Even for new dads, fatherhood can be a confusing and terrifying experience at first. While mothers naturally feel love and connection towards the baby, a partner can encourage them to be emotionally balanced. An involved father can help the mother reduce complications, infections, and postpartum depression.
What New Moms Go Through
Mothers go through an ocean of physical, hormonal, dermatological, and emotional changes before and after delivery. Before birth, their body works to nurture the baby’s growth, and after birth, the body works to heal and get back to the pre-pregnancy state.Mother's hormones (estrogen and progesterone) were surging before delivery to support childbirth. After delivery, hormones plummet quickly and give “baby blues” to mothers along with pain, exhaustion, and fatigue. 1 in 8 women also develops postpartum depression. The major changes mothers go through are:
- The uterus contracts to go back to its pre-pregnancy size, which creates cramps and discomfort.
- C-sections bring pain, fatigue, and limited activity for many months.
- Postpartum bleeding lasts at least 6 weeks.
- Hormonal changes affect mood and milk production.
- The irregularities in the baby's sleeping routine also disturb the mother’s circadian rhythm and healing.
- Emotional experiences, including overwhelming anxiety and emotional distance.
Tips for New Dads to Make This Journey Less Hard
1. Help Her Heal
Postpartum healing takes time. Mothers need optimal rest, security, and support from their partner for better healing. Dad's involvement not only helps the mother heal but also strengthens the family bond and promotes a better relationship between the father and the child. Fathers can be more involved and help mothers by:- Encouraging enough rest
- Handle household chores
- Help with baby care
- Make a healthy meal to boost recovery
- Be empathetic and validate her feelings
- Watch for signs of postpartum depression
- Massage the painful area
- Stock up on sanitary pads, ice packs, and medications
- Help her clean the wound
2. Keep Emergency Contacts
Postpartum emergencies can arise anytime. With all the changes happening inside the body, mothers might confuse normal changes and dangerous ones. Partners should be mindful of any harmful changes and immediately report them to the doctor. Keep emergency contacts easily accessible. If you notice the following signs, seek help immediately.- Severe headache, stomach ache, breast pain
- Severe vaginal bleeding
- Fever above 100.4 degrees F
- Struggling to breathe
- Extreme swelling on the face, hands, and legs
- Thoughts of harming
- Signs of infections, including bumps or rashes
3. Support Breastfeeding
For lactating mothers, even a small help like lifting the baby from the crib, helping her change the baby’s position, can be a huge help, especially after a c-section. If the baby is used to bottle feeding, you can help by warming the milk and feeding the baby. Fathers can support breastfeeding by:- Learning and understanding breastfeeding
- Helping with preparing for the breast pump
- Ensure bottles and supplies are ready
- Assist in positioning the baby
- Change the diaper before or after nursing
- Help the baby burp after feeding
4. Prioritise Nutrition
What more does a mother need than a healthy, scrumptious meal after going through hours of labour and sleeplessness? New dads should ensure their partner receives nourishing meals and hydration. Proper nutrition promotes healing, increases energy levels, and stabilises mental health. A few tips for new dads concerning food are:- Consult a dietician and plan every meal
- Make the plate balanced by including all vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats
- Keep her snacks healthy and frequent
- Learn about each nutrient and find natural sources for better absorption
- Feed the mother while she is resting
- Don't let her eat unhealthy carbonated foods
- Encourage eating mindfully and slowly
- Keep water accessible
5. Learn to Care for the Baby
A supportive hand during postpartum keeps depression and anxiety at bay. Fathers can help the mother by actively taking care of the baby. This reduces mental and physical overload, makes some room for mothers to rest or sleep, and builds better relationships within the family. A few tips on how new dads can take care of the baby:- Master newborn basics- diaper changing, massaging, bathing
- Offer for help or take turns while bottle feeding
- Help the baby sleep and put them in the crib
- Learn to understand when a baby feels distressed and find ways to soothe them
- Help comfort the baby when they go into cranky mode
The above tips for new dads help keep the spark of your relationship alive. Occasional foreplay, deep communication, intimate times, and shared responsibilities keep the new mom safe and secure. Understand that a new mom’s mood swings are not directed towards you. It's just a response to the hormonal changes happening inside her.
New mothers are so fragile and sensitive. Oftentimes, they might feel not enough or exhausted with the baby and their body. More than a solution, mothers need validation from their partner. Be present with her whenever you can. As a protective figure, more than perfection, your presence means a lot to a mother.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How New Dads Can Help New Moms After Delivery
- Why do dads struggle with newborns?
Dads may struggle often due to a lack of knowledge about newborns. If the father did not bond with the baby during pregnancy, they may struggle to bond after delivery. - How to emotionally super wife after birth?
Emotional support after delivery helps avoid postpartum depression and mental overload. Partners can support new mom’s emotional health by:
-Supporting them with baby care
-Deep conversation listening to their worries and struggles
-Encouraging them to unload their worries
-Reassuring them they are the best parents
-Helping them take care of their medicine, sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
