I am a new father of a 3 week old boy. A few things I have learned is just be there for your wife. Know her personality and be extremely supportive even when you don't feel like it. You'll have those days too...your human. Her hormones will be going up and down like a wild roller-coaster (yours will too) and she'll say things that might upset or hurt you. Don't take it personal, just stay supportive and focus your energy on doing laundry, cleaning the house, bringing her comfort foods and water, and staying positive overall. Be eager to learn and help out when you can and try to take off a few days (weeks better) from work. You, your wife, and your baby will benefit greatly. Stay positive and if she is breastfeeding tell her how impressed you are (cause you will be), how proud of her you are and what a great job she is doing. There will be days she feels like a failure. Breast feeding is hard work and very commendable. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions to the nurses at the hospital and the Dr's (her's and your baby's). Lastly be your wife's advocate when it comes to family, the dr. guests, food etc. Keep the lines of communication open and assert both yourself and her wishes to those around you. Don't be afraid to hurt anyone's feelings (except your wife's) and say ';sorry grandma--no visitor's today, maybe tomorrow.'; This time is a time for you and your new family to bond, get rest, grow and learn; not a time for everyone and there brother to come over and ';hold'; the baby. Also, remember to take care of yourself. Get a journal, write down your feelings, spend some quite time reflecting while she and baby are sleeping, walk the dog, find a good supportive male figure to talk to, and don't forget to breath, eat, and get your rest. This isn't the time to watch your favorite sports team and become obsessed with TV or any other male focused activity. As far as the care of your new baby boy, you'll surprise yourself at how much your instincts will kick in once he arrives as far as changing diapers and what he is asking for when he cries. You’re not going to break him. If your wife delivers vaginally or even if she doesn’t, just remember that babies come through a very small place under extremely stressful circumstances to meet us in this world. Just remember to support his head and neck when you hold him and don’t be afraid to get down and dirty when changing a diaper. The first few take a lot of “elbow grease” to clean all that sticky stuff off of him. Everyone and their brother will have an opinion about the care of your baby boy. Lot’s of books are out there telling you a million different ways to do things, usually with an alterative motive… trying to sell you something. Babies are big business. Just remember: he's you and your wife's baby. Consult his pediatrician and most of all, follow your gut. Enjoy those new first days. It truly is an amazing experience.First time Father need baby advise?
the best thing to do, is to watch what your wife does for the first few weeks. Then try to do it as best you can. Believe it or not it comes more natural than you think. Dad's have paternal instincts as well.
I'm a mother not a father but best advice is just help when she needs it. There is nothing you can do or read to prepare you or give you a better understanding of how to take care of a baby. Good Luck!!
Best advice I can give you is be there as much as possible during the first week after having the baby. Your wife can go through what they call the baby blues (I had a little of it) It usually lasts for 3 days and you will pretty much do whetever she asks for to keep her happy. My husband was great... let her get sleep the first night home from the hosp. So get up with the baby because she will be hurting. and that will start giving you bonding time. good luck.
Trust me, it will all come naturally the first time u hold ur baby. No book or movie will tell u how to take care of your child. Ur natural love for your baby will teach u everything u need to know. I am a mother of 3, and my husband was the same way, he was scarred out of his mind, but now he is a natural, and a great father. Good luck:)
once you hold the baby in your hand experience just comes in. its so automatic. but as a father just be around your wife and baby as much as possible and try to help. we are always here to help you with queries.
Congrats on the baby boy! They are sooo... wonderful!! and good for you (and you wife and baby) for wanting to be so involved and helpful! Oh ya I'm a mom too. But the first thing I would say to you is relax, all the fatherly knowledge may not come flooding into you the second your son enters this world but I'm sure you will suprise yourself with what will come naturally. My boyfriend has never provided care for a baby and the day we brought our son home from the hospital I was amazed with how good and comfortable he was with him, he burped him and changed him and walked with him and loved him. I really don't think there is too much that you could screw up its all fairly straight forward (and when it doubt come on here and ask!) I really don't think there is too much to do to prepare yourself. It doesn't matter how many bums you have changed or baths you have given once its your own baby it is different. again good luck and congrats!!!
I'm not a father but your question really touched me! Good for you for wanting to prepare and get support ahead of time! So many people forget that this is a major change and life transition for the man too!!! I wish you the best of luck. You might want to look into classes at your local hospital some of them have ';Daddy Boot Camp';. Good luck to you and congratulations - get ready for the ride of your life!!!
im a single parent but listen up just help her take turns getting up for those 3am feedings so she can sleep too if she asks you to do something do for the baby or not boys are tricky so other than just help here change those diapers fast lol congrats
I am not a father, but I am a mother to a little boy (11 months) and wife to a husband who had no hands on experience either. Just jump in and help out. If you don't know how to do something, don't feel bad asking advice from your wife, mom, etc. The worst thing you can do is not help out. Even though it looks natural, even first time moms are overwhelmed and wondering if they are doing it right! My husband was pretty good for the first week or so but then stopped doing alot. I mean, he loves my son, plays with him, will do things if I ask him to, but sometimes I really could use a break. Give him a bath, put him to bed, watch him just so your wife can go to the store alone. All that little stuff not only helps you bond with your son, but it will help your marriage a ton. Having a new baby is also an adjustment on your marriage and your relationship with your wife. Sometimes it is hard to find the balance between parent and spouse! Good luck and it is the best experience you will ever have! It is impossible to describe how much you love your baby until they are here!
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