6 Takeaways for a father of a new- born baby!

Congratulations for the new entrant in the family! As a first time father here are some tips to help you share the responsibility with your wife.

1. Arrangements at Home: While the mother is recovering from post-birth fatigue and post-pregnancy related ailments, as a father you could ensure facilitating cleanliness and hygiene at home. Infants are prone to catch infections so hygiene is of utmost importance. Arrangements such as an additional hand (maid) to help the mother in taking good care of her as well as the child, and replenishing the house with the groceries and baby care items are a few chores that can be included in your to-do list.
 

2. Obtaining a Birth Certificate from the Local Administration: It’s going to be the first document which confirms your child’s birth and is essentially required in all age-proof related filings, in the days to come. This document has a time limit and should be filed in time to obtain a Birth Certificate from the local district administration. As a father you should act promptly and obtain this certificate which will help you to file the baby’s age-related proofs in the days to come.
 

3. Vaccinations: Vaccinations is like a long term investment to keep your child healthy and away from infections, flu attacks, seasonal viruses and other diseases. In most cases the hospital administers the post-birth vaccinations and hands over the vaccination calendar to the parents. The vaccination calendar has the date and the name of the must-have and optional vaccines and dates to get your child vaccinated. As a father you should follow the calendar, as the efficacy of the vaccination is best when it’s injected on time.

4. Post-natal health of the mother: Your wife has been undergoing changes in her body throughout the pregnancy and post delivery as well. Consult with your gynaecologist to ensure proper care of the mother post the birth of the child. Take a lowdown from the doctor on the supplements to be given, lifestyle precautions/changes required, and importantly the scans and tests that she should undergo in the coming months.

5. Listing your baby needs:  Your baby would need seasonal clothes, baby-grooming kit, toys, baby-safe furniture etc.  Consult with your wife on this and ensure that they are available to the baby and the mother on time. You could do your research on the right product/brand your baby will need.

6. Listing the needs of the mother: Your wife will need all support—physical, mental, and emotional—at least in the initial months after having the baby. Check with her on small things such as if she needs a feeding pillow while breastfeeding, a massage to release backache or soreness in the limbs, or maybe just a cup of warm, comforting milk.

And amongst, all this, do not forget to carve out some couple time for both of you—just having a non-baby centric conversation or telling her a funny joke that you received on a social media. Small gestures like these will make her feel secure and wanted!