Becoming a Dad/Pāpā
Congratulations, you’re about to become a daddy! Pregnancy is special time for new fathers, learning about all it takes to support a pregnant partner and preparing to welcome a new baby into the home. It can seem a bit scary, and you might even feel overlooked or left out at times. Remember, your partner needs you, so here are some tips on how you can support her the best.
Be there for each other
Women go through a lot of changes when they are pregnant such as morning sickness, headaches, muscle pain, constipation, tiredness and loss or increase in sex drive. Listen to your partner and offer her support when she needs it. Remember that romance, affection and intimacy can take on many forms.
Towards the end of pregnancy you partner may feel tired, worried and anxious. You can help by:
- Sharing the housework;
- Doing the cooking and focusing on healthy food;
- Doing the heavy lifting such as groceries, washing and your other children;
- Generally, help out with your other children, for example doing the kōhanga reo/kindy/school run, doing bath time and bedtime routines.
Q. Can we still have sex when my partner’s hapū/pregnant?
A. For most women, yes, however sometimes your provider/LMC may advise you both not to have sex, for example if there is a risk of premature labour or there are problems with the placenta/whenua.
Share your experience
You could attend classes together where you will learn and out pregnancy and birth. You will also meet other Dads. Be with your partner when they visit their provider or LMC.
Get ready for the birth
Babies don’t always come on time so, a few weeks before the due date, here’s some things you could do:
- Keep the phone charged;
- Make sure you know how your’e both getting to the hospital;
- If you’re using your own car, keep it fueled;
- Make sure you know where the ‘go bag’ is, and it’s stocked for both of you;
- Have the car seat ready;
- Organise childcare for other children.
