Supporting new dads and partners during the COVID-19 pandemic
Becoming a new dad or parent is an exciting and, at times, worrying stage for many.
Current Covid-19 restrictions are likely to mean that you won't be able to be present at some of the important moments during your partner's pregnancy. Many dads and partners are recognising that this is impacting on their connection with their baby.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times throughout your partner's pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. After birth, many parents describe not feeling the overwhelming sense of joy they may have expected to feel, or feeling an immediate connection with their baby. This is perfectly normal so try not to worry.
Ways to bond with your unborn baby
- Talk to your baby. From 18 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will be able to hear you. It might feel strange at first but if you talk to baby regularly, they will begin to recognise your voice. Play the baby your favourite music, tell them about your favourite football club or read a book to them. At birth, your baby will recognise your voice.
- Feel for your baby's movement. Did you know that you will normally feel movements between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy?
- Download an app to help you understand your baby's development throughout the pregnancy.
- Talk about names for your baby.
- Prepare the room for your baby.
- If you have fears about becoming dad, talk about them to your partner and family. Parents-to-be often worry they won't be a good dad or able to afford having a baby.
- Ask if your partner can video record the screen at scans to share with you, if you aren't able to go in person.
Ways to bond with your baby after birth
- Where possible, have skin-to-skin contact as soon after the birth as you can. Remember, your baby will recognise your voice. They now will also get to know your smell and heartbeat, which will continue to soothe them in their early years.
- Where you can't have contact on the ward, video call regularly and ask your partner to share pictures and videos of your baby.
- Continue regular skin-to-skin contact, cuddles and talking to your baby once they return home.
- Bath or massage your baby frequently. Touch releases floods of the 'happy' hormone oxytocin.
- Be involved in feeding your baby, whether this is supporting your partner if they are breastfeeding or giving your baby a bottle.
Getting support
If you would like advice or support for bonding with your baby, please contact our Building Attachments and Bonds Support service. You can find out more about the service or self-refer online at www.gmmh.nhs.uk/building-attachments-and-bonds-support or call the service on 01942 885 870 (lines are staffed Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
