{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-post-js",
    "path": "/articles/managing-relationships-guide-for-dads/",
    "result": {"data":{"sanityArticle":{"title":"Managing relationships: guide for dads","_type":"article","datePublished":"6 February 2022","header":{"background":{"value":"#236D6D"},"headline":"Managing relationships: guide for dads","text":[{"_key":"bbd9a074e940","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e7ac3c0d382c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Here are some ways to stay connected and still find time to look after yourself too."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-5f5ae58e9ef6cd0fceb5beab711466ea7463645c-3840x2160-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Dad kissing baby"}},"content":[{"_key":"d04ab38d7c16","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"68c3b393b8b50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Becoming a new dad is a life-changing event. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"0121db318847","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"587a11e5ec7c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It can test the strength of your relationship with your partner. If this is your first baby, you’re shifting from being partners to becoming parents together. If you already have children, you’re adjusting to caring for another baby in a busy household. Add sleep deprivation to the mix, and even the strongest relationships can feel the strain."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"baa0962034cc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e06b4753becd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You might be noticing unexpected differences in how you each want to care for your baby. Or you might have different ideas about managing paid work and unpaid parenting and household duties. If you’ve never discussed these issues before, bringing them up now can sometimes cause conflict and tension."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"30cff8690225","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f3fab7de2710","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If other issues are in the mix, such as financial stress, problems at work, social or physical isolation, or extended family concerns, your relationship can be affected by all the extra layers of stress. Advance awareness of potential problems and being open to ways of managing your way through these can help keep your relationship in good shape."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","sidebarPosts":[{"title":"Getting help: support for expecting and new dads","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"getting-help-support-for-expecting-and-new-dads"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-ee7e369cd94083b8d5e0057b6369f4a27591435b-3001x3000-png"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Dad worried"},"text":[{"_key":"3f8751b7dac5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"23bb3e3abda20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA supports dads when they need it most - building a solid foundation of care for the whole family unit."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"Perinatal anxiety and depression in dads: Signs and symptoms ","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"perinatal-anxiety-and-depression-in-dads-signs-and-symptoms"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-2ee08ab0efa350a000d81523c9bf5685fcc73bfb-2500x2000-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"dad kissing baby"},"text":[{"_key":"495e56cd78ac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"46271acaf7340","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dads can experience anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy and after their baby is born too. Help’s available if you’re having a hard time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"modules":[{"_key":"5360bce2a0f3","_type":"faqBlock","include":null,"title":"Relationship tips for new dads ","noNumbers":true,"text":null,"questions":[{"question":[{"_key":"84af7a7da502","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"876f9f252cdf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Talk to each other"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"e01e89c94683","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f54ae2cd8c7a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Changes in your partner’s mood and behaviour can come as a surprise or shock. You may be feeling confused, sad, stressed, or worried about your partner’s mental health and emotional wellbeing - or your own."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dcf883259475","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"27e90c4c79bf","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Keep communicating with your partner. Listen to what their support needs are and have a think about your own support needs as well. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"094e6cc9a8d7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1150de2e9c82","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The best thing you can provide for each other is emotional support. Caring for your partner means encouraging them to let you know what they need in terms of support from you. What you’re thinking might be helpful may be different to what they have in mind."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"ba0c8cf5d15f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"60aa8884a6090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parenting"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"d1e343d11dd3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"243ae2ccbad70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Take an active role in caring for your baby, including practical caregiving and "},{"_key":"6743a22d6729","_type":"span","marks":["eef0feeb97a8"],"text":"bonding time"},{"_key":"80a6c6f3c4c3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Discuss what this division of parenting care and time looks like for each of you individually, and as a couple."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"eef0feeb97a8","_type":"link","document":{"_id":"e6e6a893-d5d8-4628-851b-989152d74fef","_type":"article","_rev":"3aaVYl9ytaPbOXDl48wFNI","_createdAt":"2023-06-05T07:16:10Z","_updatedAt":"2024-07-30T05:53:52Z","categories":[{"_key":"b872a31ba9f9","_ref":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"1d3d796747bc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3ac1ae4603d7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Becoming a parent is full of new and unexpected experiences. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a3bba17caaaa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b4f77ad368db","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You may have some challenging parenting moments, but being a dad can also be a lot of fun as you and your baby get to know each other."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5cea9b756b62","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f053aef2c06","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Recent research into dad and baby bonding reported that babies may be more likely to develop strong, secure attachment to their dads when they’ve had a lot of one-on-one time together since birth."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2023-06-05","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"teal100","value":"#236D6D"},"headline":"How dads can build a strong bond with their baby","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","alt":"Dad kissing laughing baby","asset":{"_ref":"image-e24464f8cbc9438282dd5165237eb270f140b017-800x800-png","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"43a178fb5e3d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"316694eb69c9","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" Practical tips for dad and baby bonding time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"4aa0ca5cea18","_type":"freeText","eyebrow":"Bonding with your baby","text":[{"_key":"0b13a6e24da3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37103b58712b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Working on a stronger bond with your baby"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"6d6c9a056aa8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"581ee80cc29b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You may be wondering about how to bond with your baby and worry about getting it right. If you feel like you don’t know where to start, it’s good to remember that being with your baby, simply spending time together is all your baby needs to feel safe and loved."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9aa4686728c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"18b244f016c90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"To get you started, we’ve assembled a few practical tips for dad and baby bonding time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"44a03653b1dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"44de2ca93ed60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Activities that help you connect with your baby during pregnancy and in the first year after birth can help you stress less and develop confidence in your parenting skills early on."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"2341faa9912df1b52e22895520b9afb7","_type":"quote","attribution":"Chris","quote":"You’ve got to make time to spend with your baby. All you need to do is be present, and then unexpected magical things can happen."},{"_key":"5051f36be6a9","_type":"freeText","eyebrow":"Bonding during pregnancy"},{"_key":"f5ae195da055","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"29a1252f3f75","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"9b901e5a06cd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8d113b026524","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"From around 18 weeks of pregnancy, babies can hear sounds like their parent’s heartbeat. At around 26 weeks babies may start to respond in the womb to external sounds like your voice, sounds and music."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c999257bebce","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a1f90e8ee0e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You can chat to your baby throughout pregnancy. You might like to sing to your bub, tell them how your day was, or try out a few dad jokes."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"377eab1b6426","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"06aa519126dd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You could also share your thoughts about becoming their dad, and everything you’re looking forward to doing with your baby in future together. Many callers to PANDA notice that their newborns recognise Dad’s voice as comforting and familiar, and will turn their head to find him in the room."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"0d4da50ff1e1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a86c0f491009","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Talk"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"f0065c025780","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b411f2362f4c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2616d69d8263","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Touching or massaging your partner’s belly is a great way to spend time connecting with them and with your baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"72ea5acb1fec","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"23524e081d3e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Touch is the first sense your baby develops in the womb, around 8 weeks into pregnancy. Twins start to touch and interact with each other in the second trimester. Your baby will be able to feel and respond to your touch around the third trimester of pregnancy."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8945eee33c65","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a6fbb8906c73","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you give your partner a gentle belly rub, you might feel a little kick or movement from your baby in response to your hands. Mums who call PANDA share that some of their favourite pregnancy moments are when they and their partner are cuddling, chatting and connecting with their bub via a belly massage."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"b387015de077","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9988feb983fd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Touch"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"98161d271bcc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"96b7aa128d34","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d5b0b7f9df8a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"93aa84084e85","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"title":"Dad and baby bonding during pregnancy"},{"_key":"ff95184b8253","_type":"freeText","eyebrow":"Bonding with your newborn","text":[{"_key":"3c86da39d65e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"68c9ee17bcae0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Bonding with your newborn"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"551662a3aca8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"519bc2a2c53a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s good if you can get involved in the daily care of your baby from day one. