The impact of parenthood on your life

For many fathers and partners, the birth of their baby really marks the official ‘beginning’ of parenthood – when reality really hits and you begin to see the impact on your life.

Becoming a parent brings many changes, some of which you may have been aware and prepared for, whilst others may be quite unexpected. Sometimes the reality of parenthood comes more suddenly for dads and partners than for women who have already experienced many changes with the progression of a pregnancy.

While you and your partner may feel closer in the days following birth when you are both excited about the new life you have created together, the following months are likely to involve various adjustments to cater to the many changes that parenthood brings to different facets of your life. Whilst exciting and rewarding in many ways, it can also be a challenging time.

Find out more about some of the major impacts that fathers and partners can experience when becoming a parent:

• Changing roles and responsibilities – From the work-life juggle to the increased sense of of responsibility that comes with bringing a child into the world and bringing them up.
• Connecting with your baby – Getting to know your baby can take time, and men are likely to vary greatly in their confidence with handling their new baby.
• Your relationships with your partner – This will change with your new, and competing priorities.
• Your relationships with extended family – Other relationships also be affected in ways that you may have sensed or not expected at all.