How to involve dads and partners during pregnancy
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! If you’re a dad or partner during pregnancy you’re probably feeling a mixture of excitement, anticipation and joy. This is all normal for couples undergoing such a big change – soon you’ll become a three!
But dads and partners also report feeling like it's a waiting game, and it’s easy for them to feel unsure about how to connect with baby before birth.
The truth is the bond between parent and child doesn’t start at birth – it begins during pregnancy. So, if you’re struggling to find ways to connect, here are some top tips to begin your lifelong bond together.
Attend appointments and scans
One of the best ways to feel involved as a dad or non-carrying partner is by attending appointments and baby scans (if you’re allowed) or Facetiming with your partner. Seeing baby on screen, hearing their heartbeat and watching them move makes everything feel more real, especially if you’re not the one feeling baby move.
If they can’t attend scans in person you might want to consider booking a private scan, so you can enjoy a more intimate experience and book at a time that suits you.
Talk about your future as a family
It sounds simple, but it helps to involve partners if you’re both talking about baby. This takes the abstract idea of ‘a pregnancy’ to ‘our baby’ and helps you both to visualise your new life as a family.
Speak to each other about:
- What kind of parents you want to be
- What you’re excited about doing with baby
- What should you name the baby
This will help to strengthen your bond as a couple and bring baby into the equation.
Take a class together
There are lots of antenatal groups that you can join (in person or online) to help you feel more confident about becoming a parent. Many of these classes cover things like support during labour, baby care and emotional wellbeing to help you prepare for your new arrival and changes that are likely to occur.
Bonus: You’ll get to meet other parents to be in your area who you can connect with and share experiences during pregnancy and beyond (potential playdates for your little one)!
Encourage bonding with bump
Research has shown that babies can recognise their mother’s voice when they’re born and they begin to hear and learn these sounds around 4.5 months.
So, why not get dads and partners involved with bump bonding (even if It feels a bit awkward at first). Talk and sing to the baby bump. Feel baby kicking and moving around. Or even set aside some quiet time to sit together and focus on your baby. Little moments like this can help to build a real emotional connection with your little one before they arrive.
It's true that dads and partners may not carry the baby, but they absolutely carry the weight of support, love and excitement throughout pregnancy. If you’re a pregnant couple your journey is a shared one and there are many ways that you can both be involved during this time. It’s a time filled with change, but it can also be a time to lay the foundations for a strong and supportive family life together in the future.