Step Up to the Plate, Daddy:
7 Practical Ways to Support Your Partner Postpartum
Being a dad is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to helping your partner during the postpartum period. The first few weeks after your baby's arrival can be overwhelming and stressful for new moms, but with help from their partners, they can make the transition a lot smoother. Here are some practical and entertaining ways dads can help their partners postpartum:
Get Involved in Baby Care:
The first and most important thing dads can do is to get involved in baby care. Changing diapers, bathing the baby, and burping the baby are just a few tasks that dads can do. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, you'll soon become an expert. Plus…this is your baby, too!
Cook Some Meals:
One of the best ways to help your partner is by taking care of the cooking. Your partner is likely to be exhausted and have little time to prepare meals. Cooking healthy and nutritious meals will not only help your partner recover faster but also ensure she has the energy to take care of your new baby. If you don’t know how to cook, Google, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are all great places to find amazing recipes.
Be Her Emotional Support:
During the postpartum period, new moms can experience a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm. Be there to listen and offer emotional support. Encourage her to talk about her feelings and reassure her that she's doing a great job.
Take Over Household Chores:
Taking care of a newborn is a full-time job, and your partner may not have the energy to keep up with household chores. Take over some of the household chores like laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This will help your partner relax and focus on taking care of the baby. Your partner should not have to ask you to do these things. She is a mom, but she’s not YOUR mom.
Give Her Time to Rest:
New moms need as much rest as possible during the postpartum period. Offer to take care of the baby while your partner takes a nap or gets some rest. You can also take over some of the night feedings, so your partner can get a good night's sleep. The brunt of parenting should not solely be on her. Step up and be a parent. She shouldn’t have to ask you, just do it.
Offer a Listening Ear:
Sometimes all your partner needs is someone to talk to. Be there to listen to her, whether she wants to vent about something frustrating or share a moment of joy. Being a good listener can help strengthen your relationship and make the postpartum period a lot easier. You don’t have to have all the answers and you don’t have to necessarily fix whatever it is that is botering her. Just listen.
Plan a Date Night:
Although taking care of a newborn can be time-consuming, it's important to take some time to focus on your relationship. Plan a date night where you can spend some quality time with your partner, without the baby. It could be something as simple as a dinner date or a movie night at home. When planning a date, make sure YOU are the one to arrange reliable and safe childcare.
The postpartum period can be challenging for new moms, but with the right support, it can also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. As a dad, there are many practical and entertaining ways you can help your partner during this time. Whether it's cooking meals, offering emotional support, or taking care of household chores, your efforts will go a long way in helping your partner recover and adjust to life with your new baby.