Dads, uncles, grandpas, and godfathers - the men who help build our village (and the nursery furniture), are often the ones we forget to check in on. At Emulait, we believe the well-being of babies and parents is nurtured by the support of those around them. Men’s Health Week aims to raise awareness about preventable health conditions and encourage both men and boys to prioritize their health. Today, we shine a spotlight on the health of new dads.
Mental Health Matters
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and it’s normal for men to experience stress, anxiety, or even paternal postpartum depression. Family life often overlaps with other stressors like financial pressure, job challenges, and more. For many men, opening up about feelings or asking for help isn't always easy, but having honest conversations and a strong support system can make a big difference.
While nothing can replace in-person therapy or real human connection, more mental health tech options are becoming available every day. For men in particular, mental health apps are available, provide privacy, and usually offer action-oriented ideas for reducing stress and symptoms. Using an app like Wysa can help men monitor their mental health, so if things do get tougher, they can recognize when to reach out for more support.
Staying Healthy
Men, on average, live five years less than women and face higher risks of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Fortunately, there are proactive steps we can take to support long-term health. Staying active, eating well, and getting enough rest are essential for both physical and mental well-being. Plus, modeling healthy habits sets a strong example for little ones.
- Being Active: Finding time for daily exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk with the baby, can make a significant difference to one’s health. Joining a local basketball or soccer team is a fun way to get active and connect with others, but for those on a tight schedule or looking for quiet time, tech can once again deliver the goods! Thankfully this is easier than ever with online subscriptions, like the Peloton App which offers boxing, strength, yoga, running and boot camp classes even if you don’t own a Peloton bike.
- Eating Well: Making healthy choices is hard if you are strapped for time. This is where it helps to commit to a healthy kitchen, as a family! Stock your pantry with quality snacks, fresh fruit and veggies, and plan your meals ahead. Meal prep is a huge timesaver – chop and bag veggies when you get home from the grocery store, maximize weekend time to cook ahead and freeze, and choose versatile recipes that you can eat for dinner and lunch daily. Finally, invest in an Instant Pot or Air Fryer – unless you love being in the kitchen, these gadgets deliver no-fuss wholesome meals with minimal cleanup!
- Getting Enough Rest: This may seem fanciful with a baby in tow, but it is possible! In the early days the rule of thumb is for both parents to ‘sleep when baby sleeps’, but this of course is more challenging if you have older children or if you are back at work. You may find it easiest to tag team with your partner or enlist some help from family or friends, so that you are able to recharge. While a new parent’s capacity to run on empty is quite amazing, it isn’t limitless. Disrupted or limited sleep can wear you down, and you may feel more irritable, stressed or unfocused. If you have pre-existing mental health challenges, the disruption to routine and sleep can be especially tough.
- Health Screenings: Going to the doctor when you are healthy is a habit you should get into. Annual visits are a great opportunity to check in with your doctor. Whether you’ve been feeling great or worse for wear, the purpose of your annual checkup is to stay up to date with health screenings, assess for future risk, make lifestyle recommendations, ensure your immunizations are up to date, and maintain a habit of preventative health care.
Men Need a Village Too
Whether through parenting groups, online communities, or simply talking to other fathers, sharing experiences can ease the pressures of parenthood. Building new friendships while navigating the demands of family and work life can be hard, so seek friendships in easy places – the playground, a local basketball group, or through your little one’s childcare networks.
Tuning in to a dad podcast is another way to feel supported, with relatable advice and an opportunity to go deep just by listening. A few gems we have found include:
- The Dad Edge with Larry Hagner, aimed at bolstering confidence and skills for dads
- The Dumb Dad Podcast with Kevin Laferriere and Evan Kyle Berger for laughs and parenting wisdom
- Daddy Squared, a podcast by two gay dads with twins (no longer on air but there are three seasons worth of episodes to dive into)
- The Solo Dad Podcast, for dads navigating grief, widowhood and solo parenting
Self-Care Is an Act of Love
If you’re a dad reading this, we want you to know that taking care of yourself is an act of love for your family. Prioritizing your health enables you to be the best version of yourself – for you and your child. At Emulait, we have designed our infant feeding system so that dads can confidently participate in the feeding experience. Playing an active role, rather than feeling like a stand-in, gives an added dimension of meaning and bonding to the early days of parenthood. As you learn this new role, juggle all your responsibilities, and care for everyone around you – make sure not to forget yourself!
This Men’s Health Month, let’s all prioritize the wellbeing of the men we love. Check in with them! Nudge them to go to their annual checkup! And give them a big cheer – we couldn’t do it without them!
