What Role Can I Play as Dad?
Doing the following things might significantly reduce the burden that the new mum is carrying:
- Cook for her– Getting hands on with her nutritional needs is probably the best way to ensure that she is getting her strength up and healing properly.
- Sort household chores– if you don’t have a nanny or the nanny hasn’t arrived yet, do the cleaning and tidying up. This will give ease her work and worry, allowing her an opportunity to rest and recuperate.
- Be hands on-Help with the baby as much as possible. Relieve your spouse so that she can take a shower or take a quick nap. Assure her that you can handle the new baby and that she needs to relax.
- Be alert to her needs– Always ask her whether she needs anything. Even when she sits down to breastfeed, ask if she needs a glass of water or better yet bring it to her. Ensuring her comfort will help her settle better into her new role.
- Read more– Read up all you can on breastfeeding this is a prominent feature when your baby comes home. Be present and offer any kind of support that you can
- Emotional support– Encourage her and always let her know that she is doing a great job.
These are some of the things you can do before your 2-weeks paternity leave comes to an end.
Offering Support when Work Resumes
- Recommend support groups– being a new mum is a life-changing experience. It’s important that you encourage your spouse to join groups of other new mums going through a similar stage in life. You can also reach out to her siblings, close friends and even online support groups that can provide adequate support.
- Be compassionate– Ask her how her day was when you get home. If you find the house in a mess, don’t get angry, swiftly sort out what you can and take it a day at a time.
- No pressure– do not pressure her into resuming sex if she is not ready, be understanding and kind. She will know when she is ready and slowly get back to it. Read more on sex after pregnancy.
Helping your spouse is a crucial part of your changing life. Your support acts as an assurance that she has someone looking out for her and this is bound to lay a brilliant foundation for your relationship.
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another. Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: bellybelly, todaysparent
