Fatherhood Magazine

FATHERHOOD TASK FORCE SOUTH FLORIDA DAD’S GUIDE

Fatherhood MAGAZINE

Healthy Fathers= Healthy Babies

BE ON TRACK FOR FUTURE FATHERS’ FITNESS PAGE 2

Break the Silence: Talk About Your Fears PAGE 2

Doctor Visits: They’re For Dads, Too! PAGE 3

Be a Consistent Father!

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FATHERHOOD TASK FORCE SOUTH FLORIDA DAD’S GUIDE

Fatherhood MAGAZINE To Our Readers: I have asked, “Why is it so puzzling that with all the funding and services directed at maternal health care, more babies aren’t born healthy?” The answer is that a father’s physical and mental health is as important as mother’s health and involvement to healthy births and, yet, services and programs do not reflect that fact. The missing puzzle piece of including fathers’ health holds great promise for healthier babies. Based on research and the voices of fathers, Fatherhood Magazine is a call to action to raise awareness for all health planners and providers to include men of all sociodemographics in the services they provide to future, expectant and new parents. By doing so, more fathers will be involved in the preparation for their baby’s birth and the continuation of their health. Studies show that when a father is healthy, their baby’s health will be better, too. Fatherhood Magazine helps future fathers and mothers recognize the importance of father involvement from the start and the impact they can have on their children’s birth and well-being in the future. These preventive measures are cost effective for everyone as they focus on total family health.

Child Trends, a research center focusing on improving children’s outcomes, is emphasizing education that teaches young boys to take charge of their lives, their health and protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy. Men who want to become fathers are more engaged.

So men, expect to be valued, included and welcomed by your health providers, partner, family members and workplace in preparation to become a father! Greater paternal engagement and follow up involvement was positively associated with the timing of first contact with health professionals. Sarah Messiah, PhD, MPH, University of Miami School of Medicine, suggests that medical schools expand their health curriculums to cover paternal health care education and invite more men of color to enter the field of obstetrics and pediatrics. Fathers would then have more diverse options for pregnancy and baby care if they were able to choose culturally sensitive health providers. Karen Weller, RN, Director of the Office of Community Health and Planning, Florida Department of Health in M-DC, says data on service outcomes moves policy makers and funders, therefore stepping up outeach to men is necessary. Alina Soto, Statewide Quality Liaison, Florida Department of Children and Families, says we need more successful fatherhood programs to show what is possible. The puzzle pieces will come together when the health industry, health providers, policy makers as well as fathers and families include the critical role that fathers play in healthy baby outcomes.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

Write us at info@fatherhoodtfsf.org

Holly Zwerling, LMFT, LCSW CEO/President, Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida

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Fatherhood Magazine - Fatherhood Task Force Press Editor-in-Chief Editor Design Tech Support

Holly Zwerling, LMFT, LCSW Patrice Samara Denise Torres Gerard M. Scott

Contributors Julio Barcena, MD Gus Barreiro Christopher Brantley Jonathan Eastman, MS Ira Leesfield, Esq. Jameson Mercier, PhD, LCSW

Sarah E. Messiah, PhD, MPH Gina Morgan-Smith, MD, FAAP Alina V. Soto Mary-Beatrice Squire, MD Rachelle Theodore, MBA, MPH Ann-Karen Weller, RN, BSN, MBA-HSM

How To Reach Us - Fatherhood Magazine is for you!

Our email address is info@fatherhoodtfsf.org Our phone number is 305.812.4000. We want to hear from you!

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BE INCLUDED

ENGAGE EARLY

STAY PRESENT

Babies and Growing Children Need Consistent Father Involvement Before and After Birth

What You Need to Know About Your Heart and Health Dr. Julio Barcena, Cardiologist with South Miami Heart Specialists, identifies new fatherhood as a major stressor which has physical and psychological consequences. He refers to the Framingham Heart Study that identifies risk factors for heart conditions which start to develop in late 20’s and early 30’s with stress, anxiety and depression being clear triggers for developing cardiac problems. Certain cultures are more prone to hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes than others, so it is important to know your family history. Other risk factors like lack of exercise and obesity can lead to sleep apnea which affect birth outcomes. Expectant fathers should prepare for possible stress before becoming a father by talking with their partner about future responsibilities with their new baby and working together to divide up daily tasks.

Dr. Barcena suggests fathers also find time to mentally disconnect from the stressors as well as find time to exercise to become healthier and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Picture creadit: bearfotus-freepik.com

Fathers Break the Silence…

Talk About Your Fears!

Fathers express both joy and anxiety about becoming fathers and adjusting to their new role.

Having a baby is a major life change and is easier to manage when you talk about your concerns.

