Fathers role during pregnancy: What dads can do to help mom
Pregnancy may be all about mom but it’s important that dads delve into the experience as well! Although the physical aspect of the pregnancy is solely shouldered by mom, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything else that dad can help with. Everything from being supportive, being an emotional rock to helping satisfy the mom-to-be’s craving is of great importance!
Prenatal Care
Lifestyle Changes
You can support your mom-to-be by making the same lifestyle changes she has to make for your baby. This may be the best time to give up alcohol, drink more fluids, cut down on coffee and stop smoking.
Keep her company
Accompany her when she goes for her prenatal checkups and other pregnancy-related appointments. Also, don’t miss the chance to get a glimpse of your baby during an ultrasound — we’re sure you won’t regret it!
Be an active observer
Just like you enjoy watching your favorite basketball player, let your wife know you enjoy all the milestones associated with her pregnancy — seeing her belly grow, feeling the baby kick, etc.
Attend prenatal classes together
When you’re not in class, practice breathing with her so that you can help her during labor. Be ready to embrace her, hold her hand, soothe her and maybe even bear the brunt of her screaming and physical reactions during labor.
Nurture her
Make sure she has a balanced diet of healthy food and gets plenty of rest. You must also make sure she is comfortable — maybe you could offer to massage her feet at the end of a tiring day.
If you don’t have a kasambahay or helper, it would help a lot too if you could take on more of the household duties like cooking, cleaning, mopping, washing the dishes and doing the laundry.
Prepare your home
Welcome your new family member by getting things like baby furniture, babyproofing the house, preparing extra meals, etc.
Make decisions together
Your wife will surely appreciate your inputs on important decisions related to your baby. Talk with her about the kind of labor and delivery you both want, what to name the child, whether your child should be circumcised, etc.
During labor and delivery
Cheer her on
Once labor has begun, keep her focused. Remind her that shouldn’t give up, and she shouldn’t panic.
If she starts acting restless or agitated during a contraction, make eye contact with her and encourage her to take a deep breath. Hold her hand and tell her she’s doing great.
Physically support her
Hold her hand and hold her in position if she opts for an epidural. If she wants you to, support her legs and thighs while she’s pushing.
Be at her beck and call
If she wants some ice, get her some. If she wants a back rub, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Take it like a man
If during labor, your wife suddenly makes nasty comments about you, don’t take them personally. Smile, nod, and know that she will not appreciate a sarcastic response – no matter how witty you may deem it to be!
Snap pictures
Capture those precious moments of labor and delivery by taking appropriate pictures.
Catch the baby
If you’re up for it, ask your doctor if you can “catch” the baby, that is, support him as he emerges from the birth canal. Some dads also prefer to cut the umbilical cord themselves.
Post labor
Call friends and family
Take charge of telling friends and family that you’re new parents — don’t forget to reply to whatever messages or calls that your wife may receive after she’s given birth and while she’s recovering.
Take initiative
At the hospital and at home, do what you can to help your wife recover from childbirth. Change diapers, help with feedings and baths. Allow your wife to nap while you take care of the baby.
Time off
Do whatever you can to take some time off from work when the baby arrives. This will help you establish your own close relationship with your child right from the start.
EXTRA TIPS: What dads should NOT do during labor
* Don’t chat on the phone with your friends
* Don’t return work calls
* Don’t check stocks, surf the Internet or check email
* Don’t chew gum or blow bubbles
* Don’t hoard the remote in the hospital room (if you have one)
* Don’t flirt with the nurses
* Don’t let your mother in unless your wife says it’s OK
* Don’t socialize with other fathers
* Don’t take inappropriate pictures
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.
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