Becoming a new dad is one of the biggest changes in your life, and connecting with your baby from birth is just as important to a new dad as it is to a new mom.
Talking, playing, and participating in the daily hustle and bustle of a newborn's life not only creates this bond, it can also be a great support for your partner and have a positive impact on your relationship.
Even if you don't have a lot of work time, coming home and tidying up the house or taking the baby to your partner's place to rest or shower means a lot to them. It also gives you time to develop a good relationship with your child.
That's not to say you won't experience similar emotions, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion that come with a newborn. If you're feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start to help, or if you think your partner is in control, think again.
Newborn babies want to socialize with both parents, so here are some dos and don'ts to make the first few weeks smoother:
Do:
• Help from the start. This includes dressing, acclimatizing, playing and even bathing your new baby, giving your partner a break and building your bond with your baby.
• build connection. Playing with your baby and talking to him often creates a strong bond. Newborn babies need their mom and dad, so it's important to be as connected as possible.
• Communicate with your partner. Check it out. Do they need help with housework or dinner, or just a cup of tea? Have a healthy relationship with your partner.
• Stay home as much as possible. Don't go to the bar with the boys after get off work. Instead, go home and see what support you can offer. This is your child too, and your relationship with him is just as important.
• Learn about baby cues. Noticing your baby's needs when they whimper or cry will make your partner feel supported throughout the newborn period and beyond.
• Learn how to change diapers and swaddles. This is a great help for your partner and gives her more time to rest.
• Share the bottling tax. It's a great way to bond with your baby and give your partner a break when you're bottle feeding.
Don’t:
- prepare dinner. It's something you can organize, and honestly, the last thing your partner wants to do. Your partner will appreciate it if you hand her a plate of food to eat between feedings.
• Suppose you are a nanny. It's interesting how many partners refer to taking care of their children as "nanny". You don't babysit. You are just as responsible for your new baby as your partner.
• Lie flat in the air with your baby. This can be a rookie mistake that many affiliates make. The last thing you want is to vomit in your face.
• Take all advice. Trust your intuition. You and your partner know what's best for your new baby, and no one else knows. Anyway, just smile and get rid of the lump in your stomach.
• make plans. The last thing your partner wants to do is get out. She was exhausted and probably hadn't showered for days. The last thing she wants is to socialize, or have you move out with your friends and leave her alone at home.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. When you and your partner feel overwhelmed, there is no judgment to ask for help. Having someone clean your room, hold your baby while you nap, or bring you a meal can defuse an overwhelming situation.
It is important to understand your worth and worth
during your freshman year. When the opposite is true, fathers often feel a
little neglected or unwanted. When your partner feels overwhelmed or exhausted,
they may alienate them. Don't take it personally. Providing support in tiny
ways will mean your partner's world. Preparing dinner or
breastfeeding your baby to give her the much-needed rest is good for her
self-care, your relationship with your partner, and your relationship with your
newborn.
