The journey into parenthood is often focused on the expectant mother and baby – but for many partners, it can be an emotional and sometimes overwhelming experience.
Research shows that when partners are actively involved in pregnancy and birth, mothers report lower levels of anxiety and depression, and families are more likely to experience positive outcomes such as earlier engagement with health services, higher breastfeeding rates and improved satisfaction with the birth experience.
To help increase engagement with partners, a new app called DadPad, developed with the NHS, gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and skills needed to gain confidence and give their baby the best start in life.
The app offers partners a way to feel informed and reassured at every step of the journey, providing practical advice on topics ranging from feeding and holding a baby safely to understanding maternal mental health and recognising when extra help is needed.
Aidan, who recently became a father to triplets, shared how valuable greater recognition for partners can be during pregnancy and birth.
“My partner received amazing care and was monitored so closely throughout the pregnancy, but I don’t think anyone ever asked me if I was okay,” Aidan explained. “Just a simple ‘How are you?’ would have made a difference. It doesn’t sound like much, but it matters.”
Aidan believes that supporting partners emotionally throughout pregnancy is vital, not just for their wellbeing but also for the bond they form with their children.
“If you’re not engaged in that process emotionally throughout, surely that could impact how connected you feel when the baby arrives. Am I included? Am I involved? What’s my role?” He said.
For Aidan, simply being acknowledged as part of the family unit would have helped. “It’s about recognition. Just being asked how you’re coping, or being signposted to something supportive, can make a world of difference.”
Aiden’s story reflects the increased benefits of partners being included and supported, particularly in high-pressure circumstances. Having triplets during the restrictions of COVID-19 meant Aiden was sometimes asked to leave the hospital at critical moments, even when his partner and babies were in intensive care.
“I wanted to be there. I wanted to support my partner. Being sent home felt like I was being excluded at the time we needed each other most,” he recalled.
DadPad is an essential guide for new dads, and partners, which aims to provide knowledge and practical skills during what can be an exciting but overwhelming time.
In particular, the app encourages dads to look out for signs or symptoms of mental illness during pregnancy, for both them and their partners during pregnancy and after the baby has arrived. Research has found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby and around 1 in 4 women experience mental health problems in pregnancy and during the 24 months after giving birth.
Studies also highlight that continuous support during labour, whether from a partner, family member or trusted companion, can shorten labour, reduce the likelihood of intervention, and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
DadPad can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play app stores.