Being open with your partner, family or friends about how you’re feeling is important. You are probably both feeling overwhelmed and tired. Being there for each other and each allowing the other to have a break, even if it’s to have a bath or shower is important.
Try connecting with other dads or partners. You can support each other and realise that everyone struggles with a new baby.
If you have feelings that are making day-to-day life difficult and or disrupting your relationship with your baby and partner, or if intrusive memories of the birth are distressing and effecting you, reach out for support. You’re not alone or weak. There are support services that can help; we just need to know firstly that you are not feeling ok. You can find information for your mental health at MIND.
If you are struggling with memories or flashbacks around the birth, Make Birth Better have some useful information for partners around the support and interventions available.
Kent County Council offer a Strengthening Family Relationships course to provide practical guidance and tools to manage conflict, reduce stress, and create a healthier environment for your family. You’re not alone, every family has its ups and downs.
Your GP, or a member of your local Health Visiting Team or School Health Team can listen to how you are feeling and sign post you to more support.
Page last reviewed: 01/01/2025, next review due: 01/01/2028