NSW Health and sms4Dads at the University of Newcastle have partnered to launch a free, text message-based service. 

The pilot program was launched on Father’s Day 2020 by Health Minister Brad Hazzard with an aim to help dads-to-be feel confident and supported in their role as a parent.

For many years, NSW Health has provided parenting support, information and screening that has focused on new mums.  

Many Australians aren’t aware men can experience perinatal (during pregnancy and the year after birth) depression and anxiety. 

Incredibly one in 10 dads are experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety, this isn’t far behind women which is one in seven. 

With the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, many more dads have been home throughout the entire pregnancy, either working from home or through job loss. 

Emma Cushing, Project Manager – Child Youth and Family Health for NSW Health, said: “It’s not just about checking to see how dads are. If they get a high rating they get triaged to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) for further support. “It’s a great initiative in terms of closing the gap where we don’t have anything for men and it’s needed now more than ever before.” 

Northern Sydney is one of four local health districts included in the pilot program also including Northern NSW, Murrumbidgee and Western Sydney. 

Dads get started by scanning a QR code. Once dads register, they receive free practical tips, information and links to help them understand and connect with their baby and support their partner. These text messages are timed to be appropriate to the development stage of the baby from pregnancy until birth and beyond. The messages are sent several times a week to help dads understand how the baby is developing, what they need and how to support them. 

They also offer referral services and online information for dads and partners who find parenting challenges overwhelming.

The service is available to all non-birthing partners.

To register, please visit NSW Health.