Supporting your partner: Essential parenting advice for new dads during the postpartum period

The news of becoming a father is very exciting as well as intimidating as imagining bringing a new life into the world can often be overwhelming. The father, in many ways, is the first person to connect with the child. While the mother is perhaps the most important aspect of the child’s life, being a father is just as important.

Active Participation During Pregnancy

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Lakshmi Menon, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bellandur, Bengaluru, shared, “The postpartum period for fathers, usually refers to the first six weeks after childbirth, but recovery can take longer. While the mother’s body is healing from childbirth, which can include dealing with stitches, pain and fatigue or hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, anxiety and postpartum depression. At this stage, fathers must realise and recognise that recovery is both physical and emotional – from changing diapers, bathing and soothing the baby to taking on more responsibilities at home to lighten her load.”

Education and preparation tips for new fathers

Dr Lakshmi Menon shares some postpartum preparation tips for new fathers –

• The first and foremost thing is to make sure that you are an important part of the entire pregnancy process. Accompanying your partner for scans, taking an interest in the different stages of pregnancy and the baby’s development, investing in your partner’s health and fulfilling their various wishes and desires are great ways to develop a strong bond and prepare for becoming a parent.
• Your partner’s body goes through a lot of changes which create a lot of self-doubt and low self-esteem. Encouraging your partner about the changes is extremely reassuring, setting up date nights, impromptu dinners and ‘baby moons’ really helps boost their confidence!
• Attending workshops and Lamaze classes helps you understand the childbirth process and how you can be involved in the journey leading up to your baby’s birth. What routines can be expected once the baby arrives, diaper changing and bath time are just some of the classes that can help you get prepared.
• It is important to sort out the financial matters of the family. Budgeting for the pregnancy to the baby should be planned in detail. Organizing your work schedule in such a way that all important deadlines are met before the baby is born helps to be a “present and available” partner. Organize your health so that you stay healthy and fit.
• Follow a proper routine with diet and exercise. This gives you enough energy to take care of your baby’s needs as well as understand your partner’s needs. After the baby is born, give yourself enough time to be with the baby.
• Culturally, sometimes the new mother has family around her, sometimes it’s just you as a couple. Whatever it is, the baby needs to bond with you. So being available, using your paternity leave, goes a long way in establishing the parenting bond. Families form part of the vital support structure for new parents. Babies are unpredictable, just like new mothers, even fathers experience a sense of depression if the baby is not soothed by them or does not bond with them!
• Give yourself some leeway and don’t expect everything to be perfect the first time around. Books only prepare you so much…the real deal always comes after that. The transition to becoming a parent is a profound and life-changing event. The more information you have, the easier the transition will be!

Always remember that the postpartum period is a critical time for both mother and baby, requiring patience, support, and understanding. Education, preparation, and open communication are essential to ensure this period runs smoothly. Self-care and recognizing the symptoms of postpartum depression are important for both parents. By being proactive and supportive, fathers can play a key role in ensuring a healthy and happy postpartum experience for the entire family.