Hi there, Moms! This is an article exclusively written keeping the Dads in mind, their journey of fatherhood, and how they can play a role in supporting their partner. Do share or forward this article link with your husband/partner or you can read it together.

 

Motherhood is a challenging journey. It’s tougher in the initial years, as it’s a brand new experience for both mother and baby. This is when support from the father of the baby is critical.

When moms get the support they need, they can tackle the challenges more effectively. If they feel cared for, they come to their babies with their cups full. Husbands/partners play a role in ensuring their wives feel loved, supported, heard, and cared for. This directly affects how moms nurture their babies; they are present, loving, and joyful.

Dear Dads, We See You

What many don’t acknowledge or realize is that the father may also undergo an emotional shift when the baby is born. Some men experience stress or anxiety with the responsibility of a new baby. Traditionally, men tend to hesitate from speaking about their feelings or struggles. Dads, remember you’re not alone. Please reach out to a professional or a loved one if you’re struggling emotionally.

Tips for the Husband/Partner: How to Be There for the New Mom

Tip 1: Be a good listener so she feels heard

New moms tend to be home all day with their new baby. She’s surrounded by children all day and she craves real conversation and affection. When you return home or see her after a long time, give her your undivided attention and listen to her. Keep devices/distractions away, be empathetic, and avoid dismissing or minimizing her feelings. She may feel better just venting to you.

Tip 2: Be a team; divide the responsibilities

Life is easier when mom and dad work as a team. Today, most couples divide the household and childcare responsibilities in a way that works for them and their routines. Be a part of daily rituals like putting your child to bed or prepping their meals. Moms need to sleep well, eat on time, and get some exercise and self-care in the day.

Tip 3: Surprise her with small acts of kindness

Women are usually the caregivers and caretakers in India. They put others’ needs before their own. So when the dad/partner steps up to voluntarily help, it eases her burden and makes her feel loved. 

Tip 4:  Encourage her to sleep

Lack of sleep impacts the mom’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. And sleep deprivation is a reality for moms from the time their baby is born. Moms have to follow their baby’s routines. As a supportive spouse/partner, help her get as much sleep as she can.

Tip 5: Ensure she’s eating healthy food

Nutrition is a huge part of a mom’s wellbeing, especially when she’s recovering from childbirth and breastfeeding her newborn. Many moms don’t prioritize their own meals or hydration. You can step in and ensure she’s having nutritious, healthy meals in a timely manner.

Tip 6: Offer companionship and emotional support

After the baby arrives, your marriage or relationship may experience tension. The mom gets pulled into all the baby care duties, and the dad starts to distance himself or feels neglected. The mom may feel lonely and unsupported. This happens due to lesser communication and quality time between dad and mom.

Spending quality time together makes a positive difference to your relationship and boosts the mother’s emotional wellbeing.

Tip 7: Encourage self-care

Take over baby duties while she reads a book or takes a relaxing bath. Let her engage in small activities or rituals that help her decompress and feel human.

Tip 8: Learn about baby care

Know about feeding techniques, diaper change, soothing techniques, and other dos and don’ts. Most of the time, this onus falls on the mom, and this adds to the pressures they’re facing.

Tip 9: Show your appreciation

Kind words of affirmation and physical affection go a long way in boosting the mom’s self-love and mental health. It even helps strengthen your relationship.

Be positive in your interactions with each other, acknowledge when the other does something to make you feel good, and don’t take the other for granted.

Tip 10: Coordinate, plan, and support

If people visit to see the baby, take over the planning. It could be coordinating with people, checking with your wife/partner if she’s up for visitors, ordering food from outside, etc.

Tip 11: Acknowledge her efforts

When you acknowledge her efforts and accomplishments as a woman, as a wife/partner, as a mother, and all the other roles she takes on, it boosts her self-worth and makes her feel loved. It also makes taking care of the baby less challenging and more rewarding!

Tip 12: Be vigilant

Watch for signs if the new mom is struggling with overwhelm, guilt, or pressure. Understand what postpartum recovery looks like, so you can watch for signs of depression. Mental health is crucial (hers and yours!) and there’s absolutely no shame in seeking support when needed.

Tip 13: Be patient and understanding during recovery

Postpartum recovery comes with its own challenges. Now is the time to master your skills of patience and understanding. Let your wife/partner undergo physical healing and emotional adjustment at her own pace. It will look different for every mom and for every generation of moms. 

There you go, Dads. Just go about focusing on making new memories with your wife/partner and baby. All the best, you’ve got this!