Nine things dad can do in the postpartum, which mom and baby will appreciate

Postpartum is one of the most difficult and confusing stages of motherhood. It is that period after delivery in which we adapt to all the changes experienced after pregnancy and the arrival of the baby.

During the first days, mom and baby will need all the possible support to be able to start that new adventure together, and a key figure that is also part of that new path, is the father. Although in the postpartum it is the mother who is primarily responsible for the baby, especially if she breastfeeds, there are many ways in which he can also participate actively. I share you nine things dad can do in the postpartum, which mom and baby will appreciate.

Help the mother in her recovery

After the birth of a baby, the mother's physical condition is very vulnerable and sensitive. In addition to a new change of hormones that occurs by the arrival of the baby, there are possible physical sequelae such as the points of an episiotomy or a C-section, among many other changes.

Therefore, it is extremely important that the mother rest as much as possible and thus have an adequate recovery after childbirth. Probably the first days you need to rely on others to get up, go to the bathroom or even to carry the baby, so at this point Dad's role is to help her to make as little physical effort as possible.

In Babies and more, what happens to the body after giving birth? The physical state of the mother after childbirth

Manage visits

Postpartum visits usually fall into two categories: either we want them or avoid them. For some mothers, receiving visits is a nice thing because it helps to get out of that exhausting routine of the first weeks with the baby at home. But for others, it can be something that really generates stress or anxiety, because many prefer to maintain their privacy and rest as much as they can without being interrupted, but they don't know how to say "no".

This is when Dad enters as the manager or administrator of postpartum visits: from coordinating the days and hours in which they can arrive (especially so that they do not fall by surprise or without warning), to preventing them from sitting at home for a long time, kindly asking them to leave so that mom and baby can rest.

Of course, there are special cases in which Postpartum visits can be helpful, such as those that bring prepared food for new parents or those who spend an afternoon helping with household chores so that the family can rest and relax one day.

In Babies and more Five things you can do to help when you visit a recent mother

Prepare meals

Although responsibilities are shared in many homes, this is not always the case. Maybe at home the mother was the one in charge of preparing the food for the family, so now, Dad starts taking care of this responsibility It will be a great help for family dynamics.

Or take turns and some days take care of the baby while mom cooks, if she feels like it. During postpartum, delegating tasks like this, helps mom and baby rest as they need it.

Do housework

Continuing with the point of delegating, in addition to the food, there are many things that should be done at home and that, although perhaps between them they divided them, it's time for dad to be the main person in charge of making them.

Housework such as tidying up, cleaning, shopping or doing laundry, are some of the things that dad can handle at home while mom rests and adapts to life with the baby. In case you can't take care of everything, you can always ask for help from family or friends, or if possible, hire someone to help them make these tasks a less worry.

Go for a walk with the baby

If the weather is good and we don't have any medical indication to order us otherwise, it is possible to take the baby for a walk on the street from the first days of birth, taking certain precautions such as avoiding going to closed places with many people, noise or harmful environments.

So a great way in which dad can begin to foster a bond with his baby, is going out with him for a walk, which will also help so that Mom can rest, bathe calmly, sleep alone or if she wishes and has the power to do so, indulge a little.

Do not ask what to do, but propose and do

In most families, the mother is in charge of everything, mainly because of that mental burden that never ends and is always hovering in her head. During postpartum, in addition to the fatigue and exhaustion caused by those first days adapting to the baby and recovering after birth, it is best that she be as relaxed as possible and with the least amount of worries.

In Babies and more The role of the father in postpartum: knowing the baby, supporting the mother

Therefore, we recommend that parents take a more active role not only to do things, but to go one step further and have the initiative to propose without asking the mother what to do.

Be active and involved in the baby's needs

Dad can also actively participate in many of the needs of the new family member. Actually, you can participate with everything, except perhaps breastfeeding.

So be active and get involved with the baby with tasks such as changing diapers, taking it in arms, making skin with skin, helping to prepare what is necessary to bathe the baby, changing clothes and sleeping it, will not only help the mother rest a little more, but also, that father and Baby can begin to create a strong bond from the first days.

Accompany the mother emotionally

As I said at the beginning, the postpartum is a stage full of changes and above all, of many fears and insecurities. In it, the mother may feel lost or doubt her ability to do things well. Dad it will be a fundamental piece to accompany her emotionally, listening to your concerns and telling you that you are a good mother, reaffirming that you are doing things well and helping you find information that makes you feel calm.

In Babies and more The 15 best practical tips that nobody gave you about the days after delivery

It is important not only show understanding and emotional support, but also be aware of possible symptoms of postpartum depression, so that if this occurs, does not continue to worsen and can help.

Take photos

And finally, but not least: take pictures. Perhaps the postpartum is not the most comfortable or tender stage of motherhood, but the baby will never be as tiny as it is now. So it doesn't matter if the house is a disaster or if they have dark circles all over their face. Take lots of pictures, because time flies and sometimes until we see those old images, we realize everything we've experienced.

Of course, these are just some suggestions of what dad can do during postpartum to support mom and baby, but each family will choose and distribute the tasks and activities at home as they work best.

Photos | iStock, Pexels

Video: Labor and Delivery Tips for Dads - (March 2024).