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"817cabeba122","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7e3a4c51eb40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"All these infant care activities can increase your skills and confidence as a new Dad. They also provide lots of opportunities for you to build your relationship with your baby: "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c3fcdc5e6449","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5c22b40f409e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"bathing"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"327a09c97d04","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3055f3122980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"dressing"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0fcd767395a8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"53bdfdf3e86c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"massage"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ecf6b25f1453","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"26062046d7e4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"nappy changes"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fef1e45061ff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2a1961663835","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"umbilical care"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c7403758fdb3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"da00cfb57453","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"settling to sleep"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d417b90058ff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a4255e7b14da","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parenting skills take practice, so getting in and having a go is the most important thing. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ac3986181a3e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"738681bc24c7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The Raising Children Network website has lots of simple, easy to follow instructions on practical daily care activities from "},{"_key":"716158ff0635","_type":"span","marks":["79963bef2d0d"],"text":"holding your baby"},{"_key":"afe089041699","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" to "},{"_key":"40e30c3fbdf7","_type":"span","marks":["6f12199e6afd"],"text":"changing a nappy"},{"_key":"82b047e63c00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"bd618da078a7","_type":"span","marks":["964fb6aaecc6"],"text":"bathing a newborn"},{"_key":"24c5d1bbd3ec","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". "}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"79963bef2d0d","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/holding-newborns/how-to-hold-baby-dads"},{"_key":"6f12199e6afd","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/poos-wees-nappies/changing-a-nappy"},{"_key":"964fb6aaecc6","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/hygiene-keeping-clean/bathing-a-newborn"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a696a15744b3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1c511b02a265","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s great if your partner can take a break from parenting each day and go out, because you’ll both need some time out to recharge and relax. Regularly tag-teaming parenting duties also gives you plenty of opportunities to have some special dad and baby one-on-one time together."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3952febf5a33","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"ea36d9f84779","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"47615d84f8d7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0f259a329d1f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Singing a song, reading to your baby, or a relaxing massage can all help to create a soothing nightly sleep ritual."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7d79d11a7a22","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7c51f0d428780","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Babies feel secure when they have regular routines with familiar people. Don’t stress too much if things don’t always go to plan though. As a new dad you may need to do lots of adjusting and adapting to the unexpected. If your baby is unsettled at times, you can always chat to healthcare professionals who provide parenting information and advice."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"45b1c57c511a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"976d8bacb54e0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Supports for you and your baby include:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"526abf72d2ca","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d4a1ecfc80020","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your GP"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9aaa146a73b6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6d2338f476590","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your family’s child health nurse"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e37263f0f437","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c14742edf10e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone-based services like Pregnancy Birth and Baby, or the Parent Helpline in your area (there’s a list of numbers at the bottom of this page)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"d4587dc3fbee","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2b16aae866fa","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Bonding through your bubs sleep routine"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"f4c503f9e1cb","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"9eaec8258c16","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6eca21f5ab8a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Copying your baby’s expressions and maintaining strong eye contact is an easy way to strengthen the bond and attachment between you and your baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f72f1d87b0e9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8375b452c6af0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When you respond to your baby’s body language and cues by showing them affection, your baby’s brain releases more oxytocin. This hormone has a positive effect on:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"47bd4715b206","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a2d300e650d60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"baby’s mood"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"92a159ee9c8d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fb8c76205fa30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"baby’s brain development"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"67de59f9bf33","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"143b9bad1e050","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"bonding and attachment for both parents and baby"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ea07ede248b6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7940d72e96840","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A recent review looked at the influence of feel-good hormone oxytocin on parent-infant relationships. Dads’ and baby’s oxytocin levels increased during ‘stimulatory’ parenting – high energy activities like:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7475177cacca","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"516f095d86ea0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"blowing raspberries on baby’s belly"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"501fd1b5d9ff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c8bf4df86d2f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"gently jiggling or dancing with your baby"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"939cfd3ee563","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"936460f92e410","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"exploring together - tummy time or a splashy bath"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d44e3aceac26","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"22b37030139f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"getting active and going on nature walks using a carrier or pram"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f27b643cc3ba","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f50cfea5630a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"babies and dads getting each other laughing (cue those dad jokes you were perfecting during pregnancy)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f0479af4b506","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8fb08505d27a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Oxytocin levels also significantly increased for dads, mums and babies during skin-to-skin contact and cuddle time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dd32fbf92dcd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8aaf386d48670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Whatever you decide to try out, we hope you enjoy every opportunity to spend time bonding with your baby. If you’d like to explore more ideas for bonding, you’re also welcome to call the PANDA Helpline for information and support."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"25f5a21e8ae0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2cd052c811ae","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Bonding through affection and attention"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}]},{"_key":"72978ae339eeb3c770df803c0b998196","_type":"quote","attribution":"Chris","quote":"I was lucky enough to get the first laugh – I’d never felt like that, can’t even explain how good that feels as a dad."},{"_key":"3b83150a1d25","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"218da8b22003","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"348634e576da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2cb8716e0fbe","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What kind of bug can tell time? A clock-roach."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"957577bc53b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fd2b709e679f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What's a pirate's favorite letter? It’s the “c”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"922406431a09","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5660383fd3c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Have you heard the joke about the sausage dog? I can’t say it, it’s too long."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3498b9375ba4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"95d402188f31","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What do you call a man wearing a rug on his head? Matt."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0b3aa18875c6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"726c52f5496f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b6dae47fcb32","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"476928ba4221","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bb27d335bc0d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"131b082f67ac","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What’s brown and sticky? A stick."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"932a3bf58f95","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"eb7c7866ce4b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What has five toes but isn't your foot? My foot."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4f189edbb744","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7b635e003768","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Why was the broom late? It over swept!"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cc08aff083fd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"79c1022829e9","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What do you call a dog that can do magic? A Labracadabrador."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d2ceb7dd833d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"20d267140594","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What did the police officer say to the belly button? You're under a vest."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"29bc98012e17","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e1ac762d6072","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How do celebrities stay cool? They have lots of fans."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"909cc2ca3728","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d98cd7caeb6e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Why don't crabs give to charity? Because they're shell-fish."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f1e4b3699599","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c67460e98c98","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What do you call a man with a rubber toe? Roberto."