Doctor Shares What Dads Can Do to Ease the Struggles of Their Partner after Birth 

 

 

Being a new dad can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring in equal measure.

And, if you and your partner have decided breastfeeding is the way forward for your little one, the burden can often fall disproportionately on one partner.

But there are countless things dads can do for their partners after they’ve given birth that will make the first few weeks or months far more manageable.

 

By Alice Giddings

Speaking on The Dads and The Docs podcast, paediatrician Dr Golly shared some simple advice for any new dads or dads-to-be.

Dr Golly said: ‘Dads can’t speed up a mum’s recovery from pregnancy and childbirth – regardless of whether we’re talking about a cesarean or vaginal birth.

 

‘Dads can’t make breast milk come in quicker. Dads can’t make a baby sleep through the night on day three.

 

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‘But, on every one of those, dads can play an enormous part. Dads can give mum rest, because sleep makes milk.

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‘Dads can keep mums hydrated because drinking water makes milk. The only thing a dad can’t do in the setting of a nuclear family with a breast fed baby is breastfeed. Everything else they can do.

‘The most important thing they can do is protect the mum. If you can protect the mum, she can protect the baby.’

The video hit nearly two million views and got 151,000 likes and there has been no shortage of women in the comments sharing, from experience, all the ways your partner can help after birth.

TikToker Ashtyn Beck said: ‘Dads can wash pumping parts and set up the machine.’

Amber Martella said: ‘Dads don’t need to do only baby related things, doing the dishes and laundry is helping.’

 

Jennifer added: ‘They can do the night shift, pick up the mental loads, keep visitors away and let our bodies rest and recover. Make sure there’s a fridge full of food.’

 

Taking the baby for a walk so the mum can get some rest is a great help (picture: Getty Images)

‘Nappies and contact naps’ are also key according to new mums in the comment section, while others said if they’d fed the baby and they still weren’t settling, their husbands would take over.

Others suggested ‘running mum a bath’ and ‘taking the baby out for a walk so mum can sleep’ – all of which allow the mum to rest and heal from labour.

One dad, Casey, even shared: ‘My job is water bully. My wife hates drinking water and needs to breastfeed. I bring her water constantly.’

 

 

Emiliana Hall, a birth and postnatal doula and founder of The Mindful Birth Group agrees with the above, outlining four crucial ways partners can provide assistance to the mother of their children.

She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Dads should encourage open communication and create a supportive environment for their partner to express their feelings. Childbirth can be an emotional experience, and having a partner who listens and empathises can be immensely comforting.’

So emotional support is just as important as practical support. Emiliana agrees that doing daily tasks and chores makes everything more manageable for your partner but you should also take the time to educate yourself.

‘Take the time to educate yourself about postpartum recovery, feeding, and newborn care,’ Emiliana says. ‘Understanding the challenges and changes that occur after childbirth will not only make you a more informed support person but will also enable you to provide more targeted assistance.’

 

 

 

Night feedings and nappy changes are a great practical way to help out

Night feedings and nappy changes are a great practical way to help out (picture: Getty Images)

On a more practical note, Emiliana also adds dads could take turns for night feedings.

 

She says: ‘If possible, share the responsibility of night feedings and nappy changes. This can help both partners get more rest, which is crucial during the early postpartum period when sleep is often disrupted.’

‘Remember, every person and situation is unique, so adapt these suggestions based on your partner’s specific needs and preferences,’ Emiliana adds.

‘Your healthcare provider should be the first point of call if you are worried about their mental or physical health.

This level of support and help doesn’t just apply to postpartum care, but helping partners through labour too.

We previously spoke to some dads about what it’s like to watch your partner give birth and how they helped their partners through it.

 

DID YOU SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER IN THESE WAYS AFTER CHILD BIRTH?

Yes, I helped wherever I could

 

I was unable to help my partner as much as I wanted

 

Chris Savory, 42 from Croydon, told Metro.co.uk he ‘never felt marginalised or redundant’ while watching his wife Olivia give birth. They welcomed their daughter Martha in December 2018 and Clara in January 2023.

His chief role was errand boy, ‘whether they were strictly necessary or not’. This included trips to get more water or snacks, asking the midwife questions, calls to friends and family, and generally ‘pottering around the bed’ to make sure his wife was okay.

So, what tips do you have for supporting your partner through birth and the first few weeks of motherhood? Share in the comments below.

 

Source: Metro.co.uk