For many men, one of the biggest events in their lives take place when they become a dad. Despite months of lead up, numerous baby books, checklists, and support groups, at Peregian Family Medical Centre, we recognise that nothing can fully prepare you for life as a father.
In this article, we examine how you can prepare for fatherhood and be supportive during your partner’s pregnancy.
Start by being supportive
The first step is to be supportive and hands-on, both before and after your child is born. While you extend all your support during childbirth, you must also prepare to be involved in your child’s day-to-day caregiving.
Beyond just attending antenatal appointments and reading self-help articles on fatherhood, communicate with your partner and find out how you can meet their needs as well as those of your baby. This process can be very meaningful as it helps strengthen your bond as a family.
Prepare well for your baby’s arrival
When preparing for your baby’s arrival, it’s important that you agree on your expectations and preferences regarding childbirth and how your partner’s stay in the hospital will be handled. These should be shared with healthcare professionals to ensure that where possible, expectations are met.
In this process, new dads can divide responsibilities with their partners, remain aware and organise what needs to take place in the days prior to and following childbirth.
This plan will also extend to things such as where your baby will sleep, how to prepare the nursery and other matters that are important, prior to your child’s arrival.
These aspects of pregnancy and childbirth should be planned, as it will help you and your partner ensure that your child can be well cared for when you welcome him or her home.
Building a support network
A couple’s pregnancy doesn’t just have implications for women’s health but also affects certain aspects of men’s health.
To ensure your needs as a new dad or dad-to-be are met, building a support network may be useful. This might comprise of just friends and family or even the support of health professionals. Remember, embracing fatherhood may take some work and a good support network will help you feel like you aren’t alone on this journey.
There are even online communities that can support you during this time. You can ask for advice, and even share parenting tips you’ve learned yourself!
Make sure you have time for your partner
Even with support available, new parents are often pressed for time to attend to their own needs or those of their significant other.
It’s important not to get caught up in all your to-dos and forget that this time is supposed to be a memorable bonding experience for your new family. A strong and healthy bond between parents can be crucial for a child’s wellbeing.
Don’t neglect to read your share of baby books
In preparing for life as a new dad, baby books can play an extremely important role.
While they’re not the only source of knowledge and support, they can tell you:
What to expect once your baby is born
Newborn health information
Health signs to watch out for in both your child and partner
General self-help tips that will prepare you for fatherhood
Childcare product and service recommendations
Crucial medical information for emergencies
One important fact to keep in mind, however, is that regardless of how many baby books you read, you may still be unprepared for the reality of caring for a newborn. No two children are the same and as such, you will find that you may have your own methods of meeting your child’s needs.
Be fully prepared - don’t leave anything for the last minute
Remember that when it comes to a newborn, there’s going to be a few things that don’t go according to plan. One thing you probably won’t anticipate is how tired you and your partner will be once your baby comes home.
As such, make preparations to ensure that your meals, chores, and meeting normal, day-to-day commitments are planned out in advance, as far as possible. Moreover, make sure that everything your baby will need is purchased and is ready to be used before he or she is born.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at a few checklists to get an idea about everything you need to sort out before your baby comes home.
Meeting your mental health needs
It’s a common misconception that only mothers suffer from postpartum depression. According to certain sources, the prevalence of this condition among new dads in Australia is approximately one in ten men.
If you’re a new dad, it’s important that your mental health needs are being met, both for yours and your family’s sake. Use your support network if you’re feeling overwhelmed and lonely and reach out to a healthcare professional if you believe you will benefit from it.
How can a GP help you on your journey as a new dad?
Both during pregnancy and after, GPs can assist new parents embrace the challenges and expectations of life with a newborn.
At Peregian Family Medical Centre, we provide a range of men’s health services which includes mental health. For further information on fatherhood and family healthcare, contact our clinic today.
