10 Jun Top 10 Tips for Partners During Pregnancy
When a mother feels supported by her partner during pregnancy, she experiences less stress. This is great for mother, baby and partner!
During the month of June, we celebrate Father’s Day. Let’s shine a light on all the wonderful ways partners support and show love to their pregnant significant others!
Studies show that when a mother feels supported during pregnancy, her stress level is reduced and her partner is also more likely to be active with the baby after it’s born. This benefits the whole family; Mom, baby and partner! If you don’t have a partner in your life, it’s important to form a support team; you don’t have to do it alone.
For partners, here are the top 10 ways to support your pregnant significant other. You may even reduce your own partner-stress through your newfound knowledge, better communication and a little preparation. Her heart will be full and happy!
- Help ensure she gets high quality nutrition. Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, Mama needs a daily prenatal vitamin, including folic acid to prevent birth defects, and high quality nutrition. This means lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as protein, for the very best baby building. Here are some nutritional tips to remember during pregnancy. Steer clear of high mercury fish, undercooked or rare meats, and unpasteurized cheese, milk and other foods. These can cause foodborne illness and be dangerous to the baby.
- To help with morning sickness, stock up on easy to digest snacks, high protein options, and learn to make her favorite smoothies. An empty stomach can increase nausea so small frequent meals can help.
- Help prep the pantry and freezer with healthy meals, bone broth soups, stews, and casseroles to enjoy after the birth. You’ll both be adjusting to a new routine after the baby is born with less time to plan and prepare nutritious meals. Create a care team that can also help with grocery shopping and food prep.
- Pregnancy hormones can make breasts and nipples tender, and physical intimacy more difficult as her belly grows. Pregnancy fatigue, nausea and bloat may put her off sex altogether. Show caring and compassion by using a gentle touch with her changing body and experiment with sexual positions that may be more comfortable for her. Intimacy, of course, doesn’t need to involve sex, so if she doesn’t want it, you can still show her you care by holding her close and cuddling up with her. Or, offer a foot or body massage to relieve her aches and pains.
- Attend the prenatal visits with her. This is a chance to learn about your partner’s amazing, ever-changing body as it nurtures and grows your baby, as well as share in the milestones of your baby’s growth.
- Sign up for a childbirth class. Here you’ll learn more about what to expect during labor and delivery, create your specialized birth plan, and meet other expectant parents. You’ll also learn about the most effective ways you can bond with your baby, like skin to skin contact, taking turns bottle feeding, or providing direct care for the baby in between breastfeeding.
- If your friend and family support is minimal, find a new parent support group for you and your partner. These connections will provide much needed support and resources as you enter new parenthood, setting you up for success!
- Educate yourself on the signs of postpartum anxiety and depression. Often, it’s partners that recognize first that Mama needs help. Check out the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression test.
- Help your partner with nesting. Put together the baby equipment, install that carseat, and help her clean and organize the house (if she lets you!). If she’s going strong on the nesting instinct, make sure she takes a break and gets the rest she needs. Make those dump runs for her!
- Deal with any problems related to alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping. Exposure to substance abuse is bad for Mom and baby and puts the whole family unit at risk for health, social and financial problems. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration is ready to help you find support and treatment in your area.
During pregnancy, there is so much natural focus on your pregnant partner and baby. But what about your feelings? Your partner’s pregnancy can bring up new feelings for you too. You may feel stressed, anxious, depressed or even angry at times. The internal changes you are experiencing are just as important. If you are struggling or think you could use a little more help, reach out to your medical provider. S/he can offer additional resources or referrals for mental health support. Don’t forget to connect with family and friends and check out your local community for new parent support groups. Human connection is often the anecdote for feeling isolated, misunderstood, or overwhelmed. Other fathers want to connect too!
* Photo by Pixabay: Person Touching Hand of Baby. https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-touching-hand-of-baby-451853/
