To my dear dad-to-be

7 fears expectant fathers face | BabyCenter
A childbirth cheat sheet for dads-to-be | BabyCenter
Hints for Fathers at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
10 ways Dad can help during delivery | BabyCenter

• Know what to expect
• Be ready to wait
• Be flexible
• Don't take things personally
• Bring a few things for yourself
• Ask questions
• Be her advocate
• Help her stay focused and relaxed
• Know your limitations
• Just be there

Things to do

1. Register your baby's birth. You must register or apply your child's birth with Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory. This must be done within 60 days of the birth.
2. Read the Newborn Child - Claim for Family Assistance and Medicare  form carefully before you complete it. Use this form to:

·         Claim the Baby Bonus, if eligible; your claim must be lodged within 52 weeks or your baby's birth.

·         Apply for Family Tax Benefit any time after the birth.

·         Enrol your baby in Medicare - included in the pack is a return prepaid envelope.

·         Apply for Maternity Immunisation Allowrance. You get this as long as you make a claim any time before your child turns two.

·         Remember to follow the lodgement instruction on the form.

NOTE: Paid Parental Leave should be applied for while pregnant - you can apply up to three months before you expected due date and choose when you want payment to start following the birth.

3. Organize child support. If you're single parents, contact the Child Support Agency for more information. 

Things to do later

• Apply for the Child Care Benefit. For assistance with the cost of child care, contact Family Assistance Office
• Immunise your baby (from eight weeks). If your child is enrolled in Medicare, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register will keep track of their immunisations.