This is for the dad's that have to get back to the reality of work once their babies are born to provide for their new family!!
Dad's miss out on a lot of bonding time with their newborn babies, especially if mum is breastfeeding.
When experts talk about bonding, they're referring to the intense attachment you develop with your baby. It's the feeling that makes you want to shower your newborn with love and affection, all those newborn feels.
Here are a few ways you can connect and bond with your newborn
TALK TO YOUR BABY REGULARLY:
Sing to them, talk to them, read to them!! They love to hear the sound of your voice and see your face!!
Hold your newborn close as you read to them so the bond strengthens between you both.
HOW TO BE INVOLVED WHEN BABY IS FEEDING:
Just because your partner is breastfeeding doesn't mean you miss out. Once the baby is fed, you can take over by burping them, singing to your newborn, playing with your baby, or just holding/cuddling with your baby.
You can also do the nappy changing in between feeds
If your partner is pumping her breast milk, Or baby is formula fed then you can also take over some of your baby's feedings. That way you and your baby have some extra bonding time, and your partner can get some rest. It is also sometimes easier for baby to take the bottle from someone else rather than mum!!
INCLUDE YOUR BABY:
Watching your favourite footy team or Netflix series!? Include your newborn baby by giving them snuggles on your chest as you watch!! they will sleep soundly and you will get perfect cuddles.
Want to go for a walk? Put your newborn in a carrier and take them with you, or if you think you will get too hot and sweaty then put them in the pram!! Its all about spending time with them.
BE A HANDS ON DAD:
Get hands on from the beginning. Getting involved in the daily care of your baby dressing, settling, playing, bathing and nappy changing these are all great ways to build your skills and confidence.
Pick an activity that fits into your work time frame and do that with your newborn baby!! My husband works 12-13 hour days but has always done bath time since the girls where born!
It is their time to talk, sing, splash and catchup on the day together.
This doesn't just mean for your newborn baby but also for your baby Mumma!!
I had to have 2 caesarean births with my baby girls, so my hubby had to step up from day dot!! He did the first nappy changes and placed baby on me when they needed feeding, cuddled and soothed them if they where unhappy. He also helped me shower and get what I needed for the first fragile day until I could move around more freely.
YOUR A TEAM:
Every relationship is different however parenthood is a partnership and there is no right or wrong. No 'that's your job or my job'
Your in it together, so do things as a team!!
Mum's - Let your baby daddy help!!!! let go of things that you don't need to do or control and let them have bonding time!!
Dad's- be patient!! Mumma's has ALOT of hormones floating around that we can't control and we will have off days so please be patient with us.
Together- you can pick each other up and support each other when you have bad days.
XO