I just had my first child and and I'm far from home proudly serving my country. My wife is doing well but she to is new to this new way of life. My friends, family and the ARMY offer great support but there could never be enough for my baby girl. Anything you could add would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Proud New Father!
2006-07-06 03:53:00 · 18 answers · asked by WHAT? 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I must add some details. I'm currently on leave to help my wife over the next 3 weeks. I've been with her since labor started and I will be with her after my shift is done when I return to duty. I hired a maid for as long as my wife wants. All I'm really looking for is some parental tips that I might miss out on. There's no such thing as knowing too much.
2006-07-06 04:09:06 · update #1
I must add some details. I'm currently on leave to help my wife over the next 3 weeks. I've been with my wife since labor started. I'll be with her everynight after my shift is done. She is in country with me. I hired a maid for as long as my wife wants. All I'm really looking for is some parental tips that I might miss out on. There's no such thing as knowing too much.
2006-07-06 04:35:49 · update #2
Give baby lots of kisses, pick her up when she cries ( you cant spoil her!), and if it does... so what! *smile*. If someone else wants to hold the baby, let them... will give her a break. Tell her not to be overwhelmed with her schedule. It can take as long as 4 months or more before things start getting kinda normal again. Don't plan on taking baby all over the town.. stay home and relax for a few months.. both mom and baby need it. Dont spend a bunch of money on a ton of baby clothes...just buy a few things as needed, because they grow very fast! Give baby more hugs and kisses, sing to her and talk to her alot. *kissy*kissy*kiss8
have fun! Congrats =)
2006-07-06 04:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by batsey99 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on the new bundle of joy. The only advice is that when you feel something isnt right or your parental instincts kick in .. call the pediatrician. When the baby is hungry Feed her. They are growing and are telling you what they need.
My only concern for you is that you stated this is new life is all new to your wife. Its one thing to get used to the fact that the man you love so much is away from you but then to add the mixture of feelings a woman goes through when having a child can at times be overwhelming. ( I was a navy mom) Just think your soul mate, your friend and companion is not by your side through the ups and downs of mommy hood. I strongly suggest that while you are home spend some time laughing and loving your wife and taking some load off of her by caring for the baby so she can enjoy a nice long shower or nap. While you are away assure her that she is still on your mind like it was 6months ago like a year ago. Send her a card or letter reassuring her how much she makes you happy and you cant wait to get home faster to hold her close to you and love her in every possible way. Then not only will your love for her and your daughter grow stronger but she will be rest assured that despite these NEW sircumstances she too can be a strong soldier and make you proud.
2006-07-06 11:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by prncssniki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! To me, it doesn't sound like you need alot of advice on being a father. I'm sure you are both doing a great job. My only advice is to give your wife loads of support. Taking care of a baby is tough work and she may be a little preoccupied and short tempered. Try to be understanding with her at this time in your lives, and know that every day the baby gets older, things get easier to manage! Your wife may feel like her needs aren't important because she's taking care of the baby's needs. Remind her that she is more than just mommy by letting her know how important she is to you and how thankful you are that she is caring for your child. She is also serving her country! I wish you all the luck in the world with your new family and thankyou for defending mine!
2006-07-06 11:03:14 · answer #3 · answered by RRE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to get any sanity in your life with a newborn is to get her on a schedule right away.
It will help her sleep through the night better when she's older, and it will help your wife feel a lot better about the hectic schedule of a new mother.
There's no real set "schedule" because every baby is different. What worked for me was I fed my son every three hours, and in the middle of the day...at that feeding, I tried to keep him awake for an hour before he went down for his nap. He started sleeping through the night at four months, and even now, at two...he doesn't fight us on bedtime.
I was home with him and my husband was working so I know it's difficult to figure out what a new baby wants and needs.
2006-07-06 11:00:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations, first off!
Each day will bring something new. Be open minded and use your parental instincts. Dont let others tell you how to raise your child. If you think something doesnt feel right or look right, call the pediatrician.
Make sure to give the baby pleanty of love and food and clean diapers and also give your wife breaks too so she can catch up on some much needed rest.
TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES TOO!!!!
2006-07-06 10:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by camoprincess32 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEVER EVER give your child baby rice/cereal in her bottle. Your baby could be a small percentage to choke on it or inhale the grain into her lungs. But the worst problem, and one that most parents do not recognize is...it makes your baby fat. Babies know they are no longer hungry by volume and you are makes them take in more than they need. Some people (friends and family) might tell you that it helps your baby sleep through the night but studies show that there is no scientific proof.
2006-07-06 11:45:03 · answer #6 · answered by optimistic_dr3am3r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually my mom and all of my family gave us cereal at 3-4 weeks, i'm almost 16 now...so it is ok. In a spoon, no bottle she can choke. Now it takes some time feeding with a spoon, but trust me you will get a big laugh out of it. Really just show your wife and your baby aloooot of Love.
2006-07-06 12:14:21 · answer #7 · answered by Danielle . 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats on the first born.. sounds like you have given your wife alot of support already, try taking a parenting class for dads and infant CPR. take lots of video and pictures of baby.. but each child is different but by time you have the next one you will be "on old pro. at it" so just relax and enjoy the baby. newborns need lots of sleep so set a routine early in life even bed time and feedings, bathing etc.. this will help when they are growing up..
2006-07-06 11:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by montanamom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulation!! Hope you get to go home to see the baby very soon. One thing is if the baby has fever, (from ear infection, etc.) you don't cover the baby up with blanket. Take the covering off and cool the baby off. We made a mistake once and ended up with the ambulance because our daughter went into convulsion from high fever. I'm sure your baby will be fine though.
2006-07-06 11:01:54 · answer #9 · answered by spot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of tips i could give you, you can never hold them enough..they need the warmth and comfort..feed them when there hungry, you don't need to stick to a feeding schedule if they want more give them more. It's rough and scary to be alone with a new born...the hospitals have visiting nurses that will come and check up on mom and baby if you ask. sleep when the baby sleeps..and for dad when your back home be there for both mom and baby.
2006-07-06 10:59:18 · answer #10 · answered by MyDreams2Be 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