Pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period are profoundly transformative times in a woman’s life. The journey to motherhood is a beautiful and challenging experience, and the role of fathers in this journey cannot be overstated. Their unwavering support can significantly impact the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both the mother and the newborn. For expat families (in Portugal), where support networks may be limited, the father’s role becomes even more pivotal.
The Importance of Fathers During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes immense changes, and the support of her partner can make a world of difference. Fathers can contribute by:
Emotional Support: Listening, empathizing, and being present can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany pregnancy.
Practical Assistance: taking over household chores, attending prenatal appointments, learning about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care can ease the mental burden on the expectant mother.
Health Encouragement: Encouraging and participating in healthy lifestyle choices, such as balanced diets and regular exercise, benefits both the mother and the baby.
Considering the support of a doula: Fathers should consider the support of a doula during pregnancy. Scientific studies and the Cochrane Library have shown that the presence of a doula during labor and birth significantly benefits the mother, reducing stress and improving outcomes. A doula is a key element for the life of newborn parents, offering invaluable support and guidance.
For expat families with limited local support, having a reliable and stable partner becomes even more critical. Establishing a supportive network of people aligned with your values for practical, emotional, physical, and professional support is foundational. If you need help finding a doula and/or building your supportive network of like-minded people/professions, do reach out, that's my jam. Alternatively, check my eBook for expat expecting couples in Portugal with curated info, checklists, list of professionals and mothers/aprents' groups.
The Role of Fathers During Labor and Birth
The labor and birth process is intense and requires immense strength and support. Fathers can play a pivotal role by:
Being a Birth Partner: Providing comfort through touch, words of encouragement, and being a steady presence can help the mother feel more secure and less anxious.
Advocating for the Mother: Communicating the mother’s wishes to the medical team, ensuring her birth plan is respected, and making informed decisions when necessary are crucial responsibilities.
Sharing the Experience: Being actively involved in the birthing process can strengthen the bond between the father and the newborn, creating lasting memories.
Supporting with a Doula: Labor and birth can last several hours, and the continuous support of a doula for emotional and physical comfort is scientifically proven to improve outcomes and contribute to a positive birth experience. This support is beneficial not only for the mother but also for the father, who undergoes an intense process alongside the mother. As Dr. Kennel (neonatologist) said "If a doula were a drug, would be unethical not to prescribe it".
Fathers in the Postpartum Period
The weeks and months following birth are critical for recovery and adjustment. Fathers can support in the following ways:
Assisting with Newborn Care: Taking an active role in feeding by either placing the baby confortably in brest or bottle feeding if that's the case, changing, and soothing the baby helps to share the workload and allows the mother time to rest and recover. Resting is essencial to mothers for recovery, great bonding, optimal milk production and steady mood.
Providing Emotional Support: Postpartum can be a vulnerable time for new mothers. Offering understanding, patience, and encouragement can help in managing baby blues or postpartum depression.
Creating a Nurturing Environment: Ensuring a peaceful, supportive, and positive home environment is essential for the well-being of the entire family. For instance, they can manage the visits—ensuring visitors are helpers who bring food, do the laundry, clean the house, play with older siblings, bring good humor, and offer a pair of helping hands—and handle unproductive comments from family or friends. Fathers can delegate tasks to the support network and manage communication with healthcare providers, such as booking appointments if necessary, to help ease the mother's burden. Postpartum is a love nest, protecting it usually is a good task for fathers/partners.
Expat fathers might face additional challenges due to a lack of a typical support network. Creating a structured support system that includes a close friend, a cleaning service, or professional help can be invaluable.
Building a Supportive Network
One of my favorite aspects of being a consultant for expat families in Portugal is connecting them with professionals and helping them build a solid and reliable supportive network. As midwife Rachelle Seliga teaches, just as babies need two layers of protection to thrive (parents), mothers need two layers of protection (partner and a doula or close friend). Fathers also need their layers of support, such as a good friend or professional services, to sustain their role effectively. It's beneficial for fathers to take a daily alone 30-minute walk outdoors/in nature, to recharge and return to their families as the best versions of themselves.
Introducing mMy New Ebook: "Pregnancy and Birth in Portugal - A Comprehensive Guide for Expats"
To further support expat families, I am excited to introduce my new ebook, "Pregnancy and Birth in Portugal - A Comprehensive Guide for Expats." This guide is designed for both mothers and fathers, providing crucial information and insights about navigating pregnancy and birth in Portugal. Fathers exploring the book can gain a better understanding of the possibilities and what to expect, making them better prepared for becoming parents abroad or far from home. The ebook covers everything from healthcare options to local resources, ensuring that expat families are well-informed and supported throughout their journey.
Conclusion
Fathers have a vital role in the journey to parenthood, providing essential support that benefits the mother, the baby, and the family as a whole. By being present, engaged, and supportive, fathers can make the experience of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum a more positive and fulfilling one for their partners.
Embracing this role not only strengthens the family bond but also sets the foundation for a nurturing and loving environment for the newborn, especially for expat families navigating these stages (in Portugal).
Comments