Becoming parents is never a walk in the park. For new moms, however, the physical and emotional changes they go through can be overpowering. Fortunately, your spouse has you to share the ups and downs of having a newborn with. Here are ways you can help as a dad.
Be aware of how pregnancy changes her body
With so many postpartum changes happening, it’s no secret that pregnancy and giving birth is difficult on a woman’s body. Many women experience conditions and complications after having a baby.
Unfortunately, some women resign to the signs and symptoms. They perceive that these are the usual consequences of giving birth. That’s why it helps to be aware of the changes your wife is going through.
A study revealed that postpartum, 60 percent of females experience uterine prolapse, incontinence, or generalized pelvic and girdle pain. If your partner is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, you need to get her the help she needs. Otherwise, she may not get better, and the condition can worsen in time.
Also, pregnancy can weaken stomach muscles. That can lead to chronic back pain. A tummy tuck can fix this by removing the excess fat. Once the extra layer of fat is removed, the abdomen can then be flattened to improve abdominal support.
By knowing what’s normal and abnormal, you can help your wife address health concerns following her pregnancy. In this turbulent time, you need to be more vigilant when it comes to changes that are unusual and potentially harmful. When you’re having doubts, always seek the advice of a doctor.
Help her get on the road back to fitness
Research proves that body image is strongly linked to mental health. Thus, it’s essential to examine how the physical changes in your partner’s body are affecting her body image. Your wife may be going through a rough time accepting the weight gain, stretch marks, and other things that look and feel different after having a baby. Help her boost her confidence by making her feel sexy, giving reassurances, and attentively listening to her.
If she has health and fitness goals that she wants to accomplish, encourage her. Let her know that it’s okay not to rush things and that you’ll be there every step of the way.
Exercise offers a lot of benefits for women who have just given birth. Among these advantages are:
- Boosted energy levels
- Reduced stress
- Improvement of sleep quality
- Loss of excess weight gained during the pregnancy
- Prevention and reduction of the severity of postpartum depression
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercises weekly, which can be divided into three 10-minute walks or a 30-minute workout daily. However, it’s important to note that your partner can also work on her fitness at a slower pace if the recommended time isn’t feasible.
Take charge and find ways to make daily life easier
Being a new mother can put a halt to your partner’s plans and everything else that she previously had going on in her life. Newborns are indeed bundles of joy, but they can also take all her physical and emotional energy. Breastfeeding, changing diapers, and putting the baby to sleep can be overwhelming.
As the father, you need to share responsibilities in a way that can create moments of reprieve from the stresses of having an infant. Take turns and offer to give her some time off. That can be in the form of a refreshing nap or a moms’ night out with her friends. It can be anything that can give her time to recover her lost energy, even just for a few minutes.
Another way you can show your support as a father is to ensure that your wife eats well. If you think she forgets to eat balanced meals, make it your daily task to stock up the fridge with healthy, nutritious snacks. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are good choices. Better yet, cook dishes that are rich in calcium, protein, and iron.
Embracing the Ups and Downs of Having a Newborn
Don’t be hesitant to step in. Your partner will value your support and presence, especially when things are most challenging in the first few months. Always listen, and never forget the power of saying, “I love you” often.
No one comes fully prepared for the upheaval a newborn can bring in a home. One of the most common misconceptions about parenting is that parents automatically know what to do. In reality, you and your wife are learning on the job. The only way to help your partner and become a better dad is to get involved in everything it takes to raise a child.
