Finally, the baby is here. The delivery is behind you and the baby is at home. You will, without a doubt, find it incredible how such a small being can so drastically change your life. Don't worry. As time goes on and you get acquainted with your baby, things will return to normal. It may take a few months. Enjoy these unique moments with your little family.
Nobody is indifferent to the birth of a baby. Each person reacts in their own way.
The father cannot overlook the emotions he feels at the birth of a baby.
This section contains advice to help you adjust to your new role as a father.
As a father you will feel different emotions at the birth of your child. You may be surprised by the intense love you will feel for your baby as well as the tenderness the baby inspires.
Similarly to new mothers, certain fathers do not instantly feel love for their baby. Don't worry. Give yourself time.
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This activity will help you to understand the feelings the birth of a baby may arouse in a new father.
Click on the button which corresponds to your selected answer and check your answer by clicking on the "Check" button
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At the birth of the baby, the new dad |
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During the first few days after the birth, the new dad |
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The newborn is |
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About sexuality, the new fathers |
As the father of a breastfed baby, you are essential to the success of this experience. During the pregnancy, inquire about the advantages of breastfeeding for the baby, for your partner, and for your family. Share your concerns with your partner or anybody else near you. It could be a nurse or doctor for example. Have this discussion before the birth of the baby.
Here is how the father can contribute to the success of breastfeeding.
If you notice that your partner is depressed for long periods and that she has trouble managing her emotions, contact a health professional. Postpartum depression can occur in the first two to three weeks after delivery or many months if not years later. This can also happen to a woman who adopts a child. This type of depression seems to occur more frequently to women with a family history of depression, but it can occur without any apparent reason and without warning.
The woman suffering from postpartum depression feels sad, unhappy, and anxious. These feelings last longer than two weeks. The feelings and the symptoms are similar to the baby blues but are more intense and last longer. A health professional will work with your partner and find the best treatment for her. You will find more information on this topic in Module 8 entitled "Healthy Family".
It is normal for a baby to cry. Crying is the only way a baby can let you know when something is wrong. Loneliness, the need for a diaper change, or to be cuddled can make a baby cry. A baby will cry if he or she is sick, uncomfortable, or if he or she feels alone. Babies may also cry because they are hungry, however, crying is a late sign of hunger. An infant crying from hunger may be too upset to settle down to feed. It is important you get to know your baby's early feeding cues. Please refer to module 4 for more information on infant feeding cues.
Most babies have a fussy period every day, and it is more difficult to comfort them during this time. A six-week old baby cries an average of two to three hours per day. Certain babies cry because they are colicky. They may cry day and night. The crying becomes unbearable, and the parents often become frustrated and angry. You may feel tired, alone, incompetent, disappointed, or desperate.
Certain babies are inconsolable. To hear an infant crying continuously is difficult to handle. Don't hesitate to take a break. If you have the impression that you are going to lose patience, here is what you can do.
If you have the impression that your baby has been crying for hours and that nothing seems to help, you are probably exhausted and angry. No matter how you feel, never shake your baby.
This is what happens when a baby is shaken.
Talk with everyone involved in the care of your baby such as older children, babysitters, friends, family, or any intervener responsible for taking care of the baby. Tell them to be careful and never to shake your baby. Never leave your baby with someone that has a violent temper or someone you don't know.
If a baby seems to have stopped breathing, call 911. Shaking a baby will not cause it to start breathing but could injure him or her.
ATTENTION ! Never shake your baby. It only takes a few seconds to cause permanent injury. |