Dads need not feel left out. Your wife will appreciate all the help and support you can give her at this time. While you cannot fed the baby you can hold, rock, change, burp and chat with the little one. Taking baby for a walk so mom can shower or bathe will have the double benefit of allowing you time alone with the baby and giving mom a chance to recharge.
Don't forget to tell your wife how much you love her, how great she is with the baby and how beautiful you think she is. Keep in mind that, especially if this is your first baby, your wife is probably feeling as nervous as you are about having full time care of this new little life. It is sometimes difficult for new mothers as they feel that they are expected to know everything, and to know why the baby is crying and what to do about it. Her uneasiness may be directed towards you at times as anger or heightened sensitivity to casual comments. For instance, "What did you do today?" could sound like " What have you been doing all day? Why is the house a mess? How come you're not dressed?" That will likely not be what you meant understanding as you do the time babies take and how important it is that your wife not tire herself. Console yourself with the fact that this shall pass quickly and try not to take anything that is said personally. Take-out dinners, bubble baths and help with laundry will go a long way to easing the stress your wife is feeling these first few weeks.
The more she feels that she is loved and supported by you the easier and more successful her nursing experience will be. Though you may be very attracted to the curvaceous figure your wife now sports, be forewarned that after a day of having constant contact with baby she may not welcome your advances. Try to remember that she is tired and sore and perhaps a little afraid that sex will hurt. Don't feel that her rejection of your advances is a rejection of you. Cuddling and closeness may be the best she can do for now. Hormones that are coursing through your wife at this time suppress sexual urges and also suppress lubrication. A lubricant from the drug store can make intercourse at this time alot more comfortable.
Studies have proven that fathers are very important in a childs life so do all you can to build a loving relationship with your new baby. Fatherhood starts from the moment you hold your little one in your arms and that little bundle will see through the years the love and care you show your wife. This commitment will give your family a sense of security and create an atmosphere of love and concern in which to raise your child.
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