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b5fd770e9ba","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"11e3679d0e8c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What happens when frogs park illegally? They get toad."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1b46fadd8eeb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7763ecd71ff9","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What did the grape do when he got stepped on? He let out a little whine."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8be4776e8527","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"54fbc04a94a3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work? A can’t opener!"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9daa68cf24ac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6688f56f5eb7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A duck walks into a pharmacy and says, ‘Give me some lip balm – and put it on my bill’."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"f6050a21e753","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2cbf1ff05958","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Jokes to make your bub laugh"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"cd1c68c1d83a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"be4ce106f8670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Now you’re officially a dad, it’s time to have a few ‘dad jokes’ up your sleeves. As old as time, these jokes are about being playful, silly and being yourself. We may groan, and roll our eyes, but deep down we all love a dad joke."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fd2616bf6a52","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"10cd3232c4fc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Did you know that your baby loves dad jokes? They love to hear your voice and also hear you laugh. That includes while they are still growing in the womb. You can also test these jokes out on your partner and see if you can make them giggle or lighten the mood if they’ve had a bad day."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"title":"Some dad jokes to get you started"},{"_key":"afe218e39008","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"9bbc0a1a73da","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"0e7ff2cb2f9d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c39de36075890","_type":"span","marks":["aa866e3b9a82"],"text":"13 YARN"},{"_key":"c39de36075891","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support)\n"},{"_key":"c39de36075892","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"139 276"},{"_key":"c39de36075893","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"aa866e3b9a82","_type":"link","href":"https://www.13yarn.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.13yarn.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bbf9ebb2e060","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0f71094747370","_type":"span","marks":["6fe3cf8be7d7"],"text":"1800 RESPECT"},{"_key":"0f71094747371","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (National Sexual Assault Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service)\n"},{"_key":"0f71094747372","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 737 732"},{"_key":"0f71094747373","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6fe3cf8be7d7","_type":"link","href":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"618756747ea6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3c980d778c120","_type":"span","marks":["cff35118346d"],"text":"Australian Breastfeeding Association – Breastfeeding helpline"},{"_key":"3c980d778c121","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"3c980d778c122","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 MUM 2 MUM"},{"_key":"3c980d778c123","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (or 1800 686 268), 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"cff35118346d","_type":"link","href":"https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/breastfeeding-helpline","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/breastfeeding-helpline"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2bc2a081edc7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4849077a6b940","_type":"span","marks":["73f7bd03ba41"],"text":"Beyond Blue Support Service"},{"_key":"4849077a6b941","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"4849077a6b942","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1300 224 636"},{"_key":"4849077a6b943","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"73f7bd03ba41","_type":"link","href":"http://www.beyondblue.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.beyondblue.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0869a71eadbc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"400bcfed17260","_type":"span","marks":["aa24256a48a7"],"text":"Carer Gateway"},{"_key":"400bcfed17261","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"400bcfed17262","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 422 737"},{"_key":"400bcfed17263","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"aa24256a48a7","_type":"link","href":"https://www.carergateway.gov.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.carergateway.gov.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d77728fcd918","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1690c208b1bf0","_type":"span","marks":["049a9f2a11c0"],"text":"Family Relationship Advice Line"},{"_key":"1690c208b1bf1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"1690c208b1bf2","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 050 321"},{"_key":"1690c208b1bf3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm; Saturday (except national public holidays), 10 am-4 pm"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"049a9f2a11c0","_type":"link","href":"https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e41fc7d0687e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"682fe544fbad0","_type":"span","marks":["6453a29f2a6b"],"text":"Healthdirect"},{"_key":"682fe544fbad1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"682fe544fbad2","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 022 222"},{"_key":"682fe544fbad3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6453a29f2a6b","_type":"link","href":"http://www.healthdirect.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5cb60826fe01","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d6b0a1f51dcf0","_type":"span","marks":["ec2cb8e4df60"],"text":"Lifeline"},{"_key":"d6b0a1f51dcf1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"d6b0a1f51dcf2","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"131 114"},{"_key":"d6b0a1f51dcf3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ec2cb8e4df60","_type":"link","href":"https://www.lifeline.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.lifeline.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7a1e75e44f86","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"df8de7b3ef330","_type":"span","marks":["1be918f14a45"],"text":"MensLine Australia"},{"_key":"df8de7b3ef331","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (support and referral to specialist men’s services)\n"},{"_key":"df8de7b3ef332","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1300 789 978"},{"_key":"df8de7b3ef333","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 24 hours"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"1be918f14a45","_type":"link","href":"https://www.mensline.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://mensline.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6104481ebb5f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e66198c000b6","_type":"span","marks":["cc2a0de86f64"],"text":"Pregnancy, Birth and Baby"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"cc2a0de86f64","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"22acb0703d57","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"88805ad606dd","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 882 436,"},{"_key":"d59112dba146","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" 7 days, 7am-midnight (AEST/AEDT)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"96ac7a4614d7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"904cff52bf940","_type":"span","marks":["3fe4f5d3fc9b"],"text":"SANE Australia Mental Health Helpline"},{"_key":"904cff52bf941","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"904cff52bf942","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 187 263"},{"_key":"904cff52bf943","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", Monday-Friday, 10 am-8 pm (AEST/AEDT)"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3fe4f5d3fc9b","_type":"link","href":"http://www.sane.org/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.sane.org/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"763e776b326b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a88a378524630","_type":"span","marks":["50d40b844d07"],"text":"QLife"},{"_key":"a88a378524631","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"a88a378524632","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"1800 184 527"},{"_key":"a88a378524633","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", 7 days, 3 pm (AEST/AEDT)-midnight (AWST)"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"50d40b844d07","_type":"link","href":"https://qlife.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://qlife.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"a54484014b39","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4c558e807088","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Australia-wide Helplines"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"f9a759fe2b11","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b78632f0dbd8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"13fcf6ec1a330","_type":"span","marks":["961334f2e1bf"],"text":"ACT Parentline"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"961334f2e1bf","_type":"link","href":"http://parentlineact.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"http://parentlineact.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7c23fbac171f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"61447a8c3dd10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 808 178"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1f27e79c825a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6e5385e2a9120","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"54962cad5f47","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bd56ff9f71a00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Australian Capital Territory"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"63e24312fd94","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b42b49f11e0e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"867c6ec3cffc0","_type":"span","marks":["0b428faf4ef5"],"text":"NSW Parentline"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0b428faf4ef5","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parentline.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.parentline.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d8840db9252e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"366684a791eb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 130 052"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f36055360152","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"76e227c6ed3e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday; 4pm – 9pm Saturday and Sunday."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0cff75c55a10","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"40d71041506e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"69da5e919ef7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"709ecfab819c0","_type":"span","marks":["0e091c986007"],"text":"NSW Tresillian Parenting Line"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0e091c986007","_type":"link","href":"https://www.tresillian.org.au/services/parents-help-line/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.tresillian.org.au/services-locations/services/parents-help-line/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f9666cefcf64","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"48f4c46a88b20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 272 736"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"77bf13a039a8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f137666d5af20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 7am - 11pm, 7 days a week."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"7572906d06ea","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4aa0e9508ae80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"New South Wales"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"a9bd0853e788","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"afb98e7bd24e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"da166bb3ce220","_type":"span","marks":["66ade42bfad8"],"text":"Parentline"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"66ade42bfad8","_type":"link","href":"https://parentline.com.