Dad’s involvement in pregnancy

Pregnancy can seem like it is all about mom, but it is so important for dads to be part of the experience on a daily basis. By staying actively involved in the entire lifecycle of pregnancy, childbirth and baby-care, fathers can hugely support their partners, helping them cope better with the burden of anxiety and fear, expectation and responsibilities. In fact, studies have revealed that paternal involvement has a significant “impact on pregnancy and infant outcomes”.

Here are some of the things you can do to support your partner during pregnancy:

Provide emotional support to your partner

Pregnancy is a stressful and challenging time for women. The most essential aspect of the father’s participation in perinatal care is emotional support for the mother and her need for love and affection. By providing emotional support you can improve this experience. For example, if your partner experiences vomiting, nausea, or dislikes towards something caused by pregnancy or there may be complications during pregnancy, at such times, you should not deny emotional support to your partner and not consider her to be at fault. By offering support, you can take this burden off from your partner’s shoulders and help her cope with the problems. Ask her what she needs. Encourage and reassure her that you are there for her. You should provide emotional support to your partner not only during pregnancy but also during delivery and after delivery.

Make her feel comfy and loved

Support and positively acknowledge the changes her body is going through. Give her massages, foot and leg rubs, a warm bath, extra pillows – all of these things make pregnant bodies more comfortable. Also, learn as much as you can and support her in her birthing options.

Decorate the nursery together

Spend time decorating the nursery together. Have a look around the baby stores looking at all the furniture and equipment that the shops tell you are all necessities to have. Remember the most important things your baby and partner need from you is your love and time rather than expensive equipment but it is fun to try out all the different models of car seats and prams!

Preggy photos

Take flattering photos of your partner while she is pregnant that show off the round shape of her ever expanding preggy tummy. Use soft side lighting, early morning or late afternoon. No flash. Try black and white film, better at expressing flesh and contour, less garnish and less detailed blemishes. You will be glad to have these pictures, and neither of you will believe how huge she was. Then frame a photograph of her. Wrap it up and place it on the bedside table.

Mother’s Day

Be a romantic and choose her first mommy’s day present. Make it something memorable, meaningful and useful. Think of a rocking chair for feeding your precious little one or a beautiful picture or drawing of a mother, dad and baby.

Find a song

Find a song- preferably a romantic one- and play it often so it will always remind you and your partner of pregnancy. Songs attach themselves to memories. This will be your pregnancy song forever.

So congratulations and enjoy the journey. You and your partner will make a great team. You are an integral part of her care before, during and after the birth of your baby.