Father's Role In Postnatal Care: Know All About The Crucial Role Dads Play After Childbirth
Father's Role In Postnatal Care: Know All About The Crucial Role Dads Play After Childbirth
A father's support in postnatal care is crucial. Their presence, patience, and participation can create a thriving environment where the baby is happy, the mother is healing and recovering, and the bond between the family is growing stronger.
Written By: Prerna Mittra | Published : June 26, 2025 6:04 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Nishant Bansal, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida
Father's Role In Postnatal Care: Know All About The Crucial Role Dads Play After Childbirth (Photo: Freepik)
Postnatal care is often associated with the health and well-being of mothers. But, postnatal care is not only about the mother's journey; a father's role is important, too, in nurturing newborns, supporting mothers, and building a stronger family bond. According to Dr Nishant Bansal, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, both mothers and fathers have a crucial part to play after the birth of their child. Read on to know all about it.
Postnatal care is a time of healing and emotional change for the mother, Dr Bansal says. Having an involved, supportive partner can, therefore, make the journey meaningful.
"Fathers who tend to actively participate in newborn care not only strengthen their bond with the baby but also give mothers the physical and emotional support they need to recover and rest. When fathers step into caregiving roles -- from holding the baby at night to managing small tasks -- they become pillars of comfort. Their involvement reduces pressure on mothers and contributes to a more stable and happy family environment. Remember, the involvement of both parents is equally important in the early years of the baby's life," the doctor says.
Dr Bansal says that the following things must be taken into consideration by new parents:
They must share the responsibility of nighttime feeding -- whether it is bottle-feeding or bringing the baby to the mother. This allows the mother to rest and recover. Father must participate and share the responsibility to help new mothers to relax and de-stress.
They must also support the mother's breastfeeding journey by being more aware. "Breastfeeding can be challenging for some mothers. As their partners, fathers can help by creating a calm, stress-free environment, ensuring the mother stays hydrated and well-fed. Emotional encouragement can boost the mother's confidence in her breastfeeding choices.
Fathers must also share household responsibilities.
They must attend pediatric visitations and learn about breastfeeding, which will help them to bond with the baby.
Fathers should accompany the mothers when they visit a lactation consultant, for instance. Understanding the correct breastfeeding techniques and positions can ease the woman's breastfeeding pressure.
Diaper changes are also a part of newborn care. According to the doctor, regularly changing diapers goes a long way in easing the mother's load. It shows shared responsibility and keeps fathers actively involved in daily baby care.
Fathers should take up the task of changing diapers daily without any hesitation. It is the right time for the fathers to learn to burp the baby, and put them to sleep.
Lullabies and soothing sounds for the baby are important, too. Rocking the baby to sleep or singing a lullaby can help fathers connect with their newborns on an emotional level.
Fathers should also practise skin-to-skin contact with the baby, just like mothers.
Being emotionally available, patient, and encouraging as a partner and co-parent can make the mother feel wanted.
Fathers must also know about and look for signs of postpartum depression, ensuring the mother seeks help if needed. Opt for counseling if need be.
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