11.2 Dads Matter

As midwives we are caring for women and their babies and families, and for partners and dads too. This session explores the experience of fathers, and we will be hearing from two leading speakers. The first will be Mark Williams, author, Consultant, and campaigner for dads mental health. Then we are joined by Midwife Debbie Garrod, who will share insights from her ethnographic PhD research exploring midwife-father communications during labour and birth. She will focus in particular on the nature of these communications, the impact of different birth environments on communication, and explore some ways in which midwives can help fathers, partners and other birth companions to habituate to the childbirth landscape. Hosted by: Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert, Mayes Midwifery Contribution from: - Debbie Garrod, Midwife and researcher, NHSP Midwife, Manchester University NHSFT - Mark Williams, Keynote Speaker, Author and International Mental Health Campaign, Fathers Reaching Out Biographies Debbie Garrod Debbie Garrod, qualified as a Midwife in 1993, has worked in all areas of midwifery and in several roles, all focussed on reducing health inequalities and promoting normal birth. In July 2002 she took up her role as Consultant Midwife in public health, and stayed in this role for 10 years. Debbie then left to study for PhD at the University of Leeds, which she combined with working part-time as a community midwife. Her PhD was awarded in 2021 and she is currently writing and publishing from her doctoral research. Mark Williams After a career in sales management and training Mark Williams became involved in the mental health sector after his own experience with depression following the birth of his child. Mark is the founder of Fathers Reaching Out and was a co-founder of the charity Dads Matter UK. He is an author, blogger, trainer and a public speaker. Mark has presented at over 100 conferences and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITV News, Good Morning Britain and Channel 5 among numerous media appearances. He has recently visited Australia where he presented a paper at the International Marcé Society Conference held in Melbourne from 26 to 28 September 2016. He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and the #HowAreYouDad Campaign to help ensure that all parents and families are supported throughout the perinatal period. Mark has spoken on television and radio stations around the world. Working alongside Dr Jane Hanley, he has published articles on Fathers (Paternal) Mental Health. In 2012, Mark was awarded “Inspirational Father of the year” and “Local Hero” at the Pride of Britain Awards. On World Mental Health Day in 2016 Mark was invited to meet The Royal Family and in 2019 he was awarded the Point Of light Award by the Prime Minister. Mark is also an Ambassador for Mother’s for Mother’s Charity. ------------- Register your free place today to get a personalised reminder from us. Join us at 7 pm on Wednesday at this hour-long online programme with live audience Q&A to update your knowledge. Live on Maternity and Midwifery Forum | 7pm London, UK | Wednesday's throughout 2022. Support us on Patreon. Catch up on demand Every episode is available free after the live stream – this is created especially for you by Neil Stewart Associates and filmed by Narrowcast Media Group and is available from Midwifery Forum’s YouTube – don’t forget to subscribe to our channel. Catch up on the highlights with our supporters - MATFLIX.