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What will your partner be experiencing?

Emotional ups and downs

Your partner will be feeling a wide range of different emotions especially if this is her first baby, and the hormones coursing through her body may cause some mood swings, irritability and tears. Don’t take any moodiness that comes your way personally – it’s simply a side effect of having recently given birth.

The best way to handle things is to stay patient and loving, understanding that your partner is not quite ‘herself’ yet and is doing the best she can to cope with a new and sometimes scary experience. Be reassuring and loving, and avoid discussions that start to escalate towards arguments.

Look out for any extreme sadness or listlessness in your partner. These could be the early signs of postnatal depression, which can be a very debilitating experience. If you feel concerned about your partner’s wellbeing, seek advice from your GP.

The challenge of breastfeeding

The big challenge your partner is probably facing is breastfeeding. For many women and their babies it can be difficult to get the hang of it. Her breasts can become painfully engorged with milk and her nipples cracked and sore. So it’s important that you understand what’s going on and what she’s experiencing. Taking a breastfeeding class during the prenatal period will help you to prepare.