1. I doubt you were a great lover your first time out, so why would you expect to know how to be a great dad without any practice? You may not know it yet, but fatherhood can be a lot more fulfilling than donating sperm! Relax, give yourself some time to learn, and have some fun along the way.
2. Hands-on fathering is good for you, your partner and your baby. It's not just about changing diapers. Feeding, bathing, holding and talking to your little one helps you bond together and gain essential on-the-job training.
3. Your wife probably has baby on the brain. Being on duty twenty-four hours a day will do that to a person, and no, she's not as much fun as she used to be. HOWEVER, she will return being more like the woman you fell in love with - maybe even better than you remember - after the three of you make the profound transition to new parenthood.
4. You are important to your wife. It may appear that the baby has eaten her brain, but she still needs you. The beautiful woman you joined up with nine or ten months ago is still in there. Hang in there and stay close.
5. You will have sex again. With your wife. Given a little time, you can resume some of your more enjoyable husbandly duties.
6. Nobody deserves postpartum mood disorders, and nobody causes them either. Don't blame each other when the going gets tough. Know that many symptoms will pass on their own in a couple of weeks, and all are treatable.
7. Sleep heals. Mothers typically take the brunt of sleepless nights, but you're probably not getting as much as you need either. Whoever came up with the phrase "sleeping like a baby" didn't know babies wake up a lot! One proven way to help both of you feel better is to support each other in getting sleep whenever possible.
8. Trust your gut. Everybody, from the guy at the gym to your baby's pediatrician, will give you different advice. Even if you're new at this, your instincts are good. Your wife, your baby and your instincts will let you know what you need to know if you pay attention.
9. You have full permission to play! In fact, your baby needs you to play with him (or her) in order to grow. So act like a kid and stimulate your little one's mind and body at the same time.
10. Learn when to ask for help. Life can be stressful with a new baby. It should get easier with time. If things get worse, or simply don't improve, it is time to ask for help. Check out www.Mommy-Muse.com for information and great resources.
2. Hands-on fathering is good for you, your partner and your baby. It's not just about changing diapers. Feeding, bathing, holding and talking to your little one helps you bond together and gain essential on-the-job training.
3. Your wife probably has baby on the brain. Being on duty twenty-four hours a day will do that to a person, and no, she's not as much fun as she used to be. HOWEVER, she will return being more like the woman you fell in love with - maybe even better than you remember - after the three of you make the profound transition to new parenthood.
4. You are important to your wife. It may appear that the baby has eaten her brain, but she still needs you. The beautiful woman you joined up with nine or ten months ago is still in there. Hang in there and stay close.
5. You will have sex again. With your wife. Given a little time, you can resume some of your more enjoyable husbandly duties.
6. Nobody deserves postpartum mood disorders, and nobody causes them either. Don't blame each other when the going gets tough. Know that many symptoms will pass on their own in a couple of weeks, and all are treatable.
7. Sleep heals. Mothers typically take the brunt of sleepless nights, but you're probably not getting as much as you need either. Whoever came up with the phrase "sleeping like a baby" didn't know babies wake up a lot! One proven way to help both of you feel better is to support each other in getting sleep whenever possible.
8. Trust your gut. Everybody, from the guy at the gym to your baby's pediatrician, will give you different advice. Even if you're new at this, your instincts are good. Your wife, your baby and your instincts will let you know what you need to know if you pay attention.
9. You have full permission to play! In fact, your baby needs you to play with him (or her) in order to grow. So act like a kid and stimulate your little one's mind and body at the same time.
10. Learn when to ask for help. Life can be stressful with a new baby. It should get easier with time. If things get worse, or simply don't improve, it is time to ask for help. Check out www.Mommy-Muse.com for information and great resources.
About the Author:
Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. is a writer and mental health professional dedicated to providing support for the life-changing transition to new parenthood. She offers free weekly MP3 downloads with help for new parents as well as essential information on postpartum depression, postnatal stress and baby blues.
