Becoming a parent is a big deal for you too – every parent matters, and this includes you! Whether you’re a first-time dad, a same sex partner, or supporting someone through pregnancy, your role is so important. Find the support on Beside You to help you through pregnancy into parenthood.
Many dads and partners can feel a lot of pressure to be a strong pillar of support for their pregnant partner; mentally, emotionally and physically. We understand that becoming a parent can feel like an emotional rollercoaster at times with lots of things to think about and work through.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s ok for you to be open and find ways of expressing your feelings. There’s lots of support and information to help you work through how you’re feeling in our pages below.
Don’t forget
Taking time for yourself is just as important as supporting your partner.
There are lots of things you can do to prepare together for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Every baby is unique and as parents you will learn all about them. Babies don’t come with a set of instructions so finding out practical skills and learning about babies will help give your baby the best start in life and help you look after yourself and your partner too.
Ready for parenthood is a campaign that supporting parents and carers at one of the most life-changing moments for you and your partner. Find out more about getting ready for parenthood below.
Get ready for parenthood
Here are some common questions that dads and partners may have when thinking about their new baby:
Antenatal sessions can be appointments or classes with pregnancy or health professionals that are part of your antenatal care, supporting the health and wellbeing of a mum and baby. They cover a range of things from preparing for birth, parenting advice, and much more. Some are free and some can be paid for.
Attending antenatal sessions during pregnancy can help to equip you with the knowledge and skills to support your partner through the different trimesters.
Learn about birth and how you can support each other, so these life changes don’t feel so overwhelming.
There are lots of free antenatal sessions available that run across Medway.
Find out more about these sessions over on our antenatal pages.
You can support your partner and baby by discussing openly your parenting and feeding choices together.
Being open and upfront about your thoughts and feelings gives you the chance to work closer as a team, bond with your baby together and respect each other along the way.
Breastfeeding is a normal way to feed a baby from a mother’s breast, either directly or through expressing milk and feeding from a bottle.
Breastmilk provides babies with all the nutrients they need to grow, develop and also reduces the risk of infections and other health conditions. It’s all they need for at least 6 months. Breastfeeding has lots of benefits for both the baby and for mum.
Did you know that mums are more likely to breastfeed if their partner is positive and supportive about it?
They are also much more likely to have a positive journey and manage any challenges along the way with a partner’s support.
It’s normal for babies to want their mums a lot of the time. It’s not personal and your baby will grow and bond with you as they grow. Knowing more about breastfeeding and supporting your partner can help everyone.
You could prepare by booking a free antenatal Hello Baby session, and learn all about preparing to feed, what’s involved as well as how you play a vital role in bonding with your baby.
Hear from Luke on how he supported his partner along their parenting and breastfeeding journey.
There is lots you can do to prepare for feeding your little one, and supporting your partner if she is breastfeeding. Here are some of the things you can do to prepare:
Read up about breastfeeding before your baby is born, or talk to your partner about it
This could be 8-12 times in 24 hours including during the night. Their tummies are tiny so need small amounts of milk often. They need milk for thirst, hunger, pain relief and comfort. Breastmilk is more than just food
Handle the household chores, nappy changes or running errands so your partner can focus on feeding and recovering
Help to create a comfortable space for your partner to feed your baby. Little touches like having pillows nearby to lean against so she can be comfortable
Breastfeeding is thirsty work! It’s physically demanding as a mum’s body works hard to feed your baby. Staying hydrated and eating regular nutritious meals helps with energy levels and to prevent dehydration
Breastfeeding can feel time-consuming and emotional – particularly in the first few months. Be there for your partner – listening and support is all she may need. You don’t have to fix things – you just need to be there
Take over the task of burping, bathing or carrying your little one where you can. This builds you bond with baby and gives your partner a break
If there are challenges with feeding, support your little one’s mum by suggesting reaching out for support from health professionals without judgement. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help so your support will mean the world
Sleep deprivation along with looking after a little one can be hard work. If your partner has days when she is really exhausted, you could suggest she takes short naps, support her at night with a breastfeed when you can with your baby, and help create a calming environment for a good sleep for all of you.
“Both times came with their challenges, however, with perseverance and the unwavering support of my partner, who is our biggest champion, we have been able to fulfil our dream of breastfeeding both of our children.
To experience creating this bond twice is an absolute privilege and one I will be forever grateful for. I am in awe of what our bodies can do and thankful that I have been able to give our children this start in life.”
~ Amy
If you and your partner are needing further support with breastfeeding your baby, you can both attend a free face-to-face peer support session.
Our friendly peer supporters are there to listen and offer information to help with breastfeeding.
Our sessions run across the week. Find out more about peer support.
Check out the links below for trusted local information:
A safe space for dads to talk, listen and share their experiences of fatherhood. Visit their website for details of local meet ups in Medway
NHS Kent and Medway provide information for dads and partners on being a birth partner, navigating pregnancy and parenthood together.
NHS Kent and Medway offer support and resources for LGBT parents navigating pregnancy and preparing for parenthood