Carrying a child for nine months and giving birth is one rollercoaster of a journey, and not just for the mother (although she does bear the brunt of much of the emotional and physical changes involved). However, her partner plays an important role, albeit sometimes a more supporting one, during pregnancy and beyond. It’s important, vital really, to include your partner in your pregnancy and the early days with your newborn. A good partner will have supported you through your journey, been a shoulder to lean on, and a practical helper when it comes to things like setting up shop for the new baby, fulfilling everyday tasks, and being an emotional crutch. But how to involve your partner effectively in your newborn’s life? Let’s take a look, from pregnancy to the arrival of the little one.
During Pregnancy
Being pregnant isn’t a solo endeavor, and pregnant women should ideally be able to rely on a strong support network of friends and loved ones when it comes to facing the ups and downs of carrying a baby for nine months. A partner is a crucial part of this supporting setup, and there are numerous ways they can help while keeping involved in the life of the newborn.
Communication
It’s vital to communicate right from the very onset of the journey, sharing fears, excitement, and all sorts of other things. Encourage your partner to talk about their thoughts or concerns, even if they don’t directly relate to the pregnancy. Many people worry about finances, career adjustments, or their future role as a parent. Keeping the lines of communication open can help you stay connected and supportive of each other throughout the journey.
Sharing the Good News
Ok, so the woman in the partnership does the heavy lifting, but the man also plays a central role in the pregnancy and future childhood. It’s important to tell family, friends, and loved ones about your happy news together – some like to get creative, printing T-shirts or balloons. Whatever you choose to do, do it together, and if you’re posting online, be sure to tag your partner in the post.
Birth Classes
Childbirth preparation classes are a great way to educate and empower both parents. These sessions typically cover labor stages, breathing techniques, pain management, and what to expect at the hospital. Many classes also include partner-specific tips, such as how to support during labor and what to pack in the hospital bag. By attending together, your partner learns practical ways to help you and becomes an active participant in the birthing process. But classes don’t have to stop after your baby arrives – in fact, there are many postpartum classes and resources available that will help you with the early stages of parenthood that lie ahead.
Share the ‘Labor’
Pregnancy is hugely demanding on women’s bodies and they can have a hard time performing even rudimentary physical tasks. It’s important, therefore, to split up the labor accordingly and let the partner bear the brunt of the physical activity (although it is still important to allow the woman a sense of independence). Making meals is another activity that should be shared. Often, pregnant women can become nauseous around the smell of food being prepared, so the partner should be prepared to step in and get the cooking done.
Prepare the nursery
One of the most enjoyable and creative times of pregnancy is setting up the nursery for the little arrival. Planning can be done together, although heavy lifting should be left to the partner. However, details such as color schemes, cots, decor and other factors are fun to share, and can bring you closer together as partners while also bringing a dose of color into proceedings.
Bond with the Baby Together
There are many simple yet powerful ways your partner can connect with the baby during pregnancy. Encourage them to talk, sing, or read to your belly – babies can recognize voices in the womb. Let them feel the baby’s movements and share in the excitement of milestones, such as the first kick. These rituals build early bonds between the baby and both parents and are exciting steps along the way. And once your little bundle of joy emerges, it’ll mean tighter bonds between your partner and the baby.
Having a newborn baby can be an immensely stressful time for some. It’s important to share the burden and the joy of the occasion with your partner, for support, both practical and mental, and in many other ways.