E tūtaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi, kei runga, kei runga te Mangoroa e kōpae pū ana | The clouds in the sky close over, but above them spreads the milky way

PREGNANCY

Dads and birthing partners worry too

PREGNANCY

Dads and birthing partners worry too

  1. Can they cope with the responsibility of a baby?
  2. What will happen to their relationship?
  3. Will they still be able to play sports or carry on with their normal social activities once a baby arrives?
  4. Will their partner still have time for them or will they be too interested in the baby?

Especially with a first pregnancy, couples can become very preoccupied with all the physical changes that are occurring with the growing baby. As the pregnancy progresses, they can become focussed on the delivery, purchasing baby items and preparing the ‘baby’s room’. Where there are existing children, couples can worry about the effects a new baby will have on these children. Some start thinking about ways of preparing the children for the ‘new baby’.

Dads and Postnatal Depression Resource

PREGNANCY

References

  1. Management of Psychiatric Disorders in Pregnancy. Yonkers KA, & BB Little (Eds). Arnold Publishers, 2001.
  2. Rassool G, Villar-Luis M. Reproductive risks of alcohol and illicit drugs: An overview. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 2006; 17:211-213.
  3. Psychiatric Disorders and Pregnancy. V. O’Keane, M. March & G. Seneviratne (Eds). Taylor and Francis publishers. 2006.