Father’s role in pregnancy and birth: What can he do?

Nowadays, pregnancy is not just about the pregnant woman. It is true that the baby develops inside her and that it is she who undergoes the physiological and hormonal changes and who experiences the birth, but, in couples formed by a man and a woman, nowadays the father is not only an observer.

Men play an increasingly important role in pregnancy, childbirth and child rearing. However, on many occasions, men do not know how to become more involved and participate more actively in this important stage of their lives.

The role of the father during pregnancy

While it is the woman who is pregnant, the father can do certain things to be actively involved and feel more involved during his child's pregnancy. These include the following:

• Attend pregnancy check-ups and tests. Thus, the father can also follow his child's development, see and hear his heart thanks to ultrasound scans, be present at the different tests and listen to what the specialists say in the results.
• Accompany the mother to childbirth preparation classes. Men can also participate in them. In fact, it is highly recommended that you do so because they are also designed for him, so that he can learn more about the process of childbirth and how to help his partner at that time.
• Connect with the baby by communicating with the baby. He can do this through touch (by caressing the woman's belly) and also with the voice (by talking or singing to her). In addition, these actions are ideal stimuli for the developing baby, so it is a good idea for both parents to do so.

How can the father become more involved during pregnancy?

• Learn about the pregnancy, the care required by the pregnant woman and the care that the baby will require.
• Shift to a healthier lifestyle. The mother will have to take care of her habits especially during pregnancy, so it will be a great support and motivation to do it together.
• Preparing the house for the baby's arrival. Between the two, you can prepare the room, choose the crib, the stroller, the clothes...
• Take care and support the pregnant woman in this time of great physical and emotional changes, always maintain good communication and strengthen the couple's relationship. The fact that the couple is closer than ever creates an ideal environment for the arrival of the baby.

These actions will increase the father's bond with the baby as early as during pregnancy, even if he is not the one carrying the baby inside his womb.

The father in childbirth

At the time of delivery, there are several things that the attendant (who is usually the father) can do. At the beginning of the contractions, the father can be in charge of monitoring how often they are occurring, as it will be more difficult for the pregnant woman due to pain and nerves.

Once it is time to go to the hospital, it will be helpful for the parent to take everything needed (the hospital bag, which is usually prepared in advance, can be forgotten in the rush and excitement) and to take care of the necessary paperwork for admission.

What is the father's role in labor?

Throughout labor, the father's presence and support gives the woman the peace of mind and security she needs at that time, making it more bearable. In addition, a partner's company and support can lead to a woman's perception of pain (and reduction in the use of epidural analgesia) and a better overall experience.

Likewise, for the father it is unique to be able to be at the birth of his baby. The birth plan may reflect the participation of the companion and, in some centers, the companion may even be the one to cut the umbilical cord.

Role of men in the postpartum period

In the postpartum period, the father has several fundamental tasks and a very important role. During this period, it will be necessary for you to take care of the woman to allow her to rest and recover. However, you should also be involved in the baby's care because this will increase the bonding between the two of you. Among the things the father can do postpartum are:

• Taking care of day-to-day tasks: cooking, picking up the house... the help of family and/or friends is also very valuable.
• Collaborate in the baby's care: diaper changes, baths...
• Manage visits, so that they do not become overwhelming.
• Supporting women in breastfeeding.

What can men do during postpartum?

Especially the first few days after returning home from childbirth can be difficult. You have to adapt to a new routine, but with good communication and collaboration between the two of you, it will be easier to enjoy parenthood [frequently-asked questions]

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