Tips for your mental health
Tip #1: Talk about your feelings
Tip #1: Talk about your feelings
Speak to your partner or talk to your friends and family about how you feel. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talking through your worries can help a great deal.
Tip #2: Be prepared
Tip #2: Be prepared
It’s a good idea to know what changes you might have to make to your birth plan due to the current situation. In addition to your birth partner, women in labour are now allowed an additional birth partner. However, if either birth partner has symptoms of coronavirus, they mustn’t come to the hospital with you, so it’s a good idea to have ‘back up’ birth partner on standby just in case.
Tip #3: Rest
Tip #3: Rest
Whilst you are preparing to give birth, it's important to get as much rest as you can. This might be easier said than done, but try to take advantage of breaks where possible, or let your partner help if they are at home with you.
Tip #4: Take it a day at a time
Tip #4: Take it a day at a time
Try and focus on the here and now. Each day is exciting enough when you’re preparing for life with a baby. Don’t worry too much about the future and things you can’t control. Maybe keep the news to a minimum, stick to trusted news sources and maybe just check them once a day. Social media can be a great way of finding positive stories and can be a way to access peer support.
Tips for dads-to-be
Tip #1: Spend time with your baby
Tip #1: Spend time with your baby
Even before your wee one’s born you can spend time talking and singing to the bump! Once they’re born, take every chance to stay close and cuddle them, talk to them and sing to them. They won’t understand what you’re saying, but the sound of your voice will be reassuring.
Tip #2: Talk to your partner
Tip #2: Talk to your partner
Even under normal circumstances, things like lack of sleep and downtime can be stressful and may create tension between you and your partner. Try to find the time to talk about the situation – it may not be easy if you’re both exhausted, but it’s worth it!
Tip #3: Reduce your stress levels
Tip #3: Reduce your stress levels
In order to look after your family, you need to look after yourself. Try to eat healthily and exercise when you can, and to make some time for the things you enjoy.
Tip #4: Don't be afraid to ask for help
Tip #4: Don't be afraid to ask for help
There are lots of people out there happy to help! Try talking to your friends and family, and be honest about how you’re feeling – it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious or down, particularly in the current situation, but it’s important to get help. Your Health Visitor or Family Nurse is also there to listen and help – they want the best for you, your partner and your baby.
There are also lots of organisations you can get in touch with – the Fathers’ Network Scotland Directory lists dad-friendly groups and organisations all around the country which provide support, advice or information on your new parenting role.
Tip #5: Don't forget to have fun
Tip #5: Don't forget to have fun
Yes, the arrival of a new baby can be exhausting and stressful, but it’s also wonderful. Don’t forget to enjoy this special time with your wee one. Enjoy lots of cuddles and skin-to-skin time. Take plenty of photos and share them with your friends and family. Relax in the quiet times and savour the peace. You’ve got this!