Guide for all fathers to be
What role does the father-to-be play during the pregnancy journey?
Until the recent past, when we lived in large joint families, the woman was largely looked after by her mother, mother-in-law and other female relatives. With families now becoming smaller and living as nuclear households, the responsibility of helping the woman to maintain her health and well-being through the pregnancy and delivery falls on the husband.
In line with these changes, more and more fathers-to-be are readying themselves in every way possible to play their role in the journey of parenthood – and to play it well. I appreciate and applaud them; they lead by example to show how parenting is a joint effort.
If you are a father-to-be or in the process of planning for a family, here is a simple guide to how you can help your wife to have a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.
Eat together: Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to make your bond stronger. Even if work schedules take up most of the weekdays, make an effort to dine together in the evenings and on weekends. More importantly, make it a point to opt for healthy choices at each meal. While it is tempting to pamper your wife with her favourite delicacies (and binge on them together!), it is important to remember that good health is a choice we make at every step.
Join an ante-natal preparation course: Physical and mental preparation for delivery and post-partum recovery is essential for both partners. Joining and attending these classes together will help you understand that exercises your wife is expected to do – and encourage her to follow the routine at home. You will also learn about post-partum recovery and breastfeeding techniques at these classes – this is essential for when you have to support your wife and help her in the post-delivery period.
Avoid smoking: Inhalation of second-hand smoke (also known as ‘passive smoking’) can increase the risk of lung cancer for adults, and lead to several foetal growth issues and possibly even preterm birth. Studies have shown that passive smoking may lead to a higher risk of low birth weight for the baby, and as well issue such as asthma, and respiratory and ear infections. The best way to avoid these issues is to keep the home and its surroundings completely smoke-free. Also, this is the best time to work on setting a good example for your child – and there can be no better motivation to quit smoking.
Follow a regular fitness routine: A regular fitness routine can help you remain fit and maintain optimal energy levels. This is essential when preparing to support your partner through the delivery, and then after, when adapting to a new routine with a newborn. You can use this time to exercise with your wife, thereby helping her to keep her health and fitness – and create a stronger bond between each other.
Maintain a good sleep routine: Sleep is the way by which the body resets and repairs itself, so that it can function at its best the next day. Not getting adequate sleep can lead to fatigue in the short term, and major issues like diabetes and hypertension in the mid- to long-term. During pregnancy, good quality sleep is essential for mothers-to-be not just for their own good health but also for the baby’s health and development. As the ones who are handling much of the responsibility of the pregnancy, you also require sufficient, good sleep to keep up your health and well-being.
Open up for support: It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious or worried about the pregnancy, delivery and the process of raising a child. Moreover, when you are supporting your wife through her ups and downs, it is only natural to feel some of the emotions seeping into you. Therefore, never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. It could be in the form of assistance with chores or errands, or a person to talk to about how you are feeling. In particular, emotional support is critical. If you are unable to find a family member or friend whom you can confide in, reach out for professional support.
Every parenting journey is unique and special – and we are here to help you through it. Remember, we are here to help you, too!
