Norwich City players have shared their experiences of fatherhood to help raise awareness about keeping babies safe.

Canaries winger Onel Hernandez, defender Ben Gibson and goalkeeper George Long appear in a video for the Protecting Babies is Everyone's Business campaign to talk about challenges they faced while caring for their newborns.

The campaign, launched by Norfolk and Waveney Children and Young People's Health Services, helps parents understand that crying is part of a baby's language and how to seek support if it becomes hard to cope with.

Gibson, who is leaving the club this summer after four seasons, said: "Sometimes you can panic, sometimes you can worry and stress but they're all normal feelings to have."

The 31-year-old recently opened up about his personal struggles following the premature birth of his daughter, Mylie, at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in December.

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After six weeks in intensive care, Ben and his family were able to bring Mylie back home where she is now happy and healthy.

Norwich Evening News: Ben Gibson made 124 appearances for Norwich and scored once during his four seasons with Norwich CityBen Gibson made 124 appearances for Norwich and scored once during his four seasons with Norwich City (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)

 

But he said caring for a crying baby can cause a range of emotions at first, causing some parents to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. 

He added: "That's all okay and something you do adapt to as you get to know your baby."

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The Norfolk and Waveney CYP is encouraging parents and carers to contact them for advice.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City winger Onel HernandezNorwich City winger Onel Hernandez (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)Norwich Evening News: Norwich City goalkeeper George LongNorwich City goalkeeper George Long (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)

Hernandez, who has a four-year-old daughter, said: "It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. You have a responsibility in life and all the experiences from that point on are just incredible moments and every day is enjoyable."

Long has a 15-month-old son and added: "He cried a lot but that's to be expected and that's their way of communicating so it's just learning to quickly recognise what the cries mean and get up to speed with what they need."

Norwich Evening News: George Long, Ben Gibson and Onel Hernández appeared in the video to share their experiences in being first-time fathersGeorge Long, Ben Gibson and Onel Hernández appeared in the video to share their experiences in being first-time fathers (Image: NHS)