Dad Needs Emotional Support During Pregnancy
Fathers Who Give and Receive Support Create Healtheir Pregnancies
Mar 6, 2009
Fathers who become much more involved during their mate's pregnancy can contribute to a much happier and healthier pregnancy for everyone involved. Whether it’s the first, second, third baby, or more, fathers offer emotional support -- but they also gain many benefits themselves.
Fathers Offer Emotional Support
Most all pregnant women experience rapid changes in their bodies and their emotional state of mind. And every pregnancy is different. Having a partner who is available to provide emotional support and who understands what is happening makes a huge difference in the life of a pregnant woman.
Fathers can offer emotional support by:
- Expressing love and gratitude for the woman and the unborn baby
- Telling her she is beautiful and acknowledging that the changes in her body are exciting for you too
- Listening to what she has to say and giving her undivided attention
- Touching your partner for a physical connection that also offers emotional benefits
- Feeling the baby’s movement and sharing the excitement with your partner
- Massaging your partner’s neck or shoulders to offer relaxation and increase the level of intimacy between you as a couple
Offering emotional support reaps many beneficial rewards in return. It will enhance the father's understanding of the pregnancy, provide him with opportunities for intimacy, and increase the bond between the couple.
Dad Needs Emotional Support Too
Pregnancy brings many changes and upheavals in the lives of the parents, other siblings, family members, and friends. It is a time when emotional support is especially critical for the pregnant woman. But it is also a time when the father needs emotional support too.
Men often feel neglected during their partner’s pregnancy. They do not experience the same emotions and feelings that women feel and it is difficult for them to understand what is happening. There are ways for women to involve the baby’s father more intensely and offer emotional support for him too.
- Encourage fathers to participate in every prenatal visit. Watching the ultrasound, hearing the doctor’s feedback and instructions, and experiencing this part of the pregnancy can be very enlightening.
- Discuss how each of you feel and encourage the baby’s father to talk and ask questions. He may be overwhelmed by the changes he is observing, but he is not sure how to handle them. Let him know it’s okay to ask questions.
- Help prepare the father by talking about the upcoming delivery. Having him attend prenatal visits is an excellent way for him to become comfortable with the doctor and it will make the delivery experience more comfortable too.
- Demonstrate love and concern. Pregnancy is often hard on women and they feel tired, sleepy, and sometimes even exhausted. But finding ways to demonstrate your love and concern for your partner shows love and concern. Order dinner from his favorite restaurant, purchase him a special memento of the pregnancy period such as a frame engraved with “Daddy and Me”, or write him a special note of gratitude for his love and companionship.
- Talk about him. It’s tempting to always talk about the baby and what to expect. But it is also important to remember that the baby’s father likely has a job that is demanding and important to both of you. Ask about his day and remind him how much you care about him and appreciate what he does for you and your family. Acknowledge the value and importance of his work and let him know you understand how hard he works.
Pregnancy creates a new dynamic for couples, whether it’s the first, second, or third baby. Adding a new member to the family is an awesome experience, but it is also one that requires planning, sharing, and communicating.
Fathers must not forget how important it is to provide emotional support and love to their pregnant partner. And women must not neglect the father who also needs emotional support during this time.
The support provided by each person to the other will create a happier and healthier pregnancy. It also paves the way for a healthier delivery and beyond.
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