For a man, nothing can compare to the joy of becoming a new dad. It is one of life’s greatest milestones, one might say. However, as the initial frenzy settles and reality kicks in, not to mention new sets of responsibilities and duties, a new papa may be faced with the stress of performance as a new dad. Yes, a baby can put a massive strain on any relationship.
Having a baby in the house for the first time will somehow rob your wife and you from sleep and rest. Her hormone levels are facing drastic changes, plus she has her recovery from the physical exertions of labour to deal. Just remember that this bit isn’t going to last forever and hey, you’re a daddy now! Yes, you are. You better believe it!
A Guide For Every New Dad
Life At Home
You entered the hospital as a couple and came home with a third family member. That means there’s a third person exists in your relationship now. It might not be that easy to cope with the reality of it, never mind the fact that it is a tiny being! Before this, you were a number one priority of your spouse. Well, things will have to change now, and you will have to get used to not being the only one she gave her attention. It will do her a great deal if she hears from yourself that you understand and accept that.
It is important to keep in mind that your baby needs constant attention for the first few weeks. Your wife is, in fact, the main person to see this. So, if she’s working so hard to look after your baby, who’s looking after her? Yes, you! Don’t neglect her just cause you got this feeling like you are not getting the attention you used to have.
Offer Her Some Me Time
Now and then, do try to move some of your work or after work schedule around to be home for her and the baby. It will give her some much-needed rest and perhaps even a chance to take a small break from caring for the baby. By offering to help, she can take a long soak in the tub or even just sleep!
If your friends keep calling you out for an after-work drink? You don’t have to decline every offer, but turning down the invites every now and then and being home to help. Your wife will appreciate it more than you will ever know! The pub or bar isn’t going anywhere, anyways! There is always another time to meet up with the buddies
Intimacy
Your wife has just given birth! So, seriously? Let’s leave that for a while, shall we? Well, at least for the next six weeks at least! Putting off some action in bed doesn’t mean that she loves you less now, nor does it mean she has fallen out of love with you. It is a fact that the mixture of tiredness, hormonal changes in the body after the birth and constant caring for your baby will cause most women to lose their sex drive. Telling her, you love her helps immensely! Remember – loving hugs and cuddles are always welcome and appreciated, and for the time being, it doesn’t really need to lead to anything else.
Don’t Snub Help
Offers of help to run errands and many more will be likely to pour in from well-meaning friends and relatives. Do it on both the ones you like and the ones you never did! During this stage, it isn’t really the best time to show them you are super daddy! It will be in the best for you to accept or even offers any assistance, especially during the first few weeks. Any help with cleaning, cooking, laundry will do more than you think and leave you with one less errand or chore to take care.
How about that? Being a new dad can be overwhelmed at first as your role in the family change, and as a dad, there’s more responsibility that you have to carry out. What’s making it more overwhelmed is when you feel like your wife doesn’t really give much attention to you and only focus on the baby. You should be there for your wife and ask if things are okay for her to handle the baby.
During this stage, your wife will need your love, care and support as she might face postpartum depression after just having the baby. She will appreciate you and love you more when you understand her more than she expects to be understood.
Stay tuned for more relationship tips and tricks on our blog. Make sure to check out Motherhood.com.my for all the baby items you will need to care for your baby.