Looking after a newborn is hard work. There is a lot going on, and if you thought that pregnancy was tough, you’re in for a real shock when the baby comes along. Whether you’re going to be a single dad or you have your partner, you have got to be willing to put in the work to really be there for this child. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you need to know about looking after a newborn, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.
Learn Their Cries
You need to learn their cries for your own sake, and for theirs. You might think that all babies’ cries sound the same, but this is absolutely not true. There are subtle little differences that let you know the difference in meaning as they are not able to communicate with words. After a little while you will be able to tell whether your child is hungry, sleepy, needs a diaper change or is just bored.
It’s essential that you understand that sometimes babies just cry. It’s a new environment for them, it’s different to what they are used to and that can be tough. You just need to learn what the cries mean, and if there is nothing wrong, do everything you can to calm them down.
If Something Is Wrong
If something is not quite right with your baby, then we recommend you take them to see a doctor as soon as you can. While it might seem as though you are panicking over the little things, if you are concerned then you need to take them to see a medical professional. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to children. You can get them checked 100 times if you feel it’s necessary, because you always want to be on the safe side.
If something is wrong and it’s something that you believe happened because of the doctor or medical staff, then you can look at getting an experienced HIE lawyer or a specialist in whatever is happening. Do not stay quiet if a medical professional has messed up.
Try To Keep Calm
It’s hard to be a new parent. It’s hard to adjust to the new routine for you, the lack of sleep, the constant cuddles and while it’s the best feeling in the world, there are times where it can feel like you have a huge weight on your shoulders. There are even times where you feel like you’re going to scream just to get it all out, but the more worked up you get, the more worked up they get. You have got to try to stay calm, even when it’s tough.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need to do when it comes to looking after a new baby. It’s not going to be an easy time, and it is going to take some adjusting, but that little bundle in your arms is worth every second of sleep deprivation that you will experience. We wish you nothing but the best.
Being able to support partners as a new dad after being given is something many dads wish they could do better. The thing is, without being a mind reader, navigating the complex succession of hormones, lifestyle changes, and caring for a new baby can be difficult. After all, giving birth was the sole responsibility of mum. It is natural for dads to feel helpless after seeing the intensity of the birth experience and what it does to a woman’s body.
Of course, the result is worth it, but how, as a new dad, can you support your wife or partner in the days and weeks after the birth?
Be Proactive
Don’t just sit and wait for permission to get involved in the care regarding feeding and changing your new baby. In the immediate hours and days after the birth, a woman’s body is changing and recovering from growing a human for the past 9 months and then making sure the baby arrived safely. Sometimes, a newborn is diagnosed with a serious condition like Cerebral Palsy as a result of negligence by a healthcare professional. If you are faced with this traumatic diagnosis, you can seek help from specialists like Gadsbywicks to make sure the healthcare professional is held accountable and your family receives any necessary financial support.
It can mean a lot of pain, exhaustion, and reduced ability to do even small tasks. If the baby is being breastfed, then taking over changing and settling the baby back to sleep so mum can rest is important. Allowing her the time and dignity to meet her basic needs as she continues to support this new life will help you both build a better relationship and learn how to best parent together without the onus being on one parent to do most of the caretaking.
While it is true that babies will rely on mum mostly in the immediate days after birth, there is nothing stopping you from forming a bond with your child during this time too. Don’t be a bystander in your child’s life, let them both know you are here to love them.
Research
It can be tempting to let mum take care of finding out you need to know about your newborn baby, but researching what you can expect to happen or what is normal for newborn babies regarding sleeping and feeding patterns will help you be more involved. Taking an interest in the different types of products you need so you can buy refills, e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, and different brands of nipple cream for breastfeeding mums.
Many parents read up on baby books before the baby arrives; however, once you become a parent, it is a whole new ball game with a new set of variables thrown into the mix.
Take the Initiative
Try not to rely on mum so much to do things, or know things. This can help increase the mental load that already weighs heavy on mums even before their baby is born.
Taking the initiative to assist with any issues that arise, such as needing to buy specialist products for dry skin for a baby or tackling patches of eczema and checking is hydrocortisone cream safe for babies should you need to use along with other medication that is safe for use with babies, it will help reduce and balance out the mental load that many mums find they can carry the burden for.
This also applies to household chores, cooking meals, or taking the baby out for a walk so she can rest and relax for a little bit. Think of what you can do to make her life easier and reduce how much she has to think about and do while caring for a newborn. Why not head to the supermarket and get the weekly shopping and take the baby so mum can rest!
Support
New parents both need support to help get through the early stages of parenting. Not knowing what you are doing is a common worry, and as such, some gentle reassurance and support can make all the difference to struggling parents. Being able to support each other or take over the bulk of caring for your newborn so your partner can rest will go a long way to helping them relax and build up their confidence.
Tell them they are doing a great job, or let them know how amazing you think they are. It may not sound much, but if mum struggles and feels unsupported, these words of encouragement can help out a lot.
Be encouraging to help her build confidence for being alone with the baby and even seeing if joining a local baby group can help give her support so that sometimes only other mums can.
