New Dads
Step-by-Step:
Health
Before the baby arrives, you can support your partner by encouraging her to find and visit a doctor regularly. Remember that Medicaid can help pay for these visits. Find out if you’re eligible here. Use the Healthy Louisiana search tool to find a doctor in your area. Choose Obstetrics/Gynecology to find someone who specializes in caring for pregnant people.
Habits
Now more than ever, healthy eating, exercise, and rest are really important for mom. Make time to shop for healthy foods – including fresh fruits and veggies – and cook meals together. Browse these quick tips for Healthy Eating During Pregnancy. These small steps can have a big impact. Cooking together will set your family up for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy relationship!
How else can you help? While your partner is pregnant, they need a good amount of rest. With less time on her feet, she won’t have as much time for her usual routine. Consider running errands and picking up extra chores to relieve stress around the home.
And during this time, stopping bad habits is just as important as starting healthy ones. If your partner drinks or smokes regularly, then you can help her quit. You can practice these healthier habits, too! Work together to make healthy choices for yourselves and your baby.
Here are a few resources in case you need a little extra support:
- Quit Smoking: Call 1.800.QUIT.NOW or visit QuitWithUsLA.org
- Quit Drinking: Find a treatment center or support group near you.
- Quit Drugs: Find a treatment center near you.
Help
Need help figuring this all out? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! And chances are your partner could also use some support. Luckily, the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) can send a nurse to visit once every two weeks. They can offer advice on the expecting mom’s health, the baby’s health, parenting tips, and other services available in your area. Your partner can continue these biweekly visits until the baby is two years old! If she’s a first-time mom and eligible for Medicaid, y’all might qualify. Contact the NFP supervisor in your region to see if your family is eligible.
Healthy Start offers classes, baby supplies, and much more. See our Parent & Caregiver Support: Programs & Services page for more details. And there’s good news: this program is for dads, too! To join Healthy Start, reach out to one of the contacts below:
- New Orleans Area: (504) 658-2600
- Jefferson Area (Crescent City WIC): (504) 247-0592
- Baton Rouge Area: (225) 201-8888
- Lafayette Area: (337) 981-2180
If your partner wants easy, low-effort pregnancy support, then help them register for Text4Baby. She can sign up for free advice by texting “BABY” or “BEBE” to 511411. You can also download the Text4Baby app for iOS or Android devices.
Louisiana’s WIC can help your family pay for groceries during pregnancy. Find out if your partner is eligible and learn how to apply here.
Health
Regular checkups are really important for both mom and baby – even after delivery! Show your support by offering to tag along. During the doctor’s visit, don’t be afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. Your doctor is the best source for reliable health information! You can find a local parish health unit here or a doctor who takes Medicaid here.
Flu shots are essential for all new parents – both you and your partner! You’re around the baby a lot, so if you get sick, you risk infecting your little one. Visit the CDC’s website to learn the best ways to Protect Against Flu.
Habits
If your family has chosen to breastfeed – and we strongly recommend it – then your local WIC office can supply a breast pump. This option lets partners share the feeding responsibilities and continue feeding your baby nutritious breastmilk. Check out LouisianaBreastfeeding.org for resources in your zip code.
With a newborn baby at home, you’re in for some long nights! Help your partner cover late night feedings and diaper changes. Use it as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your little one.
When putting your baby to sleep, remember to choose a safe place. Every year, far too many babies die by suffocating during sleep. Keep your baby safe by removing blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals from the crib while they sleep. Always put your baby to sleep on their backs in a space of their own. These small steps greatly reduce the chances of sleep-related infant death. Test your safe sleep knowledge at GiveYourBabySpace.org.
Help
LaCHIP can help pay for your baby’s health care. LaCHIP’s no-cost health insurance covers doctor visits, medicine, and more. See how to apply here.
Healthy Start offers classes, transportation, baby supplies, and much more. Call today for information about Healthy Start or to join a local program:
- New Orleans Area: 504-658-2600
- Baton Rouge Area: 225-201-8888
- Jefferson Parish (Crescent City PIC): 504-247-0592
- Lafayette Area: 337-981-2180
Louisiana WIC may be able to help pay for groceries during or after pregnancy. Find out if you’re eligible and learn how to apply here.
Health
As your baby grows, checkups will continue being important for both mom and baby. Offer to come along, show some support, and don’t be afraid to ask the obvious questions. Your doctor is there to help!
Flu shots are really important for new parents. You’re around the baby a lot, so if you get sick, you risk infecting your little one. Read about more ways to Protect Against Flu.
Habits
Have fun! Go on walks, play games, and read books with your baby. One of the most important relationships a baby can have is with their father. You’ll both grow from the experience!
Soon your baby will start sleeping through the night. You can still help your partner by sharing nighttime feedings or diaper changes. Remember: this time with your baby passes quickly! Use these moments to strengthen the bond with your little one.
When putting your baby to sleep, remember to choose a safe place. Every year, far too many babies die by suffocating during sleep. Keep your baby safe by removing blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals from the crib while they sleep. Always put your baby to sleep on their backs in a space of their own. These small steps greatly reduce the chances of sleep-related infant death. Test your safe sleep knowledge at GiveYourBabySpace.org.
Help
Healthy Start offers transportation, supplies for baby, and much more. It’s not just for moms – it’s for dads, too! For information about Healthy Start or to join a program, reach out to a local contact below:
- New Orleans Area: 504-658-2600
- Baton Rouge Area: 225-201-8888
- Jefferson Parish (Crescent City PIC): 504-247-0592
- Lafayette Area: 337-981-2180
If you need to help finding affordable child care, call Louisiana’s Child Care Assistance Program at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578).
WIC can help cover the cost of groceries for your growing baby. Find out who qualifies and how to apply here.