Dads Should Make Bonding Effort
by Alice Statton
Throughout the child development process, parental bonding is crucial for the baby and parents. From the moment of conception, mom does a lot of the work during pregnancy just by carrying the baby in her uterus for nine months and then delivering the child into the world. Even after the baby is born, mom will still have to do more than dad, especially if she decides to breastfeed. However, this doesn't mean there's limited opportunity for dads to bond with their newborns.
Do Everything Mom Does
Before the baby is born, there are many things dad can participate in. He can go with mom to prenatal appointments to see ultrasounds and track the baby's progress. He can also learn about the labor and delivery process by attending childbirth classes if he wants to help deliver the baby.
Gail Cirlin-Lazerus, a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator and a birth doula, told Fox News that, "It’s really important for dads to feel confident in understanding what the process of birth is."
Participating in the labor process is a great opportunity for dad. It provides moral support for mom and the chance to cut the umbilical cord can go along way, making the experience as special to dad as it is for mom. Plus, seeing his new son or daughter for the first time, even before mom does, can be a memory he'll carry with him for the rest of his life.
Alternate Responsibilities
Once your baby comes home, dad shouldn't shy away from activities. Mom isn't the only one who can feed the baby or change a diaper in the middle of the night. Switching turns can be a nice compromise, and you can even alternate which side of the bed gets the baby monitor. If mom is breastfeeding, milk can always be pre-pumped so that a bottle can be used. Also, dad can volunteer to give the baby a bath. This scores major points!
On a daily basis, dad can entertain baby by singing or reading. Even if it's just telling stories and just talking to your baby about the day. When going out, dad can use a front baby carrier to bring your son or daughter along.
When bonding with a newborn, it can be easy for mom and dad to become exhausted, which is why switching off and sharing daily tasks can lighten the load. If it's still too much, we suggest getting support from family or friends.
With adopted children, early bonding could seem more difficult, but applying the same principles from the moment you receive your adopted baby is a good way to develop a strong relationship quickly.
How did you both start the bonding process? What kinds of stories can you share? Tell us in the comments!
"Fatherhood" by Tray Chaney
