also recited some Islamic phrases, which Mohammed suggested, this was good advice, and I believe has definitely helped in my attachment and bonding with my son. My wife and I have continued doing this.
Throughout the pregnancy and after the birth of our son, I found speaking to Mohammed so useful as he gave me advice to always communicate with my son and make him feel safe and comforted which I do – in fact my son is now more comforted with me than his mother!
I had been getting worried when our son cried and I panicked, but Mohammed reassured me that this was normal and to make sure his needs are met, feeding or nappy change etc, but I shouldn’t worry if he continued to cry as this is normal for a baby to do when teething and to speak to the health visitor if I needed further advice.
I have also been quite stressed at times with lack of work and worries about finance etc. Mohammed has always been available to talk as we mutually agreed that I would message him if I needed support. Even my wife tells me to ring Mohammed as she notices that I am a lot calmer after speaking with him.
I feel that Dad Matters is a great service and should be more widely advertised and more events and activities for dads, such as walk ‘n’ talks would be great. It has made a massive difference for me to have someone to talk to.
About Dad Matters Bradford
Thanks to the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, we are able to support Dads and male carers directly through Dad Matters Bradford. Mohammed Khan and Louise Gill are our Dad Matters Coordinators.
The Dad Matters coordinators at Home-Start Bradford District supports expectant Dads, Dads and male carers to have the best possible relationship with their children. They will work closely with other professionals within the Bradford District to collectively foster better support for Dads in their parenting journey.
Find out more at dadmattersbradford.org.uk.
