Novelty wears off quickly for first-time fathers
The research, by private health insurers Vivas Health, found more than four in five first-time fathers accompany mum to her pre-natal classes but this attendance rate halves if his partner is not a first-time mum. The novelty of nappy-changing also wears off with each respective child: 82% of first-time dads assisted with the nappy-changing, falling to 65% of dads with more than one child.
According to the women surveyed, just three in 10 dads-to-be took charge of the housework during their pregnancy, although eight in 10 men helped out before and after the baby was born.
From the mothers’ perspective, the research found the internet was more popular than the family doctor in their quest for information with 57% logging on for data, compared with 56% approaching their GP; 52% relying on friends and 45% turning to books.
The research also found the majority of mums-to-be changed their habits significantly when they found out they were pregnant. Almost eight in 10 changed their eating habits prior to the arrival of the firstborn, compared to an overall figure involving all mums to just over six in 10. In addition:
50% did not consume any alcohol during their pregnancy.
More than two in five had fewer than 10 units a week.
92% never smoked during their pregnancy.
6% had one packet of cigarettes or more a week.
75% of mums attended antenatal classes.
Half of all mothers made no financial provision for the birth of their child and the majority found their district public health nurse supportive.
The release of the survey findings of 138 mums who had babies in the past two years was timed to coincide with the announcement by Vivas Health of new maternity benefits, including a breastfeeding consultant benefit, partner benefit, cover for 4D ultrasound and baby massage and cranial osteopathy.
Vivas Health chief executive Oliver Tattan said they had listened to what consumers wanted in devising the new benefits.
“With the launch of unique benefits, such as the breastfeeding consultant benefit, partner benefit and discounts on fertility testing products, Vivas Health are responding to the needs of mothers.”
For full details call 1850-716666 or visit www.vivashealth.ie
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