For New Dads : Finding Ways to Bond with Your Baby
>> Feb 1, 2011
Congrats to a new Dad! If it’s your first time, perhaps you still feel awkward in the role of Dad. Don’t worry, I found an article that will help you through the process entering fatherhood.New Dads should understand first that the bonding with baby is a process; it isn’t something that happens immediately. Hogan Hilling, the author of The Man Who would be Dad, said that new dads should build a relationship and it will need time. New Moms already have the bonding, since they had a nine-month head start and carried the baby inside.
Bonding around Breastfeeding
Of course, you can’t breastfeed, but you can help in the process.
-Ask your wife to wake you up every time she wants to breastfeed the baby.
-Bring the baby to Mom and rock the baby to sleep after the feeding.
-Attending a breastfeeding class with your wife. It will make you more understand what is involved in breastfeeding a baby.
-Communicate with your wife’s lactation consultant, and be the middleman. If your wife faces a trouble breastfeeding, you can give some input that will help the lactation consultant to resolve it.
Don’t be hesitant to talk about your baby in your work place.
Hilling said that it’s a good thing. Let your employer and coworkers know that family is very important to you and how proud you are as a new dad. The aim is : if you ask your employer the afternoon or morning off to take your baby to doctor visits or other occasion, your employer will understand.
Consider taking your baby to the doctor alone. Tell your wife that you want to have the time alone with your baby. Ensure your wife that she can really trust you!
Simple things but can be the sweetest ways: changing diapers, bathing, feeding, singing, taking walks. Each minute you spend with the baby will enhance your bond with the baby.
Though you’re in the middle of bonding process, don’t forget your wife. Hilling mentioned some tips for you to connect with your wife throughout pregnancy and beyond:
- Call your wife from work occasionally. Offer her comfortable words or just have a conversation with her. Tell your wife how excited you feel for her and you in becoming parents.
- Give her permission to call you at work. It will give her great comfort in knowing that you still love her and think about her.
- Send your wife a "Love You" or "Mother's Day" card in the mail, either to your house or her place of work.
- Take your wife out for a lunch date.
- Give her massages.
- Say the words "I love you" often.
Data source :babyzone.com






















