Becoming a dad

Although some fathers are able to invest emotionally in their children during their partner’s pregnancy, for others, it's only when their child is born that they really start to have a relationship with it. Everybody becomes a father in their own way!

Birth

  • When your child is born, you will probably be overcome by a wave of emotions. Do things at your own pace: cry, cuddle your child, watch him… Don't hold this burst of emotions in check – they will help you to create a strong bond with your child
  • When your baby has spent some time lying against his mum, or immediately after birth if she requires special medical care, take your baby and hold him against your skin. This way, you can warm him up and he can discover his dad. This close contact will help strengthen the growing bond between you. If you feel too awkward to hold him on your own, get a midwife to put him in your arms for you
  • Just after birth, your newborn baby finds himself in a completely strange new world. The first thing that will help him feel at home in this new world is his mum's breast – which will make him feel wonderfully safe and secure. But you also have an important role to play. Go to your child; cuddle both him and his mum. In the little space that you create around him, he will find out that even when he is away from his mum, the world is not such a hostile place. Remember that you have a role to play and try not to feel like a visitor.

First months

  • You will be tired from having to get up many times during the night over the first few months and this can have a major effect on you: when you are suffering from a lack of sleep, all difficulties – even the most minor ones – can seem a lot more serious. Don't underestimate what exhaustion can do. It's the main cause of depression experienced by 50% of all fathers when their child is 4 to 6 months old. Feel free to get in touch with a midwife or your GP and get help if you feel exhausted
  • For the first few months of your baby’s life, you should spend long periods of time having physical contact with him on a regular basis. This is vital for helping you to build a strong bond with him. Carry him – either in your arms or in a baby carrier – cuddle him, rock him to send him to sleep, wash him, and change him
  • If your partner has chosen to breastfeed, support her without feeling excluded from this very special relationship: she will be providing your child with the best possible nourishment and her being able to do this is totally dependent on how dad reacts to this. You will be able to feed your child yourself once he has moved on to solids or when you want to vary his diet a little
  • Games can often be a very good way for dads to communicate with their babies: starting in the first few months, invent fun activities for your newborn and enjoy laughing with him. This will lead to wonderfully joyful moments that you will remember for the rest of your life!


Parental leave

  • In Australia, there are entitlements regarding paid-parental leave and unpaid-parental leave. Feel free to look into all opportunities and ask your employer what you are eligible for. Us this time to share day-to-day life with your child during his first few days and enjoy this unique experience. You will also be helping your partner – who will need a lot of rest after giving birth
  • Although some fathers are able to invest emotionally in their children during their partner’s pregnancy, for others, it's only when their child is born that they really start to have a relationship with it. Everybody becomes a father in their own way!