My partner did these amazing things before our baby was born
Superheroes may have superpowers, but have you noticed that they only appear when things get serious? In a pregnant woman’s life that would equate to turning up just as labour starts. The real superheroes are around all the time: the partner who will give you a foot massage at the end of a long, pregnant day, who will be there when your pregnant hormones cut loose and you need a hug, and who will bravely take on the task of putting together the baby’s cot. Those small but loving actions have a big effect on a tired, emotional mama-to-be. We asked mums in the OHbaby! community to tell us what their partners did to help make their pregnant lives easier and more manageable.
They got educated
Pregnancy and birth are exciting but they really are just a mama and baby show. However, OHbaby! mamas really appreciated their partners going along to antenatal classes with them. Not only did their partners brush up on their knowledge of female anatomy and the birth process they learned helpful ways to support their partner during labour - which every woman appreciates (though she may not exactly say that at the time!)
They helped sort out the nursery
Most nesting mamas have a vision for the nursery, and are happy to take care of decorating and furnishing it. However, they were grateful when their partners stepped up to help out with the heavy jobs, or jobs not suited to a pregnant mama. Partners who stepped up to hang mobiles, repaint walls, put together furniture and clear out junk, scored many points, and it wasn’t just their physical efforts that were appreciated. “I fell in love all over again seeing my partner in a t shirt and jeans hanging the baby’s mobile,” one mama noted.
They took care of our home admin and insurance
When you’re in the first months of having a newborn, it’s reassuring to know your home and life admin has already been taken care of. Many pregnant mamas hugely appreciated their partners taking care of home admin tasks such as setting up bill payment APs, and researching the best utilities deals to ensure they were on the best plan for their family’s new one-income status. Likewise mamas appreciated their partners taking on insurance-related tasks, whether it was simply updating existing policies or researching new ones.
They took me out while we had the chance
Once you’re pregnant, you’ll never be alone again! Okay, that’s a bit extreme, but having a baby does place some limits on your ability to get out and socialise. OHbaby! mamas were glad when their partners took the time to plan some special occasions, giving them a chance to get glammed up and show off the baby bump, or to just spend special time together on a weekend getaway. Even though there are months of pregnancy, the window for you to do this may be small when you factor in morning sickness, work commitments and the discomforts that can come with the third trimester.
They totally understood when I got baby brain
When you’re pregnant, understandably your focus narrows to preparing for your baby. You also get what’s called baby brain, a scientifically proven condition (yes, really!) where you become distracted and forget things more easily. OHbaby! mamas were super-grateful when their partners acknowledged this and understood. One OHbaby mama said her husband got so used to her putting random items in the fridge that whenever she couldn’t find her keys or phone that was the first place he suggested she look!
