When you have a premature baby, it is common to have both positive and negative feelings. You can cope with negative feelings by accepting and talking about your feelings. It is normal to have ups and downs, but try to focus on your baby’s successes and milestones. When you look after yourself physically and emotionally, you will be in better shape to care for your baby.

As a dad, it is important to think about your feelings and needs, and take time for yourself. Daily care tasks and skin-to-skin contact can help you build a relationship with your premature baby. You might have extra responsibilities after a premature birth. It is okay to ask for and accept help.

If you know you might have a premature birth, it’s normal for you and your partner to feel many positive and negative emotions. Get information from nurses and doctors, and speak to other parents who have had a premature birth. Relaxing exercises and positive thinking can help you feel ready for premature birth. It is a good idea to get familiar with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before birth.

Breastfeeding is something that you and your partner can do as a team. Your knowledge and support will help your partner as she learns to breastfeed. Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, how breastfeeding works and how to get help for your partner if she needs it. Look for practical ways to help out with your baby and take on extra household chores.

Your baby is ready to bond with you from birth. You can bond through touch, talking, playing and getting involved in daily care. You can look after your partner and relationship by being positive, supportive and ready to negotiate and creating an environment at home of nurturing and care. It is important to look after yourself too. Our 10 tips below can help you make a positive start to fatherhood.

Getting hands-on experience is the best way of building your skills and your confidence as a new father. Relationship changes are normal. Talking with your partner is the best way to handle these changes and look after your relationship. Parenting teamwork is good for you and good for baby. It is about communication, shared decision-making and positive problem-solving.You and your partner might need to look at your roles inside and outside the home.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical process that might help you have a baby if you cannot conceive naturally. For some people, IVF is immediately successful. For others, the journey to parenthood can be more drawn out, with many ups and downs.

It is normal for children to feel unsettled if you are going through separation or divorce.You can help your child by talking honestly, reassuring your child, and sticking with routines.Try to involve children in small decisions, get them to talk about feelings, and take time for family fun.

The first week after birth is an important time for getting to know your new baby, resting and recovering. It is normal to have vaginal bleeding, soreness and afterpains. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are having difficulty with the pain. Your body will change in the first few months after birth. For example, you might have urinary and bowel incontinence, hair loss and stretch marks. If you have breastfeeding problems, talk to your doctor or nurse.

It is the topic most parents talk about – sleep. How much sleep are you getting? Are you getting enough? Here is how to sleep better when you are a parent.