Parenting advice for new fathers

Alex Bellamy

Print

So, you've read all the baby books and been to a couple of classes, but are you really prepared for the first few months of your new baby's life?

The Dallas Morning News quotes an obstetrician-gynecologist who warns: "Everyone and everything is focused on the birth itself. But it's those first six weeks of baby's life that no one can prepare you for."

According to the paper, one of the main things fathers need to bear in mind is that their partner's body is recovering from a major trauma.

"The minute the placenta is delivered, Mom's cut off cold-turkey from certain hormones … one minute, she's thrilled to have this fantastic baby and the next minute she's exhausted and in pain," Dr Rashmin Savani, chief of neonatal-perinatal medicine at Children's Medical Center Dallas, told the publication.

Its main parenting advice to new dads is to be sensitive to their partner's needs and help out with meals, laundry and other kids. Fathers can also ensure that moms get the rest they need by stepping in and telling visitors "now is just not a good time".

Experts also suggest that dads-to-be talk to other men who have been in their position, as pre-natal classes and advice are generally aimed at women.
ADNFCR-1662-ID-18720114-ADNFCR

Subscribe to the pregnancy newsletter or 4-8 year olds newsletter.

Email this | Print

Login with Facebook

Post a Comment


First Name:
City:
Email Address:
Comments:	Total Words: (400 words*)
	Enter the characters you see in the image. They are case sensitive.

Shopping

Article List

	Yes, you can help your son survive puberty!
	Will your kids become emotionally damaged after a big move?
	Are you a great dad - or just a pushover?
	Tough-but-fair punishments for misbehaving children
	Can children actually become responsible pet owners?
	When can I leave my children home alone?
	Has fatherhood changed in the digital age?
	Understanding the risks and dangers of SIDS
	How do I know if my child has a severe food allergy?
	Did your teenage son recently start dating? Some things to consider
	Help! My children are becoming couch potatoes!
	Don't panic - it's only your child's first cold
	Running errands with the kids - yes, it's possible

All section articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42