daddyhood

Welcome to Daddyhood!

Becoming a father often brings about new and confusing emotions . . . although it may seem overwhelming at first, dads are just as special and important as moms in the eyes of their baby. Don't deny yourself the opportunity to be a part of your child's life!

From a daddy for his little girl in heaven

Arielle June was a wonderful, beautiful baby.

She was our piece of heaven in a to-go size.

Arielle's life, like her parents', was very intense, very fulfilling, and filled with success.

Our relationship with Arielle has been much more that the two and a half weeks after her birth.

From the first day we saw her in the womb we knew she was a very special baby, with a precocious personality.

Even in the womb Arielle loved to stretch and to play, and to kick to the beat of Genesis songs.

When she was born, she showed us what a tiny amazing little girl she was.

For such a small child, Arielle June was extremely strong. We realized this when Jill became very sick and Arielle had to be born six weeks early.

While other children in the special care nursery slept and looked dazed,Arielle would look around and smile. She was released from the nursery well before her doctor's expectations.

Amazingly, Arielle's conditions improved well before her mother's.

Every day that Arielle was home she brightened her parent's days

and made us very tired at night.

Each day she seemed to learn something new and develop another expression.

At one week Arielle would climb across your chest, lift her tiny head, and gnaw your finger to the bone.

Arielle especially loved to stretch in the afternoon sunshine

search for toys, and give inquisitive looks to her parents.

For such a small baby, she could grunt with the best of them.

Up until the moment she died, she was healthy, happy, growing bigger every second, and loved dearly by her parents.

Arielle June died in her parents' arms, very early Sunday morning.

Her life was a perfect summer day that never ends.

Breastfeeding? dads can be a great support!

It is important to TALK to your partner about breastfeeding.

Share your concerns and questions- keep your communication open.

Mothers need emotional support because nursing takes patience and practice.

You are a big key!

Are you concerned about embarassment? Be proud of your partner feeding your child with the healthiest food! Your partner can carry a blanket or nursing shield in her baby bag to

cover up while she is breastfeeding. Buy her a pretty nursing blouse or blanket! Help her feel good about

feeding your child.

Childbirth Education

Remember-

dads are important

for coaching and supporting

and being part of the family;

Helping your child's

transition into the world

is an event which you will

treasure throughout your life.

Create a Special Relationship with your Baby

walk with your baby around the block, to the park, or to a local store

soothe her crying, make him giggle

Feeding times are special- if mom is breastfeeding, give your child a bottle of expressed milk.

Let him or her nuzzle your naked chest

Listen to your favorite music together

Dress your baby- pick out special outfits and show him off to friends

a father needs time alone with his baby for bonding and learning about each other.

. . . for men do cry

when they can see

their loss of immortality.

And tears will come

in endless streams

when mindless fate

destroys their dreams.

-Ken Faulk

Are you a daddy

experiencing a loss?

A miscarriage or infant death can be very difficult for both parents. If you would like more information about grief support and bereavement counseling,

click here for the Angel Babies website.