First time dad Dan tells us his story and why his family shared it on Care Opinion
“I've never been a dad before and I was naturally nervous.
“It could have been a really scary day but it wasn't at all because the midwives and staff were amazing and let you know what was going to happen next. They realise that although it's obviously mum that's doing all the hard work, Dads feel like a bit of a spare part.
“The bit I always remember was that when it came to the time for Andrea to go and have the caesarean section I had to go and get changed - like the scene out of Del Boy where he's wearing the mask and the gown and all that – so I'm sat there outside on a chair on my own for 5 minutes whilst they're preparing things and they kept coming out and saying 'It's ok, everything's going to be ok.'
“And it wasn't only during the birth that I want to say thanks to the maternity staff for. Andrea was in hospital for a week and nothing was too much trouble.
“They helped Andrea to breastfeed. One night they took all night literally sitting at her bedside helping her. And it wasn't as if they weren't busy – the ward was full - but they found time for everybody.
“I think it's important to tell people they've done a good job and tell them why they were great.
“When somebody gives you a pat on the back you remember it. I wanted our midwives to know that we couldn't have done it without them.”
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Tell us your story of being a dad, or your dad's experience of the NHS, and we will make sure the right people listen and keep doing what is good or make the changes that are needed.
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Alastair Campbell tells his father-and-son story on Care Opinion
Alastair Campbell recently posted a story on Care Opinion about when his son was taken to hospital.
“I was waiting to go with my elder son to a football match.
“He was up at the Royal Free hospital getting some jabs before a trip to Asia. I took a call from the hospital, asking me to confirm I was his Dad. Then a heart-stopping moment when they said there had been an accident and he had been taken to A&E." ...read more
More stories about fathers on Care Opinion
Lots of fathers - and lots of sons - have posted their health care experiences on Care Opinion. You'll find many of them here: