Dads and partners, you need to get fit and healthy too

Now that you’ve uploaded a TikTok sharing the exciting news that you have a baby on the way, what’s next if you’re the supportive partner?

Here are some things you can do to get into good parent shape.

Stop smoking

If you’re still smoking — or vaping — do whatever you can to quit.

“We know that secondhand smoke can have effects on your pregnant partner, and you,” said Szilvia Nagy, MD, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and director of labor and delivery at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.

“And, while marijuana is legal, we know that there is some association with smaller gestational birth weights among babies exposed to marijuana and we don’t have a super clear understanding of how exposure to these fumes will affect babies in the long term.”

Take care of your own health

This is a great time to motivate each other to get a good night’s sleep, eat healthfully and take walks together.

“If you have high blood pressure, make sure you’re keeping it under control,” Nagy said. “Get vaccinated and this includes the flu shot, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).”

Sign up for childbirth classes

While fewer than 50 percent of first-time parents take a prenatal class, this is actually one of the smartest things you can do as you prepare to become parents, said Elizabeth Lampert, RN, nurse coordinator for parent education in the Center for Perinatal Education and Lactation at NYU Langone Health.

“Take classes that will enable you to be emotionally ready to support your partner for the labor and birth experience,” she said.

You’ll learn about the physiology of labor, what’s offered to keep your partner comfortable and de-escalate any concerns.

“When you take a class, confidence will increase and your fears will decrease,” she said. Additionally, “They help you and your partner begin thinking in terms of being in the center of your experience as decision-makers.”

Be supportive, and be there

It sounds obvious, but the more you can do to support your partner, the better.

“Go to prenatal visits with your partner,” Nagy said. “This is not only helpful because it keeps you in the loop, but these are also great opportunities to meet your partner’s provider. You can then serve a vital role in adding to that supportive relationship you’re trying to cultivate.”

Plan for the postpartum stage

As a support person, you may be experiencing some very real post-partum depression or anxiety, too.
“We focus a lot on the patient who gave birth and rightfully so, but it’s a huge life change, an adjustment and stressor to you as well,” Nagy said. “That’s why it’s important that both parents have support.

So set that up ahead of time. Make sure you know who will walk your dog, who will help with your older kids, so that you can help create the village you need during the exciting days after you bring the baby home.”