The first few weeks of parenthood are a whirlwind of special moments. Here’s what you can expect if you and your partner have decided to parent.
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The Hospital Stay
If your partner decides to give birth in a hospital, which is the most common route, she will deliver via vaginal birth or C-section.
The details of this day are largely a surprise if your partner doesn’t have a scheduled C-section. You don’t know if labor and delivery will happen quickly, slowly, or somewhere between.
Your support will mean everything while she is in the hospital. You are in this together, and the safety of your partner and baby matters most.
The length of your hospital stay will depend on several factors, including your insurance, your partner’s health needs, and your baby’s health needs. Some babies will spend time in the NICU, and others can go home in a few days.
During this stay, you can expect hourly visits from nurses and doctors to check on mom and baby. You likely will not sleep much due to these visits, but they are important for ensuring everyone is well-cared for and set up for success.
You will likely change many of your baby’s diapers in the hospital, learn to swaddle, and pick up tips from the nurses as they show you how to do the essentials, like give your baby their first bath.
The First Weeks at Home
Once you are home, the adventure begins. You and your partner will be responsible for a tiny baby that looks like a mixture of both of you.
Your baby will need to eat every two to three hours around the clock. If your partner is breastfeeding, she will carry most of this responsibility. However, you can help by supporting her with other tasks, like changing the baby or helping with chores.
If your partner decides to pump breast milk, combination feed, or formula feed, you can help by taking turns feeding your child bottles and burping them.
As a newborn, your baby will likely nap a lot throughout the day. If they are struggling to nap, you may consider letting them nap in your arms or rocking them to sleep. This is an important time to bond with your baby.
The first weeks of home can feel like they are repeating themselves, but they are so vital to your baby’s future. You will attend regular doctor’s visits for your newborn to make sure they are gaining enough weight and address any concerns (ex., the umbilical stump bleeding or a rash).
At your two-week baby appointment, the pediatrician will tell you whether you’ll need to continue waking up to feed your baby or if you can let your baby sleep as long as they can at nighttime. This is a huge milestone for new parents as they can get a little more rest.
You’ve Got This, Dad!
Even though these first few weeks feel so focused on mom and baby with birth and feeding, you play a critical role. Your support makes a difference, and your partner will remember and appreciate how you helped her and cared for the baby alongside her.
If you would like more information and preparation for the parenting journey ahead, contact us today. We can provide you and your partner with the resources you need to thrive.