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://parentline.com.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3c2109931980","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0180925cb1df0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 301 300"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cc02f85a4e00","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a76fd19de15b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"a8be86974f12","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3036ba1992840","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Northern Territory"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3832e5d4ddf3","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"ab0be68eca34","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe41e505db670","_type":"span","marks":["0e36db08896f"],"text":"Parentline"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0e36db08896f","_type":"link","href":"https://parentline.com.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://parentline.com.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"df03809b5d89","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4ac3b402f18d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 301 300"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4e8c56b7dc6d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f48dc00ebeb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"9253a039ff60","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"907625f21be7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Queensland"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"86c61eb64a6f","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"0058cc70a137","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9c628222accf0","_type":"span","marks":["7cfb84f6bd27"],"text":"CaFHS Parent Helpline"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"7cfb84f6bd27","_type":"link","href":"https://www.cafhs.sa.gov.au/services/parent-helpline","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.cafhs.sa.gov.au/services/parent-helpline"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"041567079baa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"94fcdffc55100","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 364 100"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ae93e27aae9e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8a4bb376e8600","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 24/7. Calls received between 7.15am - 9.15pm will be answered by local Parent Helpline staff; calls received outside these hours will be automatically redirected to the National healthdirect Helpline."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2a07ef70209a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"da057dcf467a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"South Australia"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"892bb393cab6","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"040ca9970219","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5ab89305a8d60","_type":"span","marks":["071f3f5dc4fd"],"text":"Parent Line"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"071f3f5dc4fd","_type":"link","href":"https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/childrens-health/child-health-and-parenting-service-chaps/parent-line","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/child-and-youth-health/child-health-and-parenting-service-chaps/parent-line"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"608c4b3d2035","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9a668463ea090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 1300 808 178"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6ceebaffe04c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2cbba067dd7a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 24/7"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"f725ea0c89fa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b99e3ce9419e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Tasmania"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3b8940111a05","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b75dc1a6ceee","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"787b3a678c610","_type":"span","marks":["f130b14f9234"],"text":"Maternal and Child Health Line"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"f130b14f9234","_type":"link","href":"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/maternal-and-child-health-line-service","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/maternal-and-child-health-line"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"763cab599321","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9a71563b82f60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 13 22 29"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"11343aa4ee5b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e6cc80353f240","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 24/7"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f851c817f5b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8eeaf60e145f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7942674ef9e7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"25aa6901cd110","_type":"span","marks":["0d9ec5b34aea"],"text":"Parentline Victoria"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0d9ec5b34aea","_type":"link","href":"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/maternal-and-child-health-line"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"79638be2c6f9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7b995161240a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 13 22 89"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"468ecbe7481e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"55cbe6b2001d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 8am – midnight, 7 days a week."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"f3c96f353d51","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7c3fe0dc41e90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Victoria"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"ed471b1b62a0","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"d49ff637b050","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f9ea361e737f0","_type":"span","marks":["66370db261f1"],"text":"Ngala Parenting Line"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"66370db261f1","_type":"link","href":"https://www.ngala.com.au/service/ngala-parenting-line-2/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.ngala.com.au/parenting-line/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b622782dba3b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ab5da084062e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Phone: 08 9368 9368"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"612fb53b2903","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"651bb863e9a50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Available: 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2de3f5dcb919","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e11cb36c0b070","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Western Australia"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"Parent Helplines"},{"_key":"6e054b67120b","_type":"articleCollection","background":{"title":"brightTeal40","value":"#C3EDEA"},"eyebrow":"Articles","population":"select","posts":[{"_key":"e3c7eb31a8cb","_ref":"31948d3c-3367-4795-addc-ff29d183689e","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"3555f5294a60","_ref":"f4abbdeb-6b67-4954-9429-67485600a65e","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"9ff7280cf18d","_ref":"9bd8e1d8-20fc-4126-8892-d68606259ac0","_type":"reference"}]},{"_key":"90e78a233d10","_type":"checklist","field":"content"},{"_key":"f4a21ad0701e","_type":"helpLine","field":"content"}],"relatedArticles":[],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":" Practical tips for dad and baby bonding time.","socialImage":{"_type":"image","asset":{"_ref":"image-e73903ea40c15d9a2d3e23a212d35f97b1bd192a-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}}},"showFeedbackForm":true,"sidebarPosts":[{"_key":"10d59134ffac","_ref":"a9657436-2179-43e0-bbe4-758cf8e0ddf8","_type":"reference"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"how-dads-can-build-a-strong-bond-with-their-baby"},"tags":[{"_key":"e60115eb0e6a","_ref":"93c6a6d9-0f5a-45ab-a76e-08706724c63d","_type":"reference"}],"title":"How dads can build a strong bond with their baby  ","id":"-29c9143d-9329-5a3e-9c31-da708981a334","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityArticle","contentDigest":"e3f8670846ab8052c92d77729159a843","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":188},"parent":null,"__gatsby_resolved":{"slug":{"current":"how-dads-can-build-a-strong-bond-with-their-baby"}}},"linkType":"internal"}],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"cdf30135ae31","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f86991fae7ac0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Work"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"cb6caeb20f84","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e0f3388ba4980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You could consider speaking to your employer about flexible working hours if this is a possibility for you."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"909ede922a6b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ffc4f2a95ff80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Support network"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"f4f401d3b7c0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7a84c894240c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re caring for your partner and baby and feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to build your own support network of people you can talk to. Friends and family will want to be there for you at this time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"de46a2cfcf27","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b6b2cee4a9840","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sex and emotional connection"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"61425c1b92ac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dbd84308f173","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"One of the most common issues couples talk about when they call PANDA is changes to their sex life, including less affection in their relationship."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d8cb3eb28e67","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5dcd36fa9df6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When your partner is pregnant or you’re both busy juggling work and parenthood commitments, it can leave very little time for you to connect with each other, including time for sexual connection and affection."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"289270ae8532","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"43ef1e8a952f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We speak to dads who tell us they’re so stressed and tired, they’re rarely in the mood for sex. This can have a huge impact on other forms of intimacy as well, like physical touch and verbal affection."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"acedf740f25d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3d02d8d73ba2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We also speak to mums who feel so ‘touched out’ and tired after a full day of cuddles, settling, feeding, and caring for children that they’re not in the mood for more physical touch from their partner. This type of affection fatigue is common in the early days and weeks of parenthood. It can take a temporary toll on intimacy in adult relationships and be challenging to manage as a couple."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3e77de76abf9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d0666390ac05","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Mental health changes during pregnancy and as a new parent can have a major impact on desire for emotional connection, and libido (desire for sex and intimacy)."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5ad503cdaf99","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"774895403343","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We speak to many parents who are concerned about their relationship and mismatched libidos. One partner might desire more (or less) intimacy than the other, or affection at different times."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3df4445fb50e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"111085325ca1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If it’s your partner who is withdrawing and showing less desire for intimacy, it can be hard not to take it personally. You might feel hurt or rejected. If it’s you who’s feeling emotionally disconnected or experiencing a drop in libido, it can feel confronting and be difficult to talk about with your partner."