What Partners Can Do to Support a Pregnant Mama

My husband and I have known each other for over 20 years now, so parenting and being there for each other seemed very natural. He knew how to support me when I didn’t even know I needed or wanted support in that way. I wrote down some of the things he did as tips and tricks for supporting a pregnant mama.

Becoming a parent changes the dynamic of your relationship, and the postpartum journey can make a big difference in your significant other’s mental health. Being a unit working together and ensuring she feels supported as she heals is extremely important.

During pregnancy:

• Be patient.
• If she sounds crazy, you don’t need to point it out hormones are a beast.
• If she snaps at you, let it go (within reason).
• Make sure she is drinking plenty of water.
• Cook simple meals or warm up left overs.
• Clean all smelly items, toilet, trash, compost, animal poop, etc.
• Do the dishes.
• Pack your own hospital bag or at least put out what you want to take.
• Know the birth plan.
• Ask if she wants photos of the birth or after birth.
• Know the communication/social media birth plan.
• Do not push for visitors until she is ready. (You did not just have a baby come out of you. It is about her!).

During labor:

• Make sure you are ready to deliver on the birth plan.
• Help advocate for her and her wishes.
• Give words of encouragement.
• Have water and ice ALWAYS ready and offer it to her. ( I drank water between each push).

Post delivery: in hospital

• Make sure she has water and food/snacks.
• Diapers- they are all yours!!!
• Learn to burp the baby.
• Learn to feed the baby (if you are giving bottles).
• Ask her if she wants to shower (help, if needed).

Post delivery: at home

• Make sure she has water!!!
• Diapers… still yours.. not all but do as many as you can.
• If it’s a rough night offer to burp the baby so she can go back to sleep after feeding.
• If she is pumping. Know how to put away& log the breast milk so you can help.
• Take out the bathroom trash.
• Do the dishes, including but not limited to pump parts and bottles.
• Cook meals or reheat meals.
• Offer to hold the baby so your partner can eat in peace.
• LET HER SHOWER, say the words “I have the baby why don’t you take some time to shower or rest”.