Support for You and Your Partner During Pregnancy
When your baby arrives you may feel:
- drained
- worried or anxious
- proud and happy
- stressed
You may be wondering how to support your partner once your child is born. You can do things that mean a lot:
- Make time for skin-to-skin with your baby. Skin-to-skin helps your baby adjust to life outside the womb.
- Prepare meals or bring home supper.
- Hold your baby to soothe and calm them when they cry. This will help you bond with your baby and promote attachment.
- Make sure your partner has a chance to take time for themselves while you take care of the baby.
- Throw in a load of laundry, vacuum, and do dishes.
- Take the children to get groceries with you.
- Change diapers and bathe your children.
- Burp your baby.
- Spend time together and talk to each other.
- Keep your sense of humour.
The postpartum period is a change for all of you. Remember, you are learning what may be the hardest job that you will ever have to do. It is okay to tell someone that you are feeling tired and overwhelmed. Talk to other fathers and visit:
- 24-Hour Cribside Assistance was made by dads, for dads. You can get answers to basic questions about babies, new moms, and new dads.
- Dad Central Ontario gives you information and offers free booklets and articles. You will also find links to fathering websites from around the world.
Resources:
Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health, Parenting in Ottawa