BPPN’S Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative will partner with Oishei Children’s Hospital to deliver educationalprogramming soon-to-be dads launching this month
Buffalo, NY, March 24, 2021 – Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network (BPPN) and Oishei Children’s Hospital are pleased to announce the launch of the Fatherhood Training Program. BPPN’S Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative willpartner with Oishei Children’s Hospital to bring support and educational resources to new fathers.
This program is targeted at new and expectant fathers and will provide parenting education, support groups, andmentorship for these male caregivers. The training will instruct new dads on labor and delivery skills including tips onhow to support their partner in labor as well as what to expect when the baby comes home. Fathers will be taughtswaddling techniques, tips for bonding, how to help with breastfeeding, bathing best practices, and post-partum effects. The objective of this collaboration is to highlight the significant role fathers play in promoting the health of women and infants in the community.
“Far too often, men who are transitioning into fatherhood or fathering are overlooked and undervalued in the field ofmaternal and infant health,” stated Antoine Johnson, Program Manager of the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative. The Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative’s collaboration with Oishei Children’s Hospital is significant because it highlights thesignificance of fathers and the unique contribution that they make in supporting women and infants.
When fathers are involved with their children from birth research shows that children reach developmental milestoneearlier, form better friendships, do better at school, and can develop higher IQs. This program provides educationalresources for dads and a safe place to learn. Fathers who go through the program will receive tools and resources like“dad bags” for overnight stays at the hospital during and after labor.
“We’re delighted to partner with the Buffalo Perinatal-Prenatal Network and the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative to establish the Fatherhood Training Program as a way to improve the health and well-being of children by empowering fathers to be active, informed and emotionally engaged parents and partners,” said Tami Paycheck, Women’s Services Supervisor at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with the remarkable John R. Oshiei Foundation to bring the community thisnecessary program for expectant fathers,” stated LuAnne Brown, CEO of Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network.“Fathers are a critical part of healthy development for the child. We are proud to provide home based services to apopulation that follows them from prenatal to the postpartum period in the home and we can’t wait to expand oureducation offering on the Oishei campus.”
You can learn more about Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network and the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative at their website www.bppn.org or contact Antoine Johnson at ajohnson@bppn.org to learn more about upcoming programs.
