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For dads and partners: Your own adjustments

During the first month or so you may find the lack of sleep, changed routines, and constant focus on the baby difficult to cope with. That can make you feel overwhelmed or short-tempered. Try to take good care of yourself by:

  • eating healthful foods
  • getting some exercise (Take your baby for a walk.)
  • napping whenever you can
  • talking with others about having a new baby.
  • You can get tips as well as support.

At times it can feel that you are being left out of the circle of attention given to your partner and baby. Talk to your own father or other family members or friends about what it was like for them when they were new parents. Meet other new fathers in a Father and Baby class. Go to your childbirth class reunion.

New fathers and partners can feel sad and have their own problems adjusting to new parenthood. If you find yourself staying at work so you don’t have to be at home, talk with your partner about your feelings.

Make plans to change what is bothering you. If you need additional support, ask your health care provider for a referral.


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Source: Allina Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, fourth edition, ISBN 1-931876-14-2

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 09/10/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Educationexperts

 


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