We spoke to Maggie, Dad Matters Co-ordinator at Home-Start Kirklees who talked about the importance communicating with your baby and always learning. Here are her words: 

"Being a mum of two grown-up children and having a background in midwifery, I thought I was well versed in baby behaviour, brain development, and especially attachment and bonding. But since becoming a Dad Matters co-ordinator at Home-Start Kirklees, I’ve realised just how much more there is to learn—especially when it comes to dads.

Traditionally, the focus in midwifery has been on mums and babies—how they bond and how that bond supports healthy development. But dads were rarely mentioned. In fact, during my training, I wasn’t taught about the ways dads also undergo physical, emotional and hormonal changes in preparation for their new role. Nor did we learn how a father’s presence, voice, and actions help shape a baby’s brain and behaviour.

Now, with more research and evidence becoming available, we’re beginning to understand just how vital dads are to their baby’s development. And I’m proud to be part of a growing movement that recognises and supports that.

This year, as part of my role with Dad Matters, I’ll be training in the Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO) system through The Brazelton Centre UK. The NBO is a gentle, relationship-building tool that helps parents understand how their newborn communicates. Babies may not speak, but they tell us so much through their behaviour—eye contact, hand movements, cries, and cues. This is their first language, and learning to read it helps parents feel more confident and connected.

Dads especially can benefit from this. Tuning into a baby’s cues from the earliest days strengthens bonding and attachment, helps regulate baby’s stress, and gives dads a vital role in nurturing emotional wellbeing right from the start. It’s a powerful way to support father-baby relationships and promote good mental health for the whole family.

As we mark Baby Communication Week, it’s the perfect time to highlight that babies are always communicating—and that every parent has a part to play in listening. I’m excited to bring these skills into my work with dads and help them build stronger, more connected relationships with their babies.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep listening. And let’s keep reminding every dad: you matter, and you make a difference."

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Learn more about the Newborn Behavioural Observations system

Explore resources from the Brazelton Centre UK

Read about Baby Communication Week