The majority of new fathers enjoy a closer or stronger relationship with their partner after having a baby, research by leading charity NCT reveals today.
Its survey of research shows that 44% of new dads said they had a closer relationship with their partner after having a baby, while a further 19% said the bond with their partner was stronger.
However, 21% of new dads said they had less sex or intimacy with their partner after having a baby, citing less ‘couple’ time, more tiredness and different sleeping arrangements as impacting on their sex lives.
Six per cent said their relationship had been negatively influenced by their baby becoming the centre of attention.
NCT Head of Research, Sarah McMullen said: “It’s very common for relationships to go through phases where you or your partner lose interest in sex, or life just gets in the way.
“The dynamics of a new family can mean there is less intimacy between a mum and dad but over time the relationship is often stronger than before.”
Responding to the NCT report, Rona McCandlish, guideline and development advisor at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said it is important to involve fathers as they prepare for parenthood.
“It’s important before the birth for both parents to discuss how they will share child care and also plan for making time to spend together,” she said.
“Midwives recognise that couples can go through tremendous changes and challenges in their emotional and physical relationship whilst they’re pregnant and then in early parenthood.
“It’s very positive that most men in this survey said becoming a father had made the bond with their partner stronger. During pregnancy it’s important to involve partners, to support both mothers and fathers as they prepare for parenthood – which means not just offering advice about caring for a new baby, but also helping a couple navigate changes in their own relationship. “
The RCM has produced a guide for fathers outlining ways in which they can support their partner throughout and after pregnancy.
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