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e16255494c71","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"330d3a141fd2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Reassure your partner that you understand any changes to their desire for affection or sex right now. Be honest with them about how you’re feeling too, especially if you’ve noticed changes to your own libido. These conversations can feel awkward at first but a long-term, mutually satisfying sexual relationship always starts with open and honest communication."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a694ca242c82","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"97d668cdf8ab","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Explore other ways of expressing affection and intimacy (like cuddles or a relaxing massage). Doing this can strengthen the emotional bond between you, as can talking about how you’re both feeling and managing being new parents together."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"db731416c24f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"19140a3145f10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Visitors and socialising"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"83d76f01fa19","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02800a90362e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We often hear from new dads that are concerned their partner doesn’t feel ready for visitors like close family and friends. This can be hard to hear when loved ones are excited to come over and meet your new baby, especially when you want to share the joy and celebrate too."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b90525914a4f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c88070953d20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If your partner is experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, social withdrawal is common in the early stages of parenthood. It’s important to give your partner the space and time they need to look after themselves and your baby, and not pressure them into having visitors before they feel ready."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2e28fa2b7f9e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0dd13f458803","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you feel up to socialising but your partner doesn’t, it’s important that you respect their wishes but also take care of your own need for social connection. You can do this by continuing to catch up with family and friends outside the family home."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f0c555ad1238","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"94179383bb89","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If your partner doesn’t feel ready for visitors, try video calling family and friends and discuss other options with your partner (like giving them a break while you visit family and friends yourself with bub)."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"14a96d8f3d2b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d4e08a4f4ace0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Counselling"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"a479a34e4d0b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"76671db8fa23","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If there’s ongoing stress in your relationship, it’s important to find time to "},{"_key":"24712e7414ba","_type":"span","marks":["7e90aa31c6a0"],"text":"talk to each other."},{"_key":"24e97daff55d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"  It might also be helpful to talk to a couples "},{"_key":"6140e70ab014","_type":"span","marks":["65cd34323eab"],"text":"counsellor"},{"_key":"c1692877cdba","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"65cd34323eab","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://relationships.org.au/"},{"_key":"7e90aa31c6a0","_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"f4abbdeb-6b67-4954-9429-67485600a65e","_type":"article","_rev":"RKeQnoPUdhHPUdbn1u6exD","_createdAt":"2023-09-05T03:55:33Z","_updatedAt":"2024-05-09T03:52:59Z","categories":[{"_key":"2be742291ec8","_ref":"b84de418-c2a8-4c44-b6ef-628f8a1ce593","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"273cf90faf80","_ref":"a4331950-09cf-4e89-9803-5127aa533bc7","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"1e4b50ca44d0","_ref":"c4172819-1756-470d-8628-b5ffa921681e","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"463fe8f85899","_ref":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"b129559e8650","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"29010a4c96350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"From partners to parents"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"669ffce78f37","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0be60bf138180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The transition from being partners to becoming parents can feel really challenging. It’s normal to experience relationship stress during the transition to parenthood. You may find your usual styles of communicating and supporting each other don’t work as well as they used to. It takes time and commitment from both partners when you’re adjusting to life as parents."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fe0339be912a","_type":"quote","quote":"I found it difficult to understand what she did need. Often it was just to be listened to."}],"datePublished":"2023-09-05","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"brightTeal20","value":"#E1F9F7"},"headline":"Communicating with your partner in the perinatal period  ","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","alt":"Mum and dad cuddling baby looking happy","asset":{"_ref":"image-0e998a94c78f1e4f4be30b9e7f277b8c5206dcec-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"9e95da86b03c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"04b884ad98530","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Becoming parents can feel really challenging. You may find your usual styles of communicating and supporting each other don’t work as well as they used to."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"6bd571937d9f","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"12d19af9539b","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"22d3fb2fe7f3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f7b68333b75d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Often there’s no ideal time to discuss the big issues, so make a regular time to prioritise discussions and prepare what you want to say."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"5bdb85e30c21","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b52d021920960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Schedule time to have important discussions."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"4d8ac371b847","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"ae192f42d90f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"153658582e8e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Taking time to yourself can help you feel more positive and energised, making it easier to have productive conversations with your partner."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"e72ffa893f47","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2793184450cf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Carve out some alone time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"7bb84a4b2ff7","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"0a9479a0945e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e8d61a83b1350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You don’t necessarily need to leave home to do this - just sitting down and having a meal together and watching a movie or favourite show with kids in bed can be considered a ‘date’."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"e6605245dce8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"52472505e7180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Have an occasional ‘date night’."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"c4d92bf68b1c","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"97f5c938b51b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"202afa1054c60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Birth recovery, mental health challenges and lack of energy can impact your libido and physical connection with each other. Sleep deprivation can also take a toll on your sex life. It’s a good idea to start small and simple when re-connecting with your partner. You might enjoy giving each other mini massages (hand, neck or foot), sharing a cuddle, or taking a walk together, holding hands and chatting about your day. Intimacy can take many forms, and often these little day to day moments together can help you and your partner to strengthen a foundation of trust, desire, and connection in your relationship. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"7895785377c0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe18b5eba2ab0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Find new ways to connect and be affectionate in a non-sexual way."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"839674b10760","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"33b48a0c9c33","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"63daeae859b20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Keep talking to each other about your intimacy needs (like physical and verbal affection and sex) and how you’re feeling. Together you can explore new ways to express love and affection if there’s less time or desire for sex."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"25e5723538da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b3f6040f17d10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Keep talking to each other."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"8db098d54a97","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"ab0e9dc51780","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c9692b198b9b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thanking each other and letting the other know what a great job they’re doing and how much you appreciate them can really strengthen your connection."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"b39844835727","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"59d5d5d043270","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Be your partner's biggest champion."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"d30c4ed14f07","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9345a2af9dc80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Welcoming a baby into your family can provide opportunities to bond with your partner in new ways as you share the highs and lows of parenthood."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"title":"Reconnecting with your partner after baby comes home "},{"_key":"e83ee9d85dbf","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"f0738c2214fe","_type":"faq","question":[{"_key":"1d09305eb8e9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b495dfbc14c6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Practice empathy and understanding. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"da01d2c3f64b","_type":"faq","question":[{"_key":"8fcaa8ba34b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"06bdb2c5e447","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Be open and honest and encourage your partner to do the same."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"e259c612c0fd","_type":"faq","question":[{"_key":"92e69225d1db","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f31c51d3f15e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Help each other to problem solve."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"890c419089b8","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"7629ce2a3333","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"15afbdc43b24","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This might be relating to care of baby, household chores and paid work. Aim to both have the same amount of ‘free’ time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"ae31669e4800","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ece53ba3b09b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Agree on a mutual balance of essential tasks"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"b095ec8d9180","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"9e82a24f75ea","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"be7fee5a23c8","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Remember you are both tired and adjusting to change."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"0286d3d4d02b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"731fb60985aa","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Be gentle and kind to each other."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"7561bae8d0eb","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"f346668b2955","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"66d0998ec2ab","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s good to discuss ways you can both have your needs met. A common source of daily relationship stress for couples is both needing a break around dinnertime, after arriving home from work or parenting all day. Chat to your partner and negotiate time together, and time out for essential self-care."