The husband's role during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not merely supportive but a crucial factor in the health of both mother and baby. In today's era, women simultaneously participate in social activities to assert their status and contribute to the family's finances. Therefore, the 280 days of pregnancy and the first 24 months of the baby's life become a particularly important period requiring the companionship of the husband and father.
I. Why is the Husband's Role Important?
The "Golden" Era Requires Collaboration
The 280-day period from pregnancy to childbirth and the first 24 months of the baby's life is a crucial time for husband and wife to cherish the fruits of their marriage. This time is also a golden period for the baby's health, laying the foundation for developing into a healthy individual later in life.
Goal: Healthy Newborns
To prepare for the birth of a healthy baby, the husband needs to show care and love for his wife and child through concrete and practical actions.
The Role of a Husband and Father
Therefore, the role of a husband and father is to express his affection through practical actions throughout the journey from pregnancy to raising a child.
II. 6 Practical Things Husbands Need to Do
1. Remind and take your wife to her prenatal appointments as scheduled.
The importance of regular prenatal checkups:
- Monitoring maternal health and fetal development.
- Early detection of pregnancy complications
- Vaccinating against neonatal tetanus protects both mother and baby.
Benefits of having your husband accompany you:
- Give your wife peace of mind knowing she doesn't have to go to the doctor alone.
- Witnessing your baby's development firsthand through ultrasound.
- Gaining a better understanding of the health status of my wife and child.
2. Remind your wife to take her iron supplement or multivitamin.
The importance of iron and vitamin supplements:
- Preventing anemia in both mother and child.
- Reduce the risk of birth defects in babies.
- Ensuring the development of the fetal nervous system.
The role of the husband:
- Remind yourself to take your medication on time as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Monitor for side effects and report them to your doctor.
- Prepare iron-rich dishes to supplement your diet.
3. Discuss with your wife to choose a safe place to give birth.
Criteria for choosing a place of birth:
- A reputable medical facility with a team of experienced doctors.
- Fully equipped to handle emergency situations.
- A reasonable distance from home to get to the hospital in time.
Preparing for labor:
- Take your wife to a medical facility when she goes into labor.
- The maternity bag should be ready from week 36.
- Transportation has been arranged in advance.
4. Supporting Your Wife to Breastfeed Successfully
The period immediately after birth:
- Encourage breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.
- Support proper breastfeeding posture.
- Create a peaceful environment for mother and baby to bond.
At-home phase:
- Share household chores so your wife can focus on caring for and breastfeeding the baby.
- Be patient and supportive when your wife is facing difficulties (blocked milk ducts, low milk supply).
- Convince your family to support exclusive breastfeeding.
5. Providing Psychological and Physical Care for Your Wife
Physical care:
- Massage and rub to relieve pain for my wife.
- Prepare a nutritious and suitable meal.
- Make sure your wife gets enough rest.
Mental health care:
- Listen to and understand your wife's changing moods.
- Encourage with words of praise and love.
- Create a happy and positive family environment.
6. Absolutely no smoking, including e-cigarettes.
The golden rule:
- ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, INCLUDING E-CIGARETTES, in spaces where pregnant women and young children are present.
- No one is allowed to smoke inside the house.
- Avoid secondhand smoke when you're with your wife.
The harmful effects of smoking on pregnancy:
❌ Increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth
❌ Low birth weight
❌ Affects fetal lung development
❌ Reduces the quality and quantity of breast milk
❌ Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome
❌ Causes birth defects
Recommendation:
✅ Quit smoking completely from the time you're planning to have a child.
✅ Create a clean, smoke-free environment
✅ Remind family members not to smoke near pregnant wives and young children.
✅ Participate in smoking cessation programs if necessary.
III. Benefits of Having a Husband's Support
For Mothers
✅ Reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy
✅ Increase the success rate of breastfeeding.
✅ Faster postpartum recovery
✅ Feeling loved and appreciated
✅ Avoid the harmful effects of passive smoking.
For Fetuses/Newborns
✅ Better development in the womb
✅ Long-term breastfeeding
✅ Boosts immunity and overall health
✅ Good bond with both parents
✅ Not affected by cigarette smoke
For the Husband
✅ Gain a better understanding of pregnancy and childcare.
✅ Deep bond with your child from the moment they are in the womb.
✅ Be well-prepared for fatherhood
✅ Building a happy and lasting family
✅ Improve your health when you quit smoking.
IV. Specific Instructions for Each Stage
Pregnancy (0-9 Months)
| Month | Things to do | Special note |
| 1-3 | Take the first prenatal check-up, take folic acid supplements, and quit smoking. | Pay attention to morning sickness and mood swings. |
| 4-6 | Participate in the morphological ultrasound examination and prepare the necessary equipment. | Prenatal education: Talking to your baby |
| 7-9 | Prepare the birthing place, learn childcare skills. | Closely monitor labor. |
Postpartum (0-24 Months)
| Stage | Prioritize | Specific support |
| 0-1 month | Support breastfeeding, care for wife, NON-SMOKING | Changing diapers, rocking the baby to sleep, massaging the wife. |
| 1-6 months | Exclusive breastfeeding | Share household chores, offer encouragement. |
| 6-24 months | Solid foods + breastfeeding | Prepare food, monitor development. |
Conclude
The role of a husband and father is to express his affection through practical actions throughout the 280 days of pregnancy and the first 24 months of the baby's life. In particular, absolutely no smoking, including e-cigarettes, in the presence of pregnant women and young children is one of the most important things to prepare for the birth of a healthy newborn.
Dr. Healthcare Clinic is always ready to support young families, providing not only medical expertise but also advice on the roles and responsibilities of each family member. Contact us for detailed consultation and begin your parenting journey with confidence and happiness!
