There is often a taboo around men taking time off for paternity leave when their child is born. However, it is an important time for men to bond with their babies, and mothers need support after giving birth. Fortunately, it is becoming increasingly common for men to take paternal leave and companies are getting better at accommodating new fathers. JP Morgan recently paid out in a class-action lawsuit regarding discrimination against new fathers. You may be asking yourself, do I need a lawyer for a class-action lawsuit? Your place of work must uphold the rights of fathers as well as mothers.
With the mother often busy feeding the baby, men can sometimes feel out of place and at a bit of a loss of what to do with themselves. This can be unsettling. However, it is an important time for you and your baby. So, here is our advice for making the best out of your paternal leave.
Bond with your baby
You will soon be back to work, so use this paternity time to bond with your baby. Time goes fast and they won’t be so little for long. Hold them, talk to them, change their nappy and if your baby is being bottle-fed, then get involved.
Look after mom
The mother of your child has just gone through childbirth, which may have been difficult or even traumatizing. Make her drinks, run her baths, stroke her hair. Be there as solid support. You may have to take on all of the household duties to begin with, while she recovers.
When a baby is born, everyone wants to meet them and hold them. Keep communicating with your partner to ensure it does not become overwhelming. Give yourselves your privacy when you need it and put your little family first.
You may also want to keep an eye on her mood. Baby blues are common, and she may need you to talk to about it. You can learn more about looking after mom here.
Look after yourself
It can be easy to forget that as a father your hormones are also in flux. You may also be sleep deprived and struggling to come to terms with your new sense of responsibility and adulthood. Don’t worry, you will pick it up quickly. Be confident and force yourself to get involved with everything, from changing the baby’s nappy to dressing them and perhaps feeding them. The only way to learn is to do.
Eat well and rest when you can. Dads can experience postpartum depression too, so if you are struggling, be sure to reach out for help. Keep communicating with your partner – this will encourage them to keep communicating too. You may both be feeling the same things.
Conclusion
Paternity leave does not last long, so be sure to make the most of it. Take all the time you can get to bond with your baby and look after the mother and yourself. This will make things easier when you have to return to work.