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"7d899d806b5f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dc6147158ee4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sometimes you and your partner may have conflicting needs. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"33fd646dce2e","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"c0306a96d412","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b928b8c6b01f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Go for a walk, speak to a friend, listen to a podcast."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"6cc7f4d1acc9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ad6f379a518c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Take breaks from each other."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"c41372730c60","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"70c5958ea681","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3cf9123912df","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This might include family, friends, maternal child health nurse, doctor, new parents group."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"319bd8c83b5f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2ba338d57c6f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Build your community of care."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"f9ed1c414bc7","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"f0c96c22b963","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"87e23472f713","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For example, you could write down agreed instructions for things like bedtime routine or bottle preparation so you both feel confident and competent caring for your baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"31a02955d6c0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0d7a44058121","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Be on the same page when it comes to caring for your baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"5a4ab39deb4f","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"2348cb7e2fde","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c42111f965dc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Couples counselling, parenting groups and courses, individual counselling for one or both partners."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"477ec42d7b60","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e5decb7a04f3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Seek help."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3754d9b20868","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b22e3a4b4d0e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4844357c7419","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Address issues and find solutions together, like visiting maternal child health appointments as a family."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"ceaf232f9066","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"91bfb31468b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Work with your partner as a team."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"Positive approaches to communication with your partner"},{"_key":"2608459e7518","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"e4c9104c2e84","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"b27f6426451f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"93e6635a9766","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you or your partner are feeling distressed and frustrated, any conversation you need to have may be de-railed by strong emotions. It’s better to make (and take) some time to de-stress before you tackle any tricky topics together."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"17f2ffc41530","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f92bc69a6ab3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Timing is everything"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"d9fed304fa94","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"302770e2f70f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c29a409f8501","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Like ‘I think… I imagine… I hope… I prefer… I feel...’ rather than statements that are likely to make your partner feel defensive like ‘You think that…You make me feel...’"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2c1a98f0c06d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dd74d3894b30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Use \"I\" statements"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"56a5bdfeea4e","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"2160081c32bc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0a523e19c43a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Help your partner to understand what ‘support’ looks like for you – it means different things to different people."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"269f66e55096","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"82f3bd02a271","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Communicate what you really need, and hope for"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"617d4f07c085","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"0487175d562f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"da6346a859d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Make eye contact, express empathy, ask questions to clarify, validate your partner’s thoughts and feelings, and make supportive statements to show your understanding. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"958b035d2096","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f5617f9e6f7d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Active listening"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"87494f5024fc","_type":"faq","question":[{"_key":"222051dff02d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ad3b8855ba82","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Talk to each other with kindness, respect and compassion."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"a949fdfde40a","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"2ac6c4f46da3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"607213b9e740","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your partner may have different beliefs, views and values to you, and it’s important to respect each other’s opinions. In a healthy relationship, there’s always room for differences."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"e4c2b025aced","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"970edd46da70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Remember that all viewpoints are valid"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3d65f1b039f5","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"3d44f0b370d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b9f38ee2bc5c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Avoid blame or critical communication. For example, instead of blaming your partner for not putting baby’s nappy on properly, support each other to different ways of securing the nappy to avoid leaks."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"9c9b2519992f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"026b30cc0abc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Focus the conversation on the problem, not the person"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"30c20c7f7396","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"41c2110a5378","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3923450fde5b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Agree to take breaks to disrupt any escalating tension. Re-approach the conversation when you’re both in a calmer state and able to listen to each other. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d96cebeda7e1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2041837144f7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If couple conflict feels unsafe for you, support is available: "},{"_key":"1bee302e864b","_type":"span","marks":["ba9270fb039b"],"text":"Healthy Relationships | 1800RESPECT"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ba9270fb039b","_type":"link","blank":true,"href":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/healthy-relationships","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/healthy-relationships"}],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"cf1a5b39c5cd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"db91eaf682ab","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If there’s conflict or tempers flare"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"Helpful communication techniques during discussions"},{"_key":"40c679982e97","_type":"freeText","text":[{"_key":"d355d77ebbb5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c261add7f1f4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Relationship support services"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"aafdc96909c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f4cecc01ffc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you would like to find ways to improve your communication skills with your partner and strengthen your relationship, consider contacting the organisations listed below:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"172070016200","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"93825824380d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call "},{"_key":"edbdb8ce71f4","_type":"span","marks":["d597d042704e"],"text":"Relationships Australia"},{"_key":"f0b20ef6f585","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" in your state or territory on 1300 364 277"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"d597d042704e","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://relationships.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"523e473086cd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3cc4bb1bcf1a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call "},{"_key":"42d8f4657c49","_type":"span","marks":["19483da6a4d1"],"text":"Family Relationships Online"},{"_key":"cf5622446523","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" on 1800 050 321"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"19483da6a4d1","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e59b385d7289","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3ffd9c5e5e87","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call "},{"_key":"b3ab54f3079f","_type":"span","marks":["41ec78099acf"],"text":"Lifeline"},{"_key":"a031ac75bc84","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" on 131 114"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"41ec78099acf","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.lifeline.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7972e57a69fd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c3a2cd2e6cc2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call "},{"_key":"ae3f2c68643c","_type":"span","marks":["bc0100078c4e"],"text":"Mensline"},{"_key":"fc6c63632fba","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" on 1300 789 978 "}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"bc0100078c4e","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://mensline.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8a29f6565fdb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"38f97a2d5314","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call "},{"_key":"4263d7eed9f7","_type":"span","marks":["83baa156a5c7"],"text":"1800RESPECT"},{"_key":"563037eb2568","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" on 1800 737 732 "}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"83baa156a5c7","_type":"link","blank":true,"href":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/","linkType":"external","url":"https://www.1800respect.org.au/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ba0f7cd7acd4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5bd0c6ef78f4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Or visit your doctor to talk things through and get a referral to a psychologist or relationship or family counselling service."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"07f65f73a186","_type":"textImage","background":{"title":"peach80","value":"#FFD29D"},"contentOrder":"textFirst","headline":"Owen's story: Managing communication challenges","image":{"_type":"imageWithCaption","asset":{"_ref":"image-69e0e9c4b60eefcd83558f27f31fd6b632b4205f-4624x2604-jpg","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"ec94d34dbc57","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7991d25689830","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\"One of the biggest challenges for me during the perinatal period was communicating with my wife.