Listen
Sometimes all you need to do is to listen. It can be a very hormonal time for women once they have given birth, and long nights spent breastfeeding and serving off very little sleep can really take their toll. Being able to sit down together and really listen to what the other person has to say and express how they feel is a great way to support someone on their own terms and not really do anything physical.
Avoid interjecting and correcting. Hormones can be a mess meaning they might not even understand how they feel or why they are feeling this way. Patience, time, and being a good listener are all qualities that partners can exhibit to show support and love to their baby mum in the early days of parenting and beyond.
Put Her Needs First
Parenting is stressful for both parents, and until you find your groove and what works for your new family unit, it can be trial and error as you work out your routine. During this time, pay close attention to mums needs and try to anticipate what she will need.
For example, if you notice she needs more support during breastfeeding, always make sure to get her an extra pillow and have it close by for when the baby is feeding. Breastfeeding can take a while and be thirsty work for both mum and baby. So bring in some snacks and a drink or hand over the TV remote, so she doesn’t need to worry about what she needs. Run a shower or a bath, order her favorite takeaway or take cues when she is tired and let her get an early night.
The more equal you both make the relationship, the easier it will be for you to rely on each other when you need help, support, and time away from parenting. Because sometimes, everyone needs a little bit of time away to collect the thoughts and recharge their batteries.
Check-In
When you are back to work, don’t forget to check in regularly to see if your family needs anything or just for a chat. If your partner will be at home all day with no other adult company, then you taking the time to say hi and see how things are going can give you a chance for a little bit of company.
Try to avoid going back to habits you would do pre-baby. Things like unexpectedly heading to the bar after work or the gym without prior notice can be really disrespectful. Especially if mum has had a hard day and you expect her to manage alone for longer while you are doing what you want to do.
Instead, try to work out the best days and times in advance when you can do this and make sure you are both happy with the arrangements instead of making spontaneous plans with no prior communication. Your life has changed now, and so should the way you act.
Accept Help
If you are both struggling then it is important to remember that family, friends and medical professionals are there to support you in your journey as a new parent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling or you need extra support. Rope in grandparents or family for babysitting duties if you are both sleep deprived. Consult your doctor or pediatrician for guidance if something doesn’t feel right. No one will think less of you and if you need extra help there is no shame in reaching out.
In conclusion
Becoming new parents can be a life-changing event. You will have had time to get ready for your new arrival during pregnancy, however being conscious of the decisions you are making, the input you have regarding running your home and work life once the baby is born can make all the difference.
Being mindful of the changes you are both experiencing and the impact giving birth can have on Mum’s body and mental health will help you to be able to support each other as you get used to caring for your new baby together.
The main takeaways from this are that you need to support your partner who has just given birth in many more ways than you would have done had you not been pregnant. Taking over the burden of the day-to-day running of your household, being supportive and caring without pressurizing, and playing an active role in caring for your newborn will help you make sure mum isn’t left alone to do everything. You both get to spend quality time together and with your new baby, building a bond in the best way possible.
The best Christmas Present for 2017, that is. I don’t want our sweet 4 year old girl, Avery stumbling upon this post one day and forever having her feelings hurt. I promise, Avery, you were definitely the best Christmas present ever for 2013. 🙂
I don’t find much time for writing lately, and this one will be short, but I wanted to give an update to my last post about how we are having a boy. Since then, she grew from the 15 weeks pregnant pic in that post….
15 weeks with our baby boy.
…..to 36 weeks pregnant.
And right before hitting the 39 week mark, she gave birth to our boy!
Hello, World, I’m here!
Going Mom gave birth naturally at an awesome birth center near our home to a handsome little guy named Weston on Sunday, November 19th, 2017. Just 5 days after his big sister’s birthday; talk about close!
People kept telling us the second child comes fast and makes for a quick labor, but my wife and I were both shocked at how fast the entire birth went. Her water broke at home around 7:50 pm and he was born that same night at 10:10 pm. We are forever thankful for having such an amazing midwifes and doula crew who knew how to support us, ensure everyone was safe, and keep calm throughout the process. Thanks to them, we had our boy in our arms, safe and sound to hold and snuggle with.
Our friends with 2 or more kids told us going from having a kid, to having kids is different, simply put, and so far that’s holding true. Different as in hard, different as in wonderful, different as in, awesome, different as in….well, you get, it’s a mixed bag of emotions! But I’ll be damned if it’s not the sweetest thing seeing Avery being a proud big sister.
It will take some time to adjust to not getting all of the attention, but overall, I’d say she’s coping fairly well. We get Going Mom at home for the next 4 months since her job has an awesome maternity leave policy, and man do we need it just to get somewhat adjusted to life as a family of four. Besides the crazy sleep schedule and constant diaper changes, I’d say we’re doing just fine though. We even picked out our (real) Christmas tree together and took the obligatory selfie.
We made Wes cut down the tree, that’s why he’s sleeping in the pic.
I’m cutting it short since I need sleep. Once things settle, I’ll try for more details, but until then, keep up to date on my Facebook and Instagram pages if you’d like.
If I don’t post before, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
