For dads and partners: Your partner's emotions
If you are concerned about your partner and her moods, read "How you may feel emotionally".
If you think your partner is showing signs of depression, talk about this with her. If her depression seems severe or you are worried about her general well-being, call her health care provider. Help her get the treatment and support she needs. If you think she needs immediate help, call 911.
You can help relieve some of your partner’s physical stress that may be adding to her emotional distress. Give her a three- to four-hour break. If you are unable to do this, arrange for a friend or family member to help or hire a postpartum doula.
- Take your baby as soon as a feeding is over and take care of your baby’s needs until the next feeding.
- Have your partner eat a nutritious meal that includes protein, whole grains, and fruits and/or vegetables. You can make this meal while your partner is nursing.
- Have your partner take a nap.
- If she can’t sleep, suggest she take a warm bath. She needs to give her body a chance to rest.
- If your baby needs to nurse, bring your baby to your partner for the nursing. She should remain resting as much as possible.
- Near the end of the day, if she hasn’t had a bath, suggest a shower to help her feel refreshed.
When your baby is more than 6 weeks old, your partner may prefer to spend time away from the baby. She may want time to exercise or personal time to do something for herself.
If breastfeeding is well established, you can feed your baby a bottle. If your baby is formula feeding, you can take care of any number of feedings.
Postpartum depression: Rachel's story
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