The weeks following childbirth, when the newborn's mother returns home with her child, are especially challenging for a family. The baby has emerged from the womb into a dazzling new world, encountering night and day for the first time, which confuses it, causing it to wake up frequently at odd hours. Consequently, the mother's sleep is disrupted daily, leaving her with little time to recover. Traditionally, mothers have been responsible for taking care of the child during this period. However, across India, this is changing as more fathers step up and take on more responsibility towards their children. Increasingly, fathers are staying awake at night, helping their wives during the challenge of early parenthood. This shift has huge significance. Why Paternal Support MattersFathers sharing responsibility for the newborn isn't just about fairness. Research shows that when a woman's partner supports her during the postpartum period, it directly impacts her wellbeing. The lack of sleep, difficulty in physical recovery, and the emotional adjustment to motherhood has a significant impact on the mother's mental health. When fathers support their wives, whether by changing diapers at 3 am or offering company during long nights, it lowers the spouses maternal stress and reduces the odds of postnatal depression.The Baby Benefits Too Crucially, when both parents are involved in early care, caring consistently for the baby, it leads to the child bonding strongly with both caregivers. The newborn also develops healthier sleep patterns. When the child becomes familiar with the voices and touch of both parents, it feels secure, leading to emotional regulation and supporting social development.Fathers Face Their Own Challenges While after giving birth, it's the mothers who enjoy the spotlight as friends and family discuss her postnatal health; however, fathers experience significant changes as well. They may feel anxious, helpless, and there's evidence that they may even suffer from paternal postnatal depression. It is estimated that globally, about one in ten fathers may suffer from depression after their child enters the world. This statistic is applicable to India too. The good news is that when a father actively provides nighttime care, supporting his wife, he builds a stronger emotional connection with his child, becoming more confident in the role of a caregiver.Signs of Change in India In India, views about fatherhood are changing. For instance, a 2025 YouGov India survey revealed that 60% of urban father who're under 35 were eager to take on caregiving roles. Meanwhile, the Hansa Consumer Index reported that fathers who helped with childcare and housework were more balanced and satisfied. It is important to note that while these findings are applicable to urban households and a younger demographic, they indeed point to an emerging cultural shift where both parents share childcare responsibilities. Building Stronger Foundations As every parent knows, after a newborn enters the home, the next several months are exhausting. When fathers become involved, even in small tasks, it has a big impact on family life. Most men might think that occasionally bottle feeding a baby, rocking the restless baby, or simply being present when the wife rests isn't that big a deal, but these efforts matter, adding up to something truly meaningful. When a father shares the night shift, he does more than merely reduce the burden on his wife, he also lays the foundation for sharing responsibility and provides emotional strength. Brief as these moments might be, they lead to heather post-pregnancy outcomes for mothers, help parents forge stronger bonds with babies, and forge greater balance between parents and harmony among children.(Dr Mitul Gupta, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur)
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