FAMILY MAN LIFE AS A NEW DAD
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3. Connect through touch Physical touch makes your baby feel safe and secure and builds trust and connection with you. This kind of bonding with newborns also stimu- lates your baby’s brain development. You could try carrying and holding your baby as often as you can. If you hold them to your chest, they can hear your heartbeat. 4. Talk to your baby as often as you can while you’re carrying or changing your baby. For example, ‘Let’s get this nappy changed. That feels better, doesn’t it? Here’s a nice clean nappy. Don’t cry – we’ll be finished soon’. Every word baby hears helps develop his language and learning and strengthens your relationship with him. Telling stories, reading books or singing songs has the same effect. 5. Look after your relationship . Having a new baby can put extra strain on your relationship with your partner. Try to stay positive and support each other as you learn how to parent together. Asking how your partner is going lets your partner know you care and you are there to support your new family. Understand the changes you will both be experiencing particularly around post partum and depression that can occur, also for men, about 10% of men can experience depres- sion after childbirth. 6. Help with breastfeeding Your support for breastfeeding can be vital while your partner is learning. You could give practical support – a glass of water, another pillow or whatever she needs. Or if she’s having trouble, you could encourage her to get help. If your partner finds she can’t breastfeed, you could reassure her that it’s OK and consider learning about bottle-feeding and formula.
Becoming a dad will possibly be one of the biggest events in your life. Making the most of any time you have off work to get to know your baby is a great way to start your life as a dad. This is time to begin your relationship with your child. Make sure to attend pre natal classes and mid wife meetings so you can share this journey as parents together. Be aware of paid parental leave that is available and prepare in advance so your employer is on board with you taking time away from work. As a dad, you’re going to have a huge impact on your child’s life. Newborn babies come into the world ready to connect with both their parents. If you’re going through the intense emotions – not to mention lack of sleep – that often come with a new baby, you might be wondering where to start and what to do. You might even be thinking your partner has it all covered, and feeling unsure of what’s left for you to do. PARENTAL LEAVE 1. Get involved in the daily care of your baby – dressing, settling, playing, bathing and nappy changing – is the best way to build your skills and confidence. These everyday activities also create lots of one-on-one time with your baby, which is the building block of a positive relationship. Another bonus is that it’s also good for your baby’s other parent to have a break. 2. Learn your baby’s cues, Babies give ‘cues’ or signals to what they need through their behavior and body language. By really paying attention to your baby’s cues, over time you’ll learn how to work out what your baby needs.
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