MAN UP GUYS
Pregnancy is one of the greatest moments in a woman's life. However, for others, it brings a whole roller coaster of emotions with it. In some instances it is even hard for women to accept an unplanned pregnancy, says Founder of Post Natal Mental Health Society of Botswana, Portia Keatametse.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Keatametse says that during pregnancy, a woman's body experiences several changes, among them, weight gain, skin problems that cause low self-esteem, and some experience sickness during the course of the pregnancy.
According to Keatametse, in order to show that they are supportive, partners should assure their pregnant mates that they love them and should maintain good communication skills. She adds that assuring their partners tends to boost their self-esteem. It brings a feeling of security to know that even through their weight gain, stretch marks and other skin problems, they are loved.
“The instant a woman announces her pregnancy, male partners should ensure that they are there for their woman. If they loved going out more with friends, they should prioritise spending time with their woman. It is really helpful even towards the mental health state of the woman during their pregnancy,” said Keatametse.
She said support should not just be during the pregnancy, but should continue after birth. In fact, she says the birth of the baby is the time that more support is needed from a woman's significant other. Keatametse highlighted that sometimes women become moody and distant from their partners during this time. She adds that it is a time to also know that they somewhat feel overwhelmed. Sometimes they do not have the motivation and this is the point when men as partners should chip in and assist even if there are no negative signs are detected.
She shared that there are many things that men need to be involved in pre and post pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, a woman tends to feel tired more often. Partners, therefore need to help with household chores including cleaning, cooking, and laundry. If that is not possible, they can pay a helper to assist.
After birth, they need to assist with diaper changes, making milk bottles, bathing the baby, among others. In addition, they should also help with taking the child for monthly checkups, Keatametse says.
A 27-year-old Kelebogile Morake of Manaka ward in Francistown is seven months pregnant, and could not imagine her pregnancy journey without her partner. She finds herself fortunate enough that his 35-year-old boyfriend is giving her all the support she needs since the day she found out she was pregnant.
Morake adds that her boyfriend has been accompanying her on her pre-natal check-ups and this has brought her some sense of security and she believes there will be good growth for her unborn child.
Keatametse told The Midweek Sun that some of the reasons advanced by males for being absent during their partners’ pregnancy include immaturity on their part. They are not ready to accept themselves that they are about to be fathers therefore fail to support their pregnant partners.
“In some instances it is as a result of childhood traumas on their part. Some of these men were raised by emotionally absent parents,” she says, adding that some just do not care and are emotionally cold.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Keatametse says that during pregnancy, a woman's body experiences several changes, among them, weight gain, skin problems that cause low self-esteem, and some experience sickness during the course of the pregnancy.
According to Keatametse, in order to show that they are supportive, partners should assure their pregnant mates that they love them and should maintain good communication skills. She adds that assuring their partners tends to boost their self-esteem. It brings a feeling of security to know that even through their weight gain, stretch marks and other skin problems, they are loved.
“The instant a woman announces her pregnancy, male partners should ensure that they are there for their woman. If they loved going out more with friends, they should prioritise spending time with their woman. It is really helpful even towards the mental health state of the woman during their pregnancy,” said Keatametse.
She said support should not just be during the pregnancy, but should continue after birth. In fact, she says the birth of the baby is the time that more support is needed from a woman's significant other. Keatametse highlighted that sometimes women become moody and distant from their partners during this time. She adds that it is a time to also know that they somewhat feel overwhelmed. Sometimes they do not have the motivation and this is the point when men as partners should chip in and assist even if there are no negative signs are detected.
She shared that there are many things that men need to be involved in pre and post pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, a woman tends to feel tired more often. Partners, therefore need to help with household chores including cleaning, cooking, and laundry. If that is not possible, they can pay a helper to assist.
After birth, they need to assist with diaper changes, making milk bottles, bathing the baby, among others. In addition, they should also help with taking the child for monthly checkups, Keatametse says.
A 27-year-old Kelebogile Morake of Manaka ward in Francistown is seven months pregnant, and could not imagine her pregnancy journey without her partner. She finds herself fortunate enough that his 35-year-old boyfriend is giving her all the support she needs since the day she found out she was pregnant.
Morake adds that her boyfriend has been accompanying her on her pre-natal check-ups and this has brought her some sense of security and she believes there will be good growth for her unborn child.
Keatametse told The Midweek Sun that some of the reasons advanced by males for being absent during their partners’ pregnancy include immaturity on their part. They are not ready to accept themselves that they are about to be fathers therefore fail to support their pregnant partners.
“In some instances it is as a result of childhood traumas on their part. Some of these men were raised by emotionally absent parents,” she says, adding that some just do not care and are emotionally cold.
