Pregnancy and the early days after birth are full of highs, lows, surprises and sometimes confusion. Your partner is doing a lot, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you want to be the best support for your partner during pregnancy and after birth, here are five practical things you can do (even if some days you feel like you’re winging it).

1. Talk to Your Partner 

Good communication is one of the most important ways you can support your partner. Talk about everything: plans for the birth, breast and bottle feeding, whether you will have visitors in the early days after the birth, and how you will manage night feeds or routines once the baby arrives.

Keep checking in with each other as things change. Communication is not only about listening to your partner, it is also about sharing your own thoughts, feelings and worries. Talk honestly about what you are excited about, what you are unsure of, and how you are coping too. Being open helps you both understand each other better and reminds your partner that you are in this together.

Good communication is key to making things go smoothly with a new baby!

2. Get Involved as Much as Possible, No Matter How Small.

Go to antenatal appointments, scans and classes together if you can, and take an interest in what is happening at each stage. Ask questions, read up on what to expect, and learn about labour, recovery and baby care so you feel confident and prepared.

When the baby arrives, stay hands-on. Hold the baby, change nappies, settle them to sleep and give your partner time to rest or shower. The small things make a huge difference. Being fully involved helps build your bond with the baby and shows your partner that you are both in this equally.

3. Protect Your Own Sanity

Supporting your partner doesn’t mean ignoring yourself. Eat well, grab sleep when you can, and find time to recharge. Talk to other dads or lean on family and friends, you’ll be a better support if you’re not running on empty.

4. Keep Talking

Once your baby arrives, life can feel like one long cycle of feeds, changes and broken sleep. Don’t let that stop you talking. Check in with each other, share how you’re coping, celebrate the small wins. Staying connected is one of the best ways dads can support their partner during pregnancy and after birth.

Supporting your partner isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about showing up, sharing the load, and staying connected. These five tips are a good start if you’re asking yourself how dads support their partner during pregnancy and after birth.

5. Find Your Community and Stay Connected

You do not have to figure everything out on your own. Becoming a dad can be exciting, overwhelming and sometimes isolating, but connecting with other fathers makes a huge difference. Talking to people who understand what you are going through can help you manage the challenges, celebrate the wins and feel more confident in your role.

All of this is covered in the Dadvengers Expectant Fathers Course. The course helps dads prepare for the journey ahead, build confidence, learn practical skills, and connect with other men who are going through the same experiences. You will leave feeling more ready to support your partner, care for your baby, and look after yourself too.

Learn more about the course by visiting Dadvengers.com or come and see us at Olympia.
 

For more help and advice, head to Dadvengers.com.