Daddy Cool

What can millennial fathers do to help their partners get over baby blues? Find out…

- Dr Shabari Prabhudesai

The arrival of a newborn brings forth a plethora of emotions. It is the onset of a new journey that parents embark on, an emotional roller-coaster ride with responsibilities. The new mother needs to overcome many obstacles during and post pregnancy. It can become overwhelming to maintain a balance between home, family and work commitments.

What are baby blues?

The emotional floodgates that open because of changing hormones, childbirth and thought processes associated with a new mother are called baby blues. The signs to look out for baby blues are mothers getting teary, irritable, overly sensitive in interactions with others and mood swings. Mothers are at their most vulnerable post the birth of a child. Baby blues can turn into serious depression and psychosis and mothers need to get expert help if needed.

Fathers are the protectors

It is crucial to emphasise the role of fathers in both parenting and support to the wife. Fathers need to be involved in the parenting process from the word go. They should be able to anticipate their partner’s needs, and encourage their partners to do their best, especially while nursing, and be present always. A father needs to play the role of a gatekeeper which means politely advising family and friends when it is appropriate or not for them to visit, especially when she is feeling under the weather. His role is to protect the baby and the mother and no one else.