Dads and partners
Dads and partners are as important as mums. Whether you live with your child or live apart, what you do really matters.
Supporting as a dad and partner during pregnancy and beyond
Dads and partners also need help, advice and support during pregnancy and beyond.
Supporting information
Bonding helps your baby feel loved, safe and secure. You can start bonding before your baby is born.
Talk to your baby
Babies can hear sounds in the womb from around 18 weeks.
Talking helps your baby learn your voice. You can talk about your day, plans you have together, or sing.
Touch your partner’s bump
Babies start to feel touch during pregnancy. From around 21 weeks, your baby may feel gentle rubbing on the bump.
This helps your baby get used to you and feel comforted.
Visit this page for simple ideas to help you bond with your baby during pregnancy. It shares easy activities, tips and videos to help you feel more connected and involved, even before your baby is born.
Pregnancy brings changes to your partner’s body and feelings. Your support really matters.
- Talk and share how you both feel
- Spend time together
- Make healthy choices together
- Help plan for the birth
Visit this page for more simple ways to support your pregnant partner and feel more involved throughout the pregnancy. It includes understanding how your partner may feel and practical ideas for helping during each stage.
Why is breast milk so important?
Breastmilk is made especially for your baby. Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed and comfort a baby and there are many practical and health benefits.
Supporting breastfeeding as a dad or partner
You are different to your breastfeeding partner. You have a different voice, smell and feel. You might think there is not much you can do while your baby is breastfeeding.
But there are lots of ways to be involved and build a special relationship with your baby.
How you can help
Limit visitors
- The early days are special for bonding as a family.
- Too many visitors can be tiring for mum and baby.
- Quiet time can help breastfeeding get off to a good start.
Support mum
- Many people give advice, even if it is not helpful.
- If there are problems, it is best to get help early from a trained professional.
Help with food and drinks
- Breastfeeding uses a lot of energy.
- Mum will need plenty of food and water.
- Help make sure she (and other children) are looked after.
Be there at night
- Night feeds are important for your baby.
- Just being there can help mum feel supported.
Get involved with your baby
- Bathing, playing, walks and cuddles all help you bond.
- Babies learn love from interaction, not just feeding.
Being there and responding to your baby is the most important thing.
A short video made especially for dads about coping when babies cry.
For more information, visit our babies and crying (ICON) page.
After having a baby, it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. You might experience a lack of sleep, changes to your relationships, money worries, or you could find yourself worrying about the responsibility of parenting.
Many dads experience low mood after a baby is born. It is common, and you are not alone.
Signs you might be finding things difficult:
- Feeling irritable or angry
- feeling guilty or hopeless
- finding it hard to concentrate
- thinking you are not a good enough parent or partner
Getting help early can make a big difference. Looking after your mental health helps you and your baby.
Getting help
Talk to your GP, midwife or 0 to 19 practitioner.
You can refer yourself to the perinatal support service at Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service. They give support to parents who are expecting a baby or have a baby under one year old. This includes dads, same‑sex partners and main carers.
Visit PANDAS for support with your mental health during pregnancy and after your baby is born. PANDAS offers dads a safe place to talk, understand the signs of low mood, and get help including support groups, WhatsApp support and resources for dads.
Andy’s Man Club is a free, confidential space where men aged 18+ can meet to talk, listen and get peer support with their mental health. It helps dads connect with others who understand what they’re going through, without needing to book or register.
See also local support and useful resources below.
Leeds Dads brings you together for events, groups and activities. It’s a welcoming community where dads can meet others, build confidence and enjoy time with their children.
Dad Matters helps dads build strong bonds with their babies and feel confident in their new role. They offer support around mental health, bonding, and being involved during pregnancy and after birth.
Barnardo’s Family Space: Advice for partners and dads-to-be Visit this page for simple, reassuring advice for dads‑to‑be, including how to get involved in pregnancy, bond with your baby before birth and find support if you’re finding things difficult.
DadPad gives dads‑to‑be and new dads clear, practical advice on caring for their baby and supporting their partner. It offers easy‑to‑read guidance on baby care, bonding, mental health, first aid and where to find local support.
Visit Men’s Advice Line if you are experiencing domestic abuse or feel unsure about what is happening at home. Men’s Advice Line offers confidential, non‑judgemental help, emotional support and practical advice for male victims, with information on safety, legal options and where to get further support.
Watch the top tips for dads by IHV
Relationships Matter offers advice and support to help you and your partner understand each other better. It explains how parental conflict can affect children and offers tools, tips and local help to improve communication and reduce stress in your family.