\""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"af3688ae039a","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_ref":"52358081-fb2e-49c4-919e-df363527e90e","_type":"reference"},"linkType":"internal"},"style":"box","text":"Owen's story"}]},{"_key":"2ca77788225c","_type":"articleCollection","background":{"title":"brightTeal40","value":"#C3EDEA"},"eyebrow":"Articles","population":"select","posts":[{"_key":"dbd425528f0f","_ref":"50f65345-d46c-4cda-a886-b7bcc3567248","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"b2a1480e2459","_ref":"27939a59-1611-449d-8953-b196b2dbdc3b","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"a5f954eca2ec","_ref":"27aade6a-2af0-427f-955c-6aa7aaf973eb","_type":"reference"}]},{"_key":"105b7e480437","_type":"helpLine","field":"content"}],"relatedArticles":[],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":"Becoming parents can feel really challenging. You may find your usual styles of communicating and supporting each other don’t work as well as they used to. ","socialImage":{"_type":"image","asset":{"_ref":"image-0e998a94c78f1e4f4be30b9e7f277b8c5206dcec-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}}},"showFeedbackForm":true,"sidebarPosts":[{"_key":"7fb9900032d8","_ref":"34a10849-fbc5-40db-be3b-bdadad30177e","_type":"reference"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"communicating-with-your-partner-in-the-perinatal-period"},"tags":[{"_key":"cfee1d79d38e","_ref":"e7d8ddd8-75df-47bd-aa02-f873eb150d9a","_type":"reference"}],"title":"Communicating with your partner in the perinatal period  ","id":"-f7e86cf3-5c04-5fae-b701-8852243d6c6a","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityArticle","contentDigest":"f5e87721d8730968d40e7bb4f552d661","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":113},"parent":null,"__gatsby_resolved":{"slug":{"current":"communicating-with-your-partner-in-the-perinatal-period"}}},"linkType":"internal","url":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/having-difficult-conversations-with-your-partner"}],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"49ddfc846653","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ec4720f478cf","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Caring for your partner"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"0d4e746fcbd0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3621913e2e4d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you or your partner are unwell (e.g., emotional, mental, or physical health issues during pregnancy or after your baby is born) then one of you may have taken on the majority share of household and family duties."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5c19d7de3afe","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"00552ebc740c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re working, cooking, cleaning, looking after your partner and baby – often when sleep deprived – it can be a huge emotional and mental load for expecting and dads."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a5f82e530cfb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0e0810cb8f2b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA’s factsheet on caring for your partner has some helpful tips about supporting your partner, managing competing demands, and looking after yourself in the mix."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"73cb743e3024","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"9aa50a2e-c32f-4dda-a8ac-8da56d0b6bf6","_type":"article","_rev":"Qn539eY6AyPDWnV3QW7eAf","_createdAt":"2022-02-14T07:25:34Z","_updatedAt":"2024-05-27T00:11:15Z","categories":[{"_key":"5ad8ce5ff1db","_ref":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"reference"}],"category":{"_id":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"category","_rev":"7xAKux4piApqpHOZgAsd6y","_createdAt":"2022-01-20T23:34:08Z","_updatedAt":"2022-01-20T23:34:08Z","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"dads"},"title":"Dads","id":"-86f74096-b6a0-55a1-833a-27fdc4f9c109","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityCategory","contentDigest":"fbdf8de2256701da0f8e73ce7be37aac","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":198},"parent":null},"content":[{"_key":"89e5f7d7830e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"651e0dd902510","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Perinatal anxiety and depression can affect any person and their family, regardless of culture, age, or socio-economic situation. While you can’t “fix” what your partner is going through, you can support them while they seek help and receive treatment. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8a30cb5071a0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"42ce628253de0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are finding it stressful or challenging to support your partner, help is available for you too."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bd1f8c405d65","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"46777b43c567","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9fea368db7a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"844b1f18aba50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Impact on relationships and wellbeing"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"caac9ad89c58","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"572e57f6295c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Perinatal anxiety and depression can impact all areas of wellbeing: physical, emotional and social. Overwhelm, exhaustion, loss of confidence, fear of leaving the house or being with other people can all take its toll. Relationships with partners, family and friends can be impacted."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7928f58f3de9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"73179dba1797","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The longer a parent experiencing mental health issues goes without seeking treatment, the more likely it is that their partner may experience changes to their mental health too."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"863f1e9ffe56","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7aeabb510b710","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope due to changes in your mental health, it can be difficult to find the patience and energy to connect with babies, children and loved ones. It’s difficult to parent if you are feeling agitated, unsettled or lacking in motivation. This is why seeking help early is so important."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4532d64ad8a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d77c74c6aed10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It can be an unexpected shock if your partner is struggling with symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression. Our culture portrays the pregnancy, birth and the perinatal period as a time of joy and elation. Most new parents, even if they don’t experience mental health challenges, will experience some degree of fatigue, overwhelm, irritability, stress and worry as they adjust to life as a parent."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c32c9b8a7f2d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7098adda69dc","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f34dde481531","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ca3d9d28d9ae0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If your partner is experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy or early parenthood, you might feel:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"50f4d3113349","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4d67260d8a600","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Confused or uncertain about what to say or do to help"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"63bf3fb658ca","_type":"quote","quote":"I don’t know what to say in case I make things worse"},{"_key":"a4444d23af97","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"64581e12215c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Useless"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"01ba69372a4b","_type":"quote","quote":"Nothing I say or do seems to help!"},{"_key":"2cca12465f2b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"045695b4fe830","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Frustrated and angry"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"9c807f4cb55b","_type":"quote","quote":"Why are they being like this when I am trying so hard?"},{"_key":"60f111b97604","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dedd015523280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Overwhelmed"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"c12029d08f57","_type":"quote","quote":"It’s all too much"},{"_key":"9b5b342fc0c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3b22e2b22fa50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Alienated"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"4563647f9a55","_type":"quote","quote":"I have no idea how to relate to this experience."},{"_key":"ed5659ddf40c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"687030e220f50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Unsure about how or when to help"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"b86a1289c4b4","_type":"quote","quote":"Am I interfering? Should I be helping more? Should I be letting them have space?"},{"_key":"86124c9b094d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1b452a8cf87b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A sense of loss"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"b94848ea018f","_type":"quote","quote":"When is my partner going to be their ‘old self’?"},{"_key":"cca635ff54d9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dffd49b822fa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A loss of support"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h5"},{"_key":"6bc667fb6afe","_type":"quote","quote":"My partner and I were so close. I feel like they're no longer there for me."},{"_key":"25571a389b23","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"af14044210e30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5ade8609d2ce","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d8d6c0e5834f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"40b7e023f4d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"932ad12870c5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s important to remember that perinatal anxiety and depression are mental health disorders. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"82a6b592662b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"95246cb2a906","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Try not to take any out of character behaviour personally. We also encourage you to look after your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This ensures you’re in the best possible position to care for your partner and family during a challenging time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"860a641e50cb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d466699692be0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Lots of parents feel uncertain about who they can talk to about what their partner is going through. We still have a long way to go to accepting mental health in the same way we deal with physical health. It’s a good idea to check in with your partner about how they feel about you telling other people. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a7e1b270cf9b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"75f3e248c17c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It can help to remember that perinatal anxiety and/or depression are common. You might be surprised to find out who else has experienced mental health challenges during the transition to parenthood."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b493a7c4ad6e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"55c66a2c04cf","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"33f6f0277bb1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ac3ed0dfcd00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2022-02-14","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"teal100","value":"#236D6D"},"headline":"Tips for caring for your partner","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","alt":"Mum and dad cuddling baby","asset":{"_ref":"image-2cbf6c0a91e3accc6de8811e756628c457aabbae-2500x1660-jpg","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"b07ec6bf146b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3ade792e70e20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Caring for someone with perinatal anxiety or depression can be confusing, stressful and demanding. While you can’t “fix” what your partner is going through, you can support them while they seek help and receive treatment. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"1e5f0309cad3","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"2ce7c5e1300d","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"931c145d6b01","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"28b5c5aef0910","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This might mean getting up to do night feeds, nappy changes and settling. Or encouraging your partner to go to bed early while you put the baby and other children to bed."