Dr. Jameson Mercier, Family Therapist and Researcher on Minority Fathers and New Fatherhood noted that even though fathers have fears, they don’t want you to know about them or that they are seeking out a counselor. Minority fathers often deal with stereotyped images of being absent from their children. “A black father being engaged is not typically what you hear.” Dr. Mercier remembers when he felt alone in taking care of his baby while his wife worked. He did not feel valued as the primary parent.

Keeping in stress is not good for relationships.

Having a trusted partner or friend to talk to can be helpful in breaking the silence. Seek out professionals serving fathers who make it comfortable for men to reach out for support and are knowledgeable about the resources available.

Dr. Mercier reports that there are changes for the better since he became a father like the National At-Home Dads Network and changing tables in many men’s restrooms which have contributed to more fathers being involved with their babies and feeling valued.

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FATHER FACTORS

Expectant Fathers Play a Key Role at the Obstetrician’s Visit According to obstetrician Dr. Mary-Beatrice Squire, the health of both the father and the mother are important in having a healthy baby. Although research on this topic is scarce, more and more obstetricians and their staffs are becoming aware of including men in the prenatal assessment. It’s important that men speak up to be included regarding their position as the expectant father and valued as an integral part of the pregnancy and birth process. Dr. Squire reports that a little known fact from the National Institutes of Health

is that a father’s obesity can contribute to negative birth outcomes, therefore weight issues should be addressed when considering a pregnancy. Other factors that play a part in birth outcomes like genetics, family mental and physical health, smoking, drugs, medications and the Zika virus, all should be part of the obstetrical assessment. Fathers knowing these facts ahead of time is important and could decrease birth complications leading to healthier babies after the birth process.

Fathers’ Factors That Can Affect Healthy Births Stress

Smoking

Obesity

Family Health History

Racial Inequities

Medications

FATHERS

Work-related Environment

Age /Sperm Health

Genetics

Relationship Status

STD’s

Addictions

Depression

Asthma

Stressors/Cardiac

Diabetes/Heart Health

Fathers Need to Recognize the Impact of Past Trauma on their Children’s Health Did you know that a parent’s history of trauma has a direct impact on children’s health and can often contribute to their symptoms? Dr. Gina Morgan-Smith applauds the American Academy of Pediatrics for focusing on adverse traumatic incidents affecting children’s physical and mental health. For example, young babies can demonstrate depression by being non-responsive if cared for by a depressed parent.

Fathers who are addicted to alcohol or drugs can, at times, be non-responsive to children’s needs or be abusive. Children pick up habits from parents, can be drawn into similar behavior and can disconnect emotionally or physically, so be aware of what you can do to work on these issues before you become a father. Recognize that smoking, unhealthy foods

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and overeating affects children’s health and well-being. It’s never too late to take care of yourself to live a healthier lifestyle and assure your children’s health and safety. Children also experience stress and learn to manage their feelings by watching how their fathers and mothers manage their problems. What they see at home and what may hurt or frighten them can become a traumatic episode if there is no communication and can have a bearing on how they think, act and process information in the future.

Being healthy, having open communication, and being present are keys to being an engaged father

Play is Necessary to Reduce Mental Toll on Health

“Fathers who find time to play and engage in mental relaxation prevent stressors from taking a mental toll on their health. Enjoy down time in your role of father.”

– Jonathan Eastman, MS Brainheart Guidance

“Reading to children reduces stress and lowers your heart rate.

It can be a form of relaxation that benefits both fathers and children.”

– According to a study from the University of Sussex

“Communicating both the highs and lows of parenting helps partners get closer and develop trust.

Ask your partner, ‘What do you think about parenting issues?’”

– Dr. Jameson Mercier Mercier Wellness and Consulting

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FATHER RESOURCES

Did You Know…

Two million fathers are single fathers and almost 2 million are stay-at-home dads

Local Changes on the Rise to Assist Fathers Former Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo gained a victory by having baby changing tables installed in men’s public restrooms in the city of Miami.

Future for Paternity Leave Representative Nicholas Duran, District 112, is working on a Paternity Leave Bill providing time for fathers to be with their newborns. Other countries have shown paternity leave increases bonding with fathers and babies and encourages their parenting skills.

Be a Consistent Father!

Although most fathers are consistently coming up to the plate according to Gus Barreiro, Community Engagement Liaison for The Children’s Trust, 85% of juveniles in detention centers grew up without a father. These kids needed consistent loving fathers (male mentors) growing up to know what it means to be a man. Christopher Brantley, a Parent Leader with Be Strong International, says too many young men are growing up “in the hood” without knowing what a healthy relationship is like. We can turn these stories around by sharing stories of fathers who were committed to stay involved despite challenges and male role models who stepped in to guide young men as they grew into adulthood. Mothers recognize that their sons and daughters benefit from having male role models in their lives.

