Parenting advice for new fathers

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.