TIPS FOR MOTHERS: Your partner will quickly start to feel he is neither wanted nor needed if you give all your attention to the baby.
- Always ask your partner for help – you can’t expect him to know how much you need it unless you tell him
- Involve him with the day-to-day care of the baby as early on and as much as possible
- Don’t refuse help when it’s offered – it’s his child, too
- Do your best, no matter how unsociable you feel, to give your partner some of your attention and your affection
- If, despite these efforts and ‘’talking it out,’’ he is proving to be a reluctant father and you are at the end of your tether, leave him a phone number, hand him the baby, and go out for the evening – he’ll soon realize what hard work it is!
Sharing feelings: Always make time to talk to your partner so you can avoid misunderstandings.
TIPS FOR FATHERS: Once your baby is born, you need to be sensitive to the needs of your partner and prepared for the physical and emotional difficulties she may experience after the pregnancy.
- Don’t leave the entire care of your child to your partner even if she doesn’t seem to mind:
- First there will be hidden resentment, and second, you will lose the chance to be a real father
- Spend at least some time alone with the baby; this will increase your own confidence and give your partner a break
- If you are working, talk to your employer about the new addition to your family.
Consider taking at least two weeks off work when the baby is born, and see if you can change some of your working hours