Advocacy Network for Father Involvement in Birth Outcomes: Aetna, Be Strong International, Brainheart Guidance, Branches Inc., Circle of Brotherhood, CLT Strategic Solutions, Corsortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade (Healthy Baby Taskforce), Early Learning Coalition, Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida, Florida Department of Children & Families, Florida Department of Health in M-DC, Health Council of South Florida, Healthy Start Coalition of M-DC, I Care for the Youth, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Lona Sasser, DO, LLC, Magnobrain, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, Metro Mommy Agency, M-DCPS Juvenile Justice Center, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership, Myofilms, Overtown Youth Center, Representative Nicholas Duran, Simply Healthcare Plans, South Miami Heart Specialists, The Children’s Movement, The Children’s Trust, UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program, The United Way, UM Medical School, Ur Health Medical Centers, Young Parents Project 11th Judicial Circuit Hospitals, Clinics, OB/GYNs, Primary Care Physicians, Pediatricians, Midwives, Doulas, Medical and Mental Health Professionals.

(Advocacy Network in formation)

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Resources • Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida: ftfsf.org • National Fatherhood Initiative: fatherhood.org • Father Source: store.fatherhood.org • National Fatherhood Clearinghouse: fatherhood.gov • National At-Home Dad Network: athomedad.org

Why Fatherhood Matters Growing up, my Dad was missing from my life. My best friend’s Dad became mine. Everywhere the family traveled, I was included. When his three sons went to camp in the summer, I was the 4th camper.

Sunday night dinners were memorable and I hardly missed one. Religious training and education, along with education through high school and college was a smoother road because I had a “father” to help with the paving.

during my most impressionable years. It is amazing how far a small gesture of confidence can go.

My interest in fatherhood initiatives is based upon an opportunity to follow the wonderful men who gave me so much. Financial assistance is only a part.

It is the heart and soul and spirit of being around a “Dad” that makes a difference.

The accomplishments of the Fatherhood Task Force are a thousand-fold…reaching children who would otherwise be neglected. That is why I have stayed involved, and will continue to do so, providing resources and ideas that can make a difference to our children. Consistent involvement and everyday kindnesses mean so much to so many.

Scholarship programs are an opportunity for me to pay back the many generosities that I received

My involvement with the Fatherhood Task Force came later in life. As an Ira Leesfield, Esq. adult, I was amazed by the uplifting opportunities to regularly participate in sponsoring youth groups and their participants.

Caring, supporting and protecting the less fortunate.

One of South Florida’s oldest and most respected advocates for the wronglly injured citizens of Miami-Dade County With Offices in Miami, Key West and Central Florida/Orlando 2350 S Dixie Hwy., Miami, FL 33133 Phone: (305) 854-4900 • (800) 836-6400 www.Leesfield.com • Leesfield@leesfield.com

Advocating for Fathers and Male Role Models…Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida Established in 2010, the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida is the premier Fatherhood Advocacy Organization in South Florida.

The contribution made by the organization is immeasurable. Through its partnerships with community organizations, public and private Travis Kelly, President, FTFSF Board of Directors entities and advocates, it has created synergy and has become a change agent for the Fatherhood Movement. Through the establishment of Town Hall Meetings, Fatherhood Workshops, Fatherhood-related Conferences, Fatherhood Reading Squad, Fathers in Education Day and Fathers in Action and Advocacy Week, their programs and initiatives have improved the lives of fathers and families in South Florida and beyond. They have not only given fathers a voice but have given men and male role-models the confidence and encouragement to be better fathers and, in turn,

better teachers, providers and protectors for the good of themselves, their families and communities.

As a community resource and the catalyst behind the Fatherhood Movement in South Florida, the Fatherhood Task Force’s vision and mission are indisputable when it comes to bringing Fatherhood to the forefront by establishing a strong presence throughout the community and the media. For example, Neighborhood Dads, their new book following real-life, engaged fathers and the ways they gave time to make children’s lives better, highlights father-focused activities supporting their children’s education and well being.

With their many initiatives, the Fatherhood Task Force supports men’s health and well-being as it impacts the lives of their children and families. A beacon of light for fathers and male role-models to have a voice in the preparation and adjustment during all stages of parenthood, the Fatherhood Task Force continues to strive and evolve from year to year, touching the lives of future, expectant, new and experienced fathers.

TO ORDER BOOKS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Holly Zwerling, CEO/President, Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida

305.812.4000 or Holly@Fatherhoodtfsf.org

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