THE FIRST FEW WEEKS WITH YOUR NEWBORN - A GUIDE FOR DADS
The newborn stage is an exciting, challenging and short experience – enjoy it! Here, Fiona Ross, parenting coach and mother of five (including twins) shares with you her tips from the battlefield of newbornland.
Is the Newborn car seat installed correctly?
Is the house ready for your newborn to come home?
Is there a dinner ready? (Maybe friends or family have this sorted for you!)
Are the pizza boxes out of sight?
This is the perfect time to create those boundaries for your family. Newborns require a lot of love, cuddles and time in the first few weeks. As a dad it’s important to fend off those well-wishers for your newborn if your partner is just not up to visitors. Put the answering machine on, place that sign on the door or take messages.
Get involved with your Newborn…..
- Change nappies
- Bath your newborn
- Newborns love to hear your voice – talk to them
- Sing to them (they won’t judge your singing!)
- Learn to burp them
- Use the pram and go walking
- Acknowledge when your partner gets up for the night feeds and ask if there is anything you can do to help
Keep the communication lines open and talk with your partner. When your newborn is sleeping grab that time to touch base. Share what’s happening with you and listen to your partner as well. Ask what you can do to help. She needs your love just as much as the newborn. Accept those offers of help from family 0r friends – take the chance to go for a quick coffee or walk together.
Try to leave your work issues at work. Let your partner know what’s happening with you but avoid letting it consume you. Your family needs YOU not your STRESS! Take off as much time from work as you can during your newborns first few weeks. Find out your rights for Paternity Leave.
Do you feel left out? Yes, she has been a little distracted with the newborn lately. This can often happen to us when we get a new job – in a similar way, she’s got a new job too. It takes time to adjust for both of you. Stay connected, let her know what you are feeling and talk to each other. The newborn stage is such a short time!!
Be an effective dad and partner – look out for things to do that you know your partner would appreciate. That cup of tea usually goes down well. The washing brought in is a Godsend!!
Life doesn’t need to STOP with a newborn - it just may slow down for a short time. Work together on what social events you will and will not go to. Don’t push yourselves to please others – your family comes first!!
Dads, did you know that approximately 20% of new mums experience post natal depression?
Signs to look for:
- Poor self-image or low self-worth
- Inability to do household tasks
- Inability to think clearly
- Low moods & tearfulness
- Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
- Loss of sexual intimacy
- Fear of social contact or fear of being alone
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Exaggerated fears about the health of yourself, baby or partner
NOTE: It is normal for all mums to feel emotional and exhausted however, if the above signs are evident for more than two weeks – seek medical help.
Celebrate milestones together…
- Sleeping through the night for the first time (you and the baby!)
- That first beautiful smile
- First night with a babysitter
Enjoy your newborn because before you know it, you will be teaching them to drive!!
…..And remember to have that photo with you for all those that ask (and even those that don’t ask!)
Baby ‘n’ Beyond Pty Ltd
PO Box 44, Turramurra NSW 2074
Mobile 0414 876 023