You did it! You brought your bundle of joy home from the hospital. Now what? The first few days with a new-born are crucial for mom and baby bonding, but that doesn’t mean dad is left out in the cold. Here are a step-by-step guide for das on what to do those first few days to get in on the action:
- Give mom a break. New-borns are a lot of work and mom is likely exhausted. Give her a chance to take a nap or take a shower while you take over baby duty.
- Help with the feeding. Whether it’s breast or bottle feeding, dads can help out by holding the baby, burping them, or even just doing the late night feedings so mom can get some much-needed sleep.
- Get involved in the bonding. Bath time, skin-to-skin contact, and reading bedtime stories are all great ways for dad to bond with baby.
- Take on some of the household chores. With a new-born in the house, things can get a little chaotic. Offer to do some laundry, cook dinner, or even just tidy up a bit so mom can focus on taking care of the baby.
- Be there for support. New motherhood can be overwhelming, so just being there for moral support can go a long way.
Having a baby is an amazing and life-changing event. However, it can also be a time of many challenges, both physically and emotionally. For dads, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out how to best support their partner during this time. Here are some tips on how to survive the first few days with a new-born:
- Expect that things will be chaotic and chaotic. It is totally normal for things to be a bit of a mess during those first few days and nights. There will be a lot of crying, feedings, and diaper changes. Accepting this chaos can help you to be more patient and understanding.
- Get some sleep when you can. One of the best things you can do for your partner is to try to get some sleep when you can. This may mean taking turns sleeping in shifts or taking a nap when the baby is sleeping.
- Help out with the feedings. If your partner is breastfeeding, offer to help with feedings. This can be a huge help and allow your partner to get some much-needed rest.
- Do some of the housework. Chances are, your partner will be too exhausted to do much around the house. Offer to help out with things like laundry, dishes, and vacuuming.
- Be there for emotional support. Your partner will likely be feeling a range of emotions during this time, including highs and lows. Just being there to listen and offer support can be a huge help.
- Take some time for yourself. It is also important to make sure you take some time for yourself. Go for a walk, read a book, or take a hot bath. Taking some time to de-stress can help you to be a better support for your partner.
Most of all, be patient.
Would you like to know more about parenting? Go to our next article!
Would you like to know more about your pregnancy? Visit our Mumgazine YouTube channel!