The arrival of the baby can be overwhelming for new parents.
Changes in lifestyle, new economic and emotional responsibilities, sleep disturbance, fatigue and tension are caused by the care of this new member appear as new challenges. That’s why Mayo Clinic health and wellness experts recommend taking steps to cope with the emotions and challenges of being a parent for a less stressful and much more rewarding experience:
Before the baby’s arrival
If your partner is still pregnant, relieve anxiety by practicing the following tips:
Get involved in the pregnancy process. Men don’t experience the same sensations as pregnancy, so a good way to get involved is to place your hand on your partner’s belly to feel the baby kick. Attending prenatal visits, talking, reading or singing to the baby, the closer you are to your partner’s womb, will help the baby to recognize your voice after birth.
Go to prenatal classes . Prenatal classes can help you and your partner figure out what to expect during labor and delivery, as well as learn how to care for your newborn, becoming a support for mom.
Consult with a financial planner . Talking to a financial planner can help you determine the best way to manage the cost of having a baby.
Create a social support network . During pregnancy, your partner may receive medical support, from loved ones and friends. It is important for men to also have a support network during this time. Look for friends and loved ones who can provide advice and encouragement as you prepare to become a parent.
Talk to your partner . Talk about how your daily life and relationship might change, for better and for worse, once the baby is born.
Consider what kind of parent you want to be . Think of your own father. Consider what aspects of that relationship you would like to emulate with your own child and which ones you could improve.
After the baby is born
After the baby is born, find ways to connect with your new family, as a new dad you can do the following:
Stay in the hospital with your family if the hospital allows it . Enjoy that intimate moment with your partner and the newborn until it is time to take them home.
Take turns with your partner to take care of the baby , to feed it and to change it. If your partner is breastfeeding, offer to feed the baby a bottle of breast milk, help him burp, or put him to sleep after the breastfeeding session.
Play with the baby . Women often stimulate babies in a calm and relaxing way, while men engage babies in louder and more intense activities. Both styles of play are important, and seeing your baby smile is the prize .
Seek help . If you have problems dealing with changes in your relationship or routine and you think you might be depressed, the recommendation is to talk to a therapist or your close friends, so you can avoid this situation affecting your new family.