Father & Partner Support

How your partner can build a healthy relationship with the baby

As a new father bonding with your baby is an important part of getting to know your newborn. It’s a process that takes place over time as you learn to care for your baby and anticipate his or her needs. Bonding has no time limit.

As the focus falls on mom and baby after the birth, dad can often feel left out of the experience. Dad-baby bonding is just as important as baby bonding with mom, and lays the foundation for a healthy relationship through infancy and into childhood. Babies can hear sound in utero from around 16 weeks, so if dad has been a part of your pregnancy journey, your baby will be able to recognise his voice at birth.

While this article focuses on paternal support from the baby’s dad, any adult who lives in your home and supports you with your baby, whether a partner, family member or friend, can follow these guidelines to bond with the baby.

Mom supporting Dad

Support your partner as he bonds with baby and learns the ropes of fatherhood. Help him adjust to his new role so he can provide support for you and the baby.

• Encourage him to bond with the baby. Cuddling and soothing baby are great ways for dad to get to know his newborn.
• Let him help with the baby’s feeds. If you are breastfeeding your baby, express your milk and let dad bottle-feed baby at one of the night feeds. For bottle fed babies, dad can assist with preparing feeds, giving baby the bottle and sterilising equipment after feeds. This support is invaluable when trying to get uninterrupted sleep as it is vital for your wellbeing.
• Show him the ropes. Help is right on hand, so instead of taking on all the baby chores yourself, let dad be a part of baby’s daily care. Show him what to do, then step back and let him work it out.
• Let dad decide and communicate what he is comfortable and confident in doing on his own. This can be his and baby’s routine and special bonding activity. Perhaps an evening walk in the stroller while you take a bubble bath or the first feed of the morning, while you catch up on some sleep.

Dad, listen up

Share this article with your baby’s dad or partner.

Welcoming your new baby into the world is a wonderful time and the transition to fatherhood will be a big change for you. Assist your partner as you get to know your new baby. Mom may look like she has everything covered, but she’s learning just like you and also needs time to rest and heal.

• Jump right in. Get involved in your baby’s daily care. It’s the best way to build your skills and boost your confidence as you bond with baby. Your valuable help is an asset to your partner who also needs time for herself.
• Bond through touch. Carry and hold your baby as often as possible. Wear baby in a sling so he or he she is close to your chest and can hear your heartbeat and get to know your scent.
• Talk and sing to the baby. When you’re spending one-on-one time with baby communication is key. Your words lay down important foundations for learning and language. It’s also never too early to start reading to your baby.
• Bath with the baby. Most newborns love a warm bath. A safe water temperature is between 37 to 38°C, so check first using a bath thermometer. Wet babies can be very slippery, so before you jump out the bath, hand baby safely back to your partner before you get out.
• Extend your help beyond baby duties. Ask your partner what important chores are needed for that day and offer to assist. Easing the load can help reduce her anxiety and stress levels.
• Show your partner that you care. Make sure she’s eating healthy and getting some time for herself. Take her a glass of water and chopped fruit or vegetables, yogurt or nuts to snack on while she feeds the baby.
• Get support and advice. During the post-partum period, both parents (or a support partner who lives with mom) can call the dedicated midwife or counsellor on the Maternity Programme for advice and support anytime whilst mom is registered on the Programme.

Caring for your new baby is a fulltime job and can be overwhelming and stressful for both parents. As you juggle feeding times, nappy changes and get to know your baby’s sleep patterns, don’t forget to consider your own needs. If either you or your partner feel unable to cope or feel anxious or depressed, reach out to your healthcare provider or midwife on the Maternity Programme.

Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your partners health and or wellbeing.

Resources: https://www.parents.com/; https://www.webmd.com/; https://raisingchildren.net.au/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/; https://www.babycenter.com/