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"Just
For Dads" - Helping Out
What you
need to know: While it's true that she's having the baby and
she's the one whose belly is growing, there's a lot for Dad to do
during this exciting and sometimes confusing time.
What you can
do: Be Involved. Go with your partner to her preconception and
prenatal visits. Ask questions.
Watch, Listen
Browse and Read: Watch videotapes, listen to audiotapes, check
out the Internet, or read books about pregnancy, childbirth and
being a parent. Listen to your baby's heartbeat: You can hear your
baby's heartbeat at the end of the first trimester. Watch your baby
develop when your partner has an ultrasound. You'll be able to see
the baby's head, arms, hands, legs and feet and you may be able to
find out the sex of the baby. This picture makes the baby seem very
real to you.
During the third
trimester doctor's visit ask your healthcare provider how you can
help during labor and delivery.
Go to a
Childbirth Education Class together. Waterbury Hospital holds
Childbirth education classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as
some Weekend Workshops. Please call 203-573-7219 for class
schedules.
Help Plan for
the baby: Talk to your partner about what you both want for the
baby. Decide where the baby will sleep and make that part of your
home colorful and welcoming for the baby. Plan to shop for baby
items. Review your finances together. Join an Infant Care class to
learn how to take care of your baby. Classes are offered on the 4th
Tuesday of the month. Please call 203-573-7219 to enroll.
Be
supportive: If you partner chooses to breast feed, support her
decision. Breast milk is the best food for your baby. It has
everything that your baby needs to grow and be healthy. Waterbury
Hospital strongly advocates Breastfeeding your baby. We have several
Lactation Counselors who are ready to assist you should you plan to
breast feed. Our lactation counselors are available after discharge
for questions and concerns. We want you to be successful in your
attempt to breast feed by offering a monthly Breastfeeding Class on
the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Please call 203-573-7219 for
details. For more details on "What Dad Can Do" regarding
breastfeeding:
http://www.marchofdimes.com
Help your
partner stay Healthy during Pregnancy: Help your partner
maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Help her eat lots of
different foods. Good choices are whole grain breads, cereals, rice
and pasta; skim or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt; low fat meat and
chicken and lots of fruits and vegetables. Encourage your partner to
eat healthy foods as this is important for your baby's development.
Set the example by watching what you eat, as well!
Quit smoking:
If you smoke, you are blowing second-hand smoke; this is not good
for your baby or your partner. It can hurt the baby when it is
inside the uterus and after birth. Also, pregnant women who smoke
are more likely to have babies born too small and too soon. If you
both smoke, even if one of you smokes, now is a great time to quit.
Get help from your doctor or The American Cancer Society.
Also help your
partner stay away from alcohol and street drugs. Drinking alcohol
during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Make fun non-alcoholic
drinks together. If your partner drinks a lot and cannot stop, get
help for her. Illegal drugs can hurt your baby. If you use illegal
drugs stop now for your baby's sake. Talk to your doctor about
prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products.
Your doctor will make sure that any prescription or over-the-counter
medicine is safe for your baby.
Make sure
your partner stays away from dangerous household products: Keep
paint, paint thinner, solvents and pesticides away from your
partner. Don't let her empty a cat's litter box. Refer to:
www.marchofdimes.com/Hazardous Substances and
Chemicals.
Exercise
during pregnancy is very important: Walking is easy and cheap and
can be done almost anywhere. Check with your partner's healthcare
provider for the safest kinds of exercise you can do together.
Continue to
have sex if you and your partner wish to do so: In most cases,
it is safe for a couple to have sex during pregnancy. Check with
your partner's healthcare provider. To avoid sexually transmitted
infections, have sex with only one partner who doesn't have any
other sexual partners and/or use a condom when having sex. Discuss
HIV testing for you and your partner with your healthcare provider.
Let your
partner get rest and lower her stress: Letting your partner rest
when she needs to relax is good for her and the baby. You can help
by cleaning up, shopping for groceries and making meals. Take a nap
or cuddle together. Talking together about your hopes and plans for
the baby can help lower stress.
Understand
the changes that are a normal part of pregnancy: Pregnancy
causes many changes in how a woman feels and in her body. You may
find that your partner is happy one minute and sad the next. These
fast changes in feelings are called mood swings and are common
during pregnancy. Your partner also may be tired a lot of the time.
That's because it's hard work to carry a new and growing life inside
your body.
Although this
time can be very exciting you may ask yourself questions; like, how
will having a baby change my life or how will we pay for all the
things our baby will need?
If you are
worried about not having enough money ask family members if you can
borrow a crib, changing table, toys, baby clothes. Or check
second-hand stores or thrift shops. They often sell baby furniture
at discounted prices. Be sure cribs are newer models (not previously
recalled) and furniture meets all government standards for safety
and all items borrowed are clean and in good working order.
Page
content courtesy of,
March of Dimes Foundation |