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"0fac05ab1f27","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9d15d90ff3640","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Support their sleep"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"6dbea1866ca4","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"5cdd61b4e126","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8818427ad28e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Help them make appointments, drive them to appointments and attend as their support person if possible. If you can't care for your baby/children during your partner's appointments, arrange for a loved one to have the children. This gives your partner space to focus on their health care needs."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"3e732e42a9a3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7e47dca53e9c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Assist your partner to seek help"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"8b662fa8ab75","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"dc1763c6e276","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"15394f3940180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This could mean taking the kids for an hour while your partner goes for a walk or has a rest."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"93ac657f3e2c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6745bfa2ab960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Take on extra care of the baby or older children"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"8a7e7daaf6af","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"a15a715a886e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f5181a4fa1590","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Babies generate an increase in domestic work, including cleaning, laundry, food preparation, and “life admin” like family finances and making healthcare appointments. Managing these tasks can be a huge support to your partner."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2307a61dddb6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"da2b714f4d680","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Do more around the house"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"bbb3eed8cf1c","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"35e84782e9d3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bd8f83a7b32d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Spend some time preparing meals for the week (e.g. family dinners and school lunches for older children)."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"fb00bc4f034e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"65c3035a82d90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Cook meals to share"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"6623b8fdde6a","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"f1872d89667c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"45616c8608de0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"They could cook a meal, take the baby for a walk or just come over for a cup of tea and a chat."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"53b7b8f9e228","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"47fef63b12130","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call on friends or family for help and support."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"376d082b532d","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"fc806c75ccc0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2fda77b642340","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sometimes people experiencing mental health challenges find it hard to reach out to the people they love. Encourage your partner to catch up with their friends and family and do things that make them happy."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"0ea9b0f7c085","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"472474613cde0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Encourage your partner to see friends and loved ones."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"dafac7b61e84","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"ac999e0b6d2e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8e86ff973eec0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If your partner is experiencing mental health challenges and you find yourself feeling frustrated, irritable, resentful or overwhelmed, it's important to seek out support for your own mental health. Caregiver fatigue and burnout is common for partners caring for a loved one in mental health distress, but professional support is available."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9244f1124579","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/"},"style":"box","text":"Support for carers"},{"_key":"de3b423977bb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0a084dae16c00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"3d0d8b17fec5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"211404e6bf2f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Manage your own feelings and wellbeing."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"Practical strategies to support your partner"},{"_key":"e1cccc314676","_type":"freeText","text":[{"_key":"53744728c040","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"241eb4507a4b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Partners and carers can also call PANDA's Helpline if you need to talk to someone who understands."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"ec0a72fb5965","_type":"fileCollection","files":[{"_key":"2cea370c08eb","_type":"download","background":{"title":"peach40","value":"#FFE4C9"},"cta":"Download","file":{"_type":"file","asset":{"_ref":"file-c813df6ba5b0f52d5b59c2e05a5a7224aad7da9d-pdf","_type":"reference"}},"title":"Caring for someone with perinatal mental health challenges"}],"title":"Factsheets"},{"_key":"a28099ba2fb3","_type":"articleCollection","background":{"title":"peach80","value":"#FFD29D"},"categoryOrTag":{"_ref":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"reference"},"eyebrow":"Articles","population":"select","posts":[{"_key":"90c844bd7fe3","_ref":"34a10849-fbc5-40db-be3b-bdadad30177e","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"c2373d83188e","_ref":"50f65345-d46c-4cda-a886-b7bcc3567248","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"82d75c3f8592","_ref":"6f4bac72-ed82-47ff-9155-aa2a02fb1833","_type":"reference"}]},{"_key":"69058bdbf39d","_type":"checklist","field":"content"},{"_key":"c305a221e441","_type":"helpLine","field":"content"}],"relatedArticles":[],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":"Caring for someone with perinatal anxiety or depression can be confusing, stressful and demanding.","metaTitle":"Tips for caring for your partner","socialImage":{"_type":"image","asset":{"_ref":"image-f0f30bd33637b8b4af632cb39234c2d5ca76adec-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}}},"sidebarPosts":[{"_key":"ad76bb549b40","_ref":"41b862de-8310-4501-8a82-1005cfa42214","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"f6ce6abab4e1","_ref":"c70b8a3d-f1b7-4089-8ccc-94012c195f85","_type":"reference"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"tips-for-caring-for-your-partner"},"tags":[{"_key":"a2ff7130d91d","_ref":"98c6d929-2d8d-4cbb-9cfe-13d53cdcb7ad","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"a9f4cb0fd3f0","_ref":"49993bd9-e417-4743-b155-591d0a496a77","_type":"reference"}],"title":"Tips for caring for your partner","id":"-a43b9da7-1249-5584-873f-104f92f8b8dc","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityArticle","contentDigest":"ce5a4fa20aa4bcaff69359e7e00a4709","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":61},"parent":null,"__gatsby_resolved":{"slug":{"current":"tips-for-caring-for-your-partner"}}},"linkType":"internal"},"style":"box","text":"Tips for caring for your partner"}]}]},{"_key":"7f3e57df3422","_type":"freeText","include":null,"eyebrow":null,"text":[{"_key":"7a59d833779f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a24973ab66890","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Early parenthood is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming. Hold off, if you can, on making any big life decisions right now - like changes to your relationship, career, or home."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"78c4e0190e5a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"db4c641639a6","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Give yourself permission to simply focus on looking after your partner, your baby, and yourself for the moment."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a1cb4ea56d3e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"061f2ed00879","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Reach out and ask for help if you need it – whether that’s family and friends, your employer, or a trusted health professional. All new parents need support, and PANDA is here for you if you want to chat about ways to manage competing demands in your relationships."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"background":{"value":"#EDE8E4"}},{"_key":"4e44f9570640","_type":"storyCollection","include":null,"eyebrow":"Stories","title":"Stories about dads","population":"latest","storyType":null,"posts":[{"title":"Nick's story","_type":"story","slug":{"current":"nick-s-story"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-3c31dbf14344ddbf1e98a29410e5b6a0da7c57d0-2000x2830-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":null},"text":[{"_key":"b7103932d6d4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3849b6931779","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal depression and adjusting to parenthood from a dad's point of view."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"profiles":[],"background":{"value":"#FFD29D"},"categoryOrTag":{"_type":"category","title":"Dads","slug":{"current":"dads"}}},{"_key":"3d8425988436","_type":"articleCollection","include":null,"eyebrow":"Articles","title":"Support for dads","population":"select","posts":[{"title":"Communicating with your partner in the perinatal period  ","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"communicating-with-your-partner-in-the-perinatal-period"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-0e998a94c78f1e4f4be30b9e7f277b8c5206dcec-1200x630-png"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Mum and dad cuddling baby looking happy"},"text":[{"_key":"9e95da86b03c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"04b884ad98530","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Becoming parents can feel really challenging. You may find your usual styles of communicating and supporting each other don’t work as well as they used to."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"Tips for caring for your partner","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"tips-for-caring-for-your-partner"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-2cbf6c0a91e3accc6de8811e756628c457aabbae-2500x1660-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Mum and dad cuddling baby"},"text":[{"_key":"b07ec6bf146b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3ade792e70e20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Caring for someone with perinatal anxiety or depression can be confusing, stressful and demanding. While you can’t “fix” what your partner is going through, you can support them while they seek help and receive treatment. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"Talking about perinatal mental health","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"talking-about-perinatal-mental-health"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-862cdcdd0d02086d49c44f0987ad3af0f3c8cef5-4000x2667-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":null},"text":[{"_key":"87b2c04a8220","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8c277cb548eb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For many new parents, talking about how they are feeling can be difficult. You may never have experienced feelings and thoughts like this before, and are not sure how to express them."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"SMS for dads","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"sms-for-dads"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-04b1cead3b070f0fe144e15beb80c222dbf87cda-2500x1500-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Dad holding baby and smiling"},"text":[{"_key":"7a42a5d7b409","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"584d727122200","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Free text messages, support, information and tips, designed for expecting and new dads."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"background":{"value":"#FFD29D"},"categoryOrTag":null},{"_key":"85fb24808e00","_type":"checklist"}],"relatedArticles":[],"showFeedbackForm":true,"seo":{"metaTitle":"Managing relationships: guide for dads","metaDescription":"Here are some ways to stay connected and still find time to look after yourself too.","socialImage":{"asset":{"_id":"image-b68386a223062441c96e26b273c424ebcb6145ef-1200x630-png"}}}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"managing-relationships-guide-for-dads","isArticle":true,"lastMod":"2024-06-06"}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["2217905065","3363036388","3383307213","3769966569"]}