The new father

You’ve just had a baby and have become a new father. What a life-changing experience! Believe it or not, your role is no less complicated or stress free than the new mother’s. Even though you did not carry your child for the past 9 months, once the baby is here, you are now responsible for this new life in so many ways.

Pride and joy

Becoming a new father will fill you with a sense of pride and joy for your new family. You will find that your love and admiration for your wife or partner is like never before. Watching her give birth is quite extraordinary and like no other experience.

Emotional rollercoaster

You may experience some conflicting emotions once your newborn arrives. Some new dads or partners feel a sense of being a spectator rather than an involved participant, especially if mom is breastfeeding. There are many things you can do to be a part of your new baby’s everyday routine.

Suggestions for new fathers or partners:

• Take turns getting up in the middle of the night. You can get the baby, change his diaper, and take him to mom for a feeding if she is breastfeeding. When he is done, put him back in his crib. This helps to decrease burnout. It is awfully hard to be the only person always getting up in the middle of the night. It also helps to ensure baby gets put back safely in his crib.
• Choose a time during the day that you can be involved in bath time. Often bathing a newborn requires several hands too! Bath time can be a playful time with a newborn, so enjoy it!
• Take the baby for a walk. This gives you one on one time with your infant and allows mom some special time alone.
• Know that you also need some personal time for the things that you like to do. Together you can work out a schedule that benefits both of you.

Be sure to be involved in your newborn’s life. You don’t want to miss out on the most rewarding and remarkable times with your baby. If you are feeling left out, discuss together how you can become more involved and helpful. Mom will almost always be able to make suggestions and she will be glad to have your support.

To find a pediatrician in our area, call (208) 227-2778 or search now.