Are you a first time dad?

Fatherhood is a life-changing and challenging experience that most definitely brings loads of happiness along with huge responsibilities. There are no set rules for tackling fatherhood, you learn as you go through the process of nurturing your child. Parenthood is not the responsibility of just the mother; it is also for fathers actively participate in the most important years of the child’s growth.

The first most important aspect of fatherhood that men need to understand is that both pre natal and post natal periods are crucial from the point of view of the child and your partner. You need to understand that your partner will be irritable at times and may have several mood swings. Always be encouraging whether it is during feeding the baby or changing the diapers along with trying to help as much as possible. Also participate in holding the baby so that your partner can relax in between. In case the birth is a caesarean section, then you need to be more careful with both the child and your partner.

Getting help whenever possible is also a good idea to ease your pressures of handling the baby. Ensure that you have all the supplies that the baby and the mother will require during this period. In case you have visitors, ask them to help with the food or fetching material on their way to your place. This way you will be able to cut down on your already huge to-do list. Participate in changing diapers, holding the baby while putting it to sleep, taking it out for fresh air, either on your terrace or in your garden, bathing the child or simply keeping an eye while your partner sleeps or relaxes on her own.

The most endearing prospect of fatherhood is the opportunity to bond with your baby. Your partner having given birth to your child and breast feeding it will anyway share a bond with the little one. But you as a father will have to develop the relationship and make sure that your baby recognizes your voice and feels comfortable when you hold him/ her.

It is also true that fathers are worried with planning for the future as soon as the child is born. The financial arrangements of raising a child can overwhelm you but do not get burdened by everything at one time. Take each day as it comes and plan accordingly. Avoid making very long term plans when the baby is yet too young. Plan for the short-term and slowly once the first few months are over and your partner is fit to join in, you can consult her and start with the long-term plans. In case you feel that you can not cope with the pressures of fatherhood, you can go in for counseling till all is well and you feel settled to take on the further responsibilities.

Whenever you feel down or depressed due to the lack of time or lack of attention from your partner, simply remember that it is your child that is being taken care of and will surely bring you happiness in the future. The feeling of being a family will help you combat negative feelings. Wish all you new fathers a satisfying parenting!