Adapting to change

Becoming a dad will be a massive change to your life, all of a sudden you become responsible for another human being and the majority of your time will be taken up with changing nappies and making up bottles. This can be difficult to adjust to at first, but have a look below for some important tips to try and make it a smoother transition;

• ME TIME – It’s important to set some time aside to do the things you enjoy. This can be playing the PlayStation when the baby is taking a nap, or going for a run when you drop them off with grandparents.

• ACCEPT HELP - When you first become a parent It can be very easy to try and do everything yourself. This can very quickly catch up on you, leaving you isolated and exhausted. If you can, make the most of the help that family and friends offer you. Even if this is just to come round and babysit for a few hours so you can catch up on sleep, or making you and your partner pre-cooked meals that you can heat up when you get a moment free.

• BE OPEN AND HONEST – Make sure that you share how you feel! Let the people close to you know when you are struggling; share your frustrations with them. A baby will sense when your emotions are building up and this will only make things work. It’s important to communicate how you are feeling, no one is expecting you to have it all figured out.

Supporting your partner during labour

Being a dad in labour can be a strange experience. At times you almost feel useless as your partner is physically giving birth to your baby.

The main thing to remember is that your role in labour is vital even though you aren’t giving birth. Your partner needs someone to support them through labour. This is the role that you can take up, being supporting and assisting them in whatever they need.

Some tips to help during labour:

• Try to stay as calm as possible, enjoy the moment. This is a special time and is something not everyone gets the chance to experience.
• Be supportive to your partner. Try and keep them in a positive state of mind, reassuring them that they are doing really well.
• Be present. Whilst being with your partner its important to be involved, hold your partners hand, make sure they have access to water & assist them with anything they need.
• Encourage your partner whilst they are in labour, they can get deflated and feel that they aren’t doing enough, encourage them and reassure they are doing an amazing job.

Opportunities and support

LADS TO DADS PROGRAMME - START360

https://www.start360.org/how-can-we-help-you/lads-2-dads

DADS PROJECT - PARENTING NI

https://www.parentingni.org/parents/dads-project/