What happens after birth depends on your labour, how your baby is born and how quickly your baby adapts to life outside the womb.You can bond with your baby as soon as he’s born if he’s breathing well and your health is stable. If your baby needs help to breathe, doctors and midwives will give your baby extra oxygen, a special breathing mask or breathing tube.

Your newborn spends her first week feeding, sleeping and bonding with you. You can bond with your newborn by spending time cuddling, talking and smiling. If you are concerned about your baby, seek advice from your doctor or nurse.

Premature babies have different body language from full-term babies. Signs of stress in premature babies include fast breathing, twitching and skin colour changes. Signs of relaxation include stillness and slow breathing.

Key points: - Corrected age is your premature baby’s chronological age minus how many weeks or months early she was. - Corrected age can be helpful if you are trying to work out whether your premature baby’s growth and development is tracking in a typical way. - If you are worried about your child’s growth and development, see your doctor.

Premature babies look different from full-term babies. Their appearance depends on how early they were born. Premature babies might need extra minerals and exercises to help bone and muscle development. Premature babies have fragile skin and need to be handled carefully.

A premature baby’s development happens in the same order as it would have happened in the womb. How early babies are born might affect the speed of their growth and their behaviour over time. When your baby reaches certain health, growth and development goals, you will be able to take him home.

Most premature babies have typical development. The earlier that premature babies are born, the more likely they will have development problems. Some premature children have thinking and learning difficulties or physical, social or emotional development. If you’re worried about your child’s development, speak to your child and family health nurse, GP or paediatrician.

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.

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.

As a father, you have a big impact on your children’s development. The most significant contribution you make is through your everyday interactions with your kids. Here is how to get some special dad time into your routine.