All You Need to Know as a New Dad (o.k.-maybe not everything!)
June 29, 2011 | Comments | Chicago 4D Ultrasound News, Things to Know
As the second installment of our Need to Know Series from Stork Snapshots 4D Ultrasound Studio and Bare Belly Boutique, we think this is a great primer for the new Daddy in your life!
Becoming a parent is often overwhelming for both parents. Although there isn’t a course that can prepare you for fatherhood, we’ve put together some important and fun information that can help even the most nervous Dad find the “Super Dad” within!
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions (yes, Dads, we mean you!)…
Don’t be afraid to ask the “experts” to show you how to do things. This starts the moment your little one is born. You can ask the hospital nursery personnel to show you how to change, swaddle, and bathe your baby. This is not a natural instinct for most parents (moms included). In fact, a survey of most first time parents showed that they were very nervous with most of the initial care they gave their baby. By getting involved early, you can show your wife and family that you want to be involved and you’re eager to learn! This is also a great opportunity to bond with your baby.
Trust your fatherly instincts…
Listen to the emerging “dad” inside of you! You will become the expert on your own baby. Believe it or not, even the most nervous dads become relaxed the more they interact with their babies. Initially, you may be very stiff while holding your little one, but after a few minutes, when you realize he/she won’t break, you’ll find that you are more relaxed and natural. In just a few days, the most nervous dad will feel like a “natural” after changing a few diapers, comforting a crying baby and getting up for that 2am feed!
Be supportive and a good listener…
When it comes to your partner, it is important to remember that communication and support are the keys to success especially in those first few weeks. Remember, that your partner has been through a lot during childbirth and that doesn’t include the 9 months of hormones and body changes. Although it seems instinctual that every mom should know what to do, she may be as overwhelmed as you. Make sure to support her and give her some “me” time during the first few weeks. As a Mom, myself, I know that I couldn’t wait to take a 20 minute shower or just take a nap!
Getting advice…from everyone?
During the first few weeks, there will be many visitors who want to share in the joy of your new arrival. With those visitors comes a slew of unsolicited advice. Anectdotes for feeding, changing diapers and crying babies are just a sampling of advice that will be doled out. Don’t let this advice shy you away from your baby. It’s easy for a new dad to feel excluded from taking care of a baby, or that he can’t do anything right when others seemingly “more experienced” are around. Take your time, follow your instincts. Yes, you will make mistakes, but you will learn from them…
Go for a walk…
Babies are not as fragile as you think! Newborns can go outside, go for walks in a stroller and ride in a car. The biggest mistake new parents make is to shut themselves off from their normal activity because they are afraid to expose the baby. If you are smart about protecting your baby from the sun and from those people who might be ill, you should enjoy your bundle of joy and inclued him/her in your daily activities. Experts agree that returning to normal activity will help even the most nervous parent feel more relaxed about their baby and his/her development!
Oh, the tears…
Dads will tell you that the most stressful time with a new infant is when the baby begins to cry. You’ve checked the diaper, the baby is fed and he’s been swaddled–yet, the little guy just won’t stop crying. This can be very frustrating for moms and dads alike. It is important to know that babies may cry just to let off some steam! If you know the baby is safe, dry and fed letting him/her cry can often teach the baby how to self-console – an important step in development. If you get frustrated, put the baby in the crib or bassinet and take a few moments to reflect and get your thoughts together. Lack of sleep can make even the best parent a little unnerved! Remember, this, too, shall pass.
They grow up too fast…
It is now time to permantly place this historic phrase “slow down and smell the roses” into your daily mantra. Make time on your outlook calendar to have “play time” with your baby. You’ll find that it is always easy to fill your time up with “other stuff” because you’ll have time “later”. Once your baby is born, how you measure the passing of time changes! You’ll find that what you thought was only a few days has turned into weeks or months. During the first year of your baby’s life, he or she will change and emerge into a little person right before your eyes. If you blink, you will miss it! Make the time and enjoy fatherhood – you can never get this time back!
