What a would-be-dad should expect
Baby on the way? Your life is about to somersault. Here's what to expect when she's expecting
Keep a tab on sex
During the pregnancy, indulge in sex only if your wife's gynaecologist has given the go-ahead. Though she may not have strong sexual urges, she does need gentle physical contact and caressing. A sitting position is fine so that there is no pressure on her abdomen. Intercourse should be avoided from the sixth to the twelfth week of pregnancy, as it can cause a miscarriage. Sexual abstinence is also recommended during the last two months of pregnancy.
Looking down there
Inviting a new soul in the world is wonderful, but the process of birthing is a task. Doctors may encourage you to look down there, while the little one is on its way, but if you don't have the stomach to see a gooey, bloody head, just avoid.
Be a homemaker
While your wife is taking care of the baby, learn to take charge. You don't have to sit at home, cook and answer the door, but do all the things your wife can't attend to. Simple tasks like ensuring that the groceries are bought, maid is doing her job, bills are paid on time, the laundry has been done can ease her task and contribute to her sanity.
Monitor the night call
When babies wake up howling in the middle of the night, it's not because they want 'mummy', but because they're hungry. We know your next question: what do you have to do while your wife nurses? Just stay up to show support, or else, over time, your wife might resent it. Chat with her after she is done nursing the baby and then go off to sleep. If it's a diaper changing routine, you sure can do more than just watch.
Let the boys be
You may think your wife is very cool; she lets you be and lets you hang out with your buddies without complaining. Things may just take a sudden turn when the baby arrives. Who'd appreciate changing nappies at home while you enjoy a drink at the bar with the boys?
Shitty tales
Ever since the baby has arrived, all your conversations are about how much the kid pooped and peed. Get used to it. That's not going to change for another year. Lend your wife a patient ear. But don't just hear; participate in cleaning up the mess.
Face the baby blues
Post-partum depression is very common among new moms. If you get a sense that your spouse is suffering from it, head to the psychiatrist immediately. Besides, motherhood is a full time job, especially if it's concerning a new mom. While the cause is very rewarding, the process of accustoming oneself to the new role can be overwhelming too. Be patient with her.
Alternate diaper duty
So you think it's fair that she does the messy work, and you enjoy the perks of playing with the baby? No. It doesn't work that way. Man up. No matter how smelly or dirty the diaper is, remember your mom picked it up too. Offer to change the wailing baby's diaper. This gesture will also help you bond with your baby. This whiffy deed of yours will warm the cockles of the little one when (s)he grows up.
Milk the cause
It's not just she who needs lessons in breast-feeding, as a responsible partner, you should learn a thing or two about the process as it'll help you understand what your wife is going through. If the baby doesn't latch on to the mother correctly, or if her ducts get clogged, the process of feeding can be painful. Besides, nursing can make your overly emotional wife crazier. Don't try to help here, just offer unconditionally support. If she's having trouble, get her to speak to a lactation consultant.
Get a steady stroller
It's essential to conduct your own due diligence before purchasing a good stroller. Go to a baby store and find a sturdy one that you can manipulate with one hand. Since it's probably you who'll be shoving the pram into the car or moving it around on holidays. Alternatively, check for baby carriers (see picture). Strapping the baby to your chest is far more convenient than moving the stroller around.
Make it special
Don't just be a cheerleader inside the delivery room, be there for the mommy-to-be. Make her feel special before the bedlam begins. Get her a nice bouquet of flowers, or a present perhaps. But more importantly, be there beside her and attend to her tiniest requestshttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/parenting/What-a-would-be-dad-should-expect/articleshow/19187449.cms
Keep a tab on sex
During the pregnancy, indulge in sex only if your wife's gynaecologist has given the go-ahead. Though she may not have strong sexual urges, she does need gentle physical contact and caressing. A sitting position is fine so that there is no pressure on her abdomen. Intercourse should be avoided from the sixth to the twelfth week of pregnancy, as it can cause a miscarriage. Sexual abstinence is also recommended during the last two months of pregnancy.
Looking down there
Inviting a new soul in the world is wonderful, but the process of birthing is a task. Doctors may encourage you to look down there, while the little one is on its way, but if you don't have the stomach to see a gooey, bloody head, just avoid.
Be a homemaker
While your wife is taking care of the baby, learn to take charge. You don't have to sit at home, cook and answer the door, but do all the things your wife can't attend to. Simple tasks like ensuring that the groceries are bought, maid is doing her job, bills are paid on time, the laundry has been done can ease her task and contribute to her sanity.
Monitor the night call
When babies wake up howling in the middle of the night, it's not because they want 'mummy', but because they're hungry. We know your next question: what do you have to do while your wife nurses? Just stay up to show support, or else, over time, your wife might resent it. Chat with her after she is done nursing the baby and then go off to sleep. If it's a diaper changing routine, you sure can do more than just watch.
Let the boys be
You may think your wife is very cool; she lets you be and lets you hang out with your buddies without complaining. Things may just take a sudden turn when the baby arrives. Who'd appreciate changing nappies at home while you enjoy a drink at the bar with the boys?
Shitty tales
Ever since the baby has arrived, all your conversations are about how much the kid pooped and peed. Get used to it. That's not going to change for another year. Lend your wife a patient ear. But don't just hear; participate in cleaning up the mess.
Face the baby blues
Post-partum depression is very common among new moms. If you get a sense that your spouse is suffering from it, head to the psychiatrist immediately. Besides, motherhood is a full time job, especially if it's concerning a new mom. While the cause is very rewarding, the process of accustoming oneself to the new role can be overwhelming too. Be patient with her.
Alternate diaper duty
So you think it's fair that she does the messy work, and you enjoy the perks of playing with the baby? No. It doesn't work that way. Man up. No matter how smelly or dirty the diaper is, remember your mom picked it up too. Offer to change the wailing baby's diaper. This gesture will also help you bond with your baby. This whiffy deed of yours will warm the cockles of the little one when (s)he grows up.
Milk the cause
It's not just she who needs lessons in breast-feeding, as a responsible partner, you should learn a thing or two about the process as it'll help you understand what your wife is going through. If the baby doesn't latch on to the mother correctly, or if her ducts get clogged, the process of feeding can be painful. Besides, nursing can make your overly emotional wife crazier. Don't try to help here, just offer unconditionally support. If she's having trouble, get her to speak to a lactation consultant.
Get a steady stroller
It's essential to conduct your own due diligence before purchasing a good stroller. Go to a baby store and find a sturdy one that you can manipulate with one hand. Since it's probably you who'll be shoving the pram into the car or moving it around on holidays. Alternatively, check for baby carriers (see picture). Strapping the baby to your chest is far more convenient than moving the stroller around.
Make it special
Don't just be a cheerleader inside the delivery room, be there for the mommy-to-be. Make her feel special before the bedlam begins. Get her a nice bouquet of flowers, or a present perhaps. But more importantly, be there beside her and attend to her tiniest requestshttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/parenting/What-a-would-be-dad-should-expect/articleshow/19187449.cms
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