A Dad’s Guide To Life After Birth

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We are all aware of how much life changes after a baby is born. But most often, we only focus on how that change is manifested in the mother’s life and forget to consider how a father’s life is also turned upside down. Ever since you found out about the pregnancy, you’ve probably been preparing for your baby’s arrival. Sure, it isn’t the same as for the mother because you are not physically experiencing pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean your life doesn’t change. You accompany your partner to doctor’s appointments, pick out baby names, baby proof your home, purchase baby essentials, and even get a room ready for the little one.

Being a father comes with its own set of responsibilities and expectations. Most of the time, the financial commitment is taken up by the father while the mother recovers from childbirth. Nighttime feeding, caring for the baby, putting the newborn to sleep, and ensuring mother and baby are happy and healthy is a father’s responsibility. Yet, people tend to forget how much a father’s life changes after birth. So here we bring you a few tips to guide you into fatherhood and help ease life after birth:

In This Article

Forget The “Normal”

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There may have been days when you wished for the pregnancy to be over so that things can go back to normal. But after a baby is born, there is no such thing as normal. You have to create a new “normal” for yourself and your family because a baby changes your life, and that’s a fact you’ve got to accept.

No More Uninterrupted Sleep

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Even though it’s your partner who wakes up in the middle of the night to feed your newborn baby, your sleep is equally affected too. There might be some nights when your little one refuses to sleep, and you’ll have to spend the night consoling a crying baby. So say goodbye to a good night’s sleep, at least for the next few months.

Keep On Eye On Mommy

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You might be finding it hard to adjust to the new life after birth, but remember that the mother has it worse. She not only has to do everything you’re doing but also physically recover from literally giving birth to new life. Therefore, keep an eye on her and ensure that she’s taking care of herself. Also, look out for signs of postpartum depression and consult a doctor if you start to see symptoms.

Be Kind To Yourself

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No one becomes a dad overnight. It comes with time and practice. So be patient with yourself and look for signs of postpartum blues in yourself too. Yes, you heard that right. Research has shown that new dads can experience postpartum depression, which usually lasts for about six to eight months (1).

Share Your Duties

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It’s time to say goodbye to regressive ways of parenting and opt for mutual parenting. Share your duties and responsibilities so that the burden doesn’t fall on just the mother. Baby care and baby duties need not be dedicated only to the mother. The baby is yours equally, and it’s important to be an involved father.

In today’s day and age, the excuse that household chores are for females won’t stand. Both men and women have to do what’s essential and necessary. Cleaning, cooking, laundry etc. too are hard work and a woman who just delivered a baby shouldnt exert herself too much physically. Fathers must take on some responsibility.

Be Patient And Understanding

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Your partner has just gone through a tremendous amount of change. Physically she needs a lot of time to recover, and mentally she might need more. Reigniting the spark in your relationship might be the last thing on her mind at the moment. She might have no mental energy to get back to doing the deed. So, be patient and understanding of her needs.

Celebrate Together

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Being a dad comes with time, but at the moment, your partner needs your support. It’s not easy to recover from childbirth on her own, and you can surely help her. When you have friends over to celebrate and take the edge off, include her as well. Make sure they are courteous towards your baby and partner.

Your life changes after having a child, and there’s no denying that. But it’s time to up your game and become the father your child needs and the partner the new mother requires. You’re finally a father and as much as you don’t feel completely ready to be one, go with the flow, and you’ll grow into the role. Do you relate to this article? Let us know in the comments below how you dealt with being a new father!

Make Use Of Paternity Leaves

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Yes, the work at the office is important, but so is the time you spend with your little one and partner. Most corporations these days let new fathers enjoy some Paternity leaves. However, often people are embarrassed about availing them. They think they might be judged for taking those leaves. But let us tell you that there’s no need to be. Paternity leave is your right and you should gladly avail of it.

Be The Understanding One

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Mothers go through a lot during their pregnancy and labor. The massive change in their hormone levels can burden them physically as well as mentally. During these tough times, it’s the fathers who will have to be the calm and composed ones. The entirety of this period will require so much decision making – which doctor to visit, which food to buy etc. Be the rock to your partner and family.

Take Part In The Baby’s Learning Processes

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Traditionally, it was the mothers who would concern themselves with how the children are being raised. But in modern times, this is changing. Both parents need to invest ample time to spend with their children. In fact, they need to work together and plan it all out.
Your life changes after having a child, and there’s no denying that. But it’s time to up your game and become the father your child needs and the partner the new mother requires. You’re finally a father and as much as you don’t feel completely ready to be one, go with the flow, and you’ll grow into the role. Do you relate to this article? Let us know in the comments below how you dealt with being a new father!

References

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