Family
 Pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood can be a time of enormous change for everyone in a family. Sometimes the well-being of the partner and other children in the family can be overlooked and attention is focussed more on the mother and newborn.
However, anxiety and depression is not at all unusual in expectant and new fathers as they learn how to cope with the challenge of a new arrival, potential changes in their partner, disrupted sleep routines and increased responsibilities at home.
The most effective method to help couples facing these changes is to keep the communication going and to provide enough time for one another. This can result in both partners feeling understood and emotionally connected at this important time. Women may need to make changes to physical routines involving lifting and carrying such as shopping or lifting other young children.
Fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbance and reduced interest in sex are all quite common for men and women at this time and require mutual understanding and consideration. Going together to appointments or to talk to a health professional can strengthen the relationship.
If you have any concerns about the changes your partner is going through during this period, it is important they make an appointment with a doctor so they can assist in obtaining appropriate help.
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