1. Becoming A Dad! • Learn about breastfeeding and why • Tell mom she is still beautiful and
it is so much better for both mom and desirable. If she needs help losing
What a joyful, exciting, scary time baby. Encourage mom to breastfeed. weight, go with her and the baby on
– you are going to be a father! long walks and don’t bring home high
After baby arrives: calorie foods.
While mom is pregnant, things you • Pay attention when the lactation • Wear baby in a baby sling. Babies
can do to prepare to be a father. consultant visits mom in the hospital. love to be held close. Plus, you can get
• Take time off from work to go Help mom get baby positioned things done!
with mom to the doctor. Listen to and latched on correctly - most
the aby’s heartbeat, see baby on the
b breastfeeding problems in the early Being a good dad is so important!
sonogram, ask the doctor any questions weeks are caused by poor positioning • Be an active care giver.
you might have. and latch. Call for help if mom has • Be a partner, not a helper!
• Review your life – what kind of father sore nipples or if baby is not gaining • Expect your child to act their age.
do you want to be. Think about the men weight. • Be there for your kids! Get involved
in your life who have been good role • Keep the stress level at home as in their lives.
models. low as possible. Protect mom and • Show respect for mom and teach
• Find out about your baby and what to baby from too many visitors. The your kids to respect her. Make your
expect – take a childbirth class, visit the more you do to help mom, the less family life better.
many web sites on the Internet, talk to stressed she will be. Ask family to
other dads. wait a few weeks before coming for an
• Set a good example - be a role
model.
• Practice – babysit for a friend or extended visit. You need time to get to
relative. Hold the baby, change his know your baby and adjust to the new
diaper, play with him. routine. After a few weeks, you will Games To Play With Baby
• Talk to mom about how you want to be glad to have company who can take
care of the baby while you take a nap, 1. Find a sports event on TV. Sit in a
raise your child. Come up with a plan
run errands, or go out for a nice dinner comfortable chair. Place baby on your
you both agree on. Share your plan with
with mom! chest with her head on your shoulder.
family and friends and get their support.
Be sure her head is straight, not turned
• Talk to your baby in the womb. • Spend one day (or several hours)
to one side, and her arms are close to
Babies can hear and will know your taking care of all of baby’s needs.
her body. Snuggle. Tell her about the
voice after birth. Read to baby. Then, you will know why mom looks
game. (This helps baby lift her head
so frazzled and doesn’t get much done
• Take mom on dates. You may not and keep it centered, helping with
while you are at work. Taking care of
have much “alone time” after baby is balance and good body alignment.)
a new baby is a full-time job! It gets
born.
easier as baby gets older – really!
