Reader-Papas have advice on how to handle the huge adjustment of the post-birth weeks.
“We had plenty of family and friends visiting the first week — then I realised what a toll it was taking on my wife. I stepped in and told them that the visits had to stop till we were ready, after which, we were much happier and relaxed.”
— Paul Fernandez, 31, dad to Melony, 1.
“Lack of sleep is the hardest thing. It’s more mental tiredness — like permanent jetlag. So, be prepared for this. And the constant crying — from baby, mummy and yourself.”
— Mattheus Tan, 34, dad to Bryan, 4 months.
“Don’t be afraid to accommodate baby in your usual routine. If you usually go for an evening walk after dinner, bring baby along. If you enjoy watching a DVD together, let baby chill in the rocker next to you while you do so. There’s no hard and fast rule as to what you can and cannot do.”
— Mak Wei Sun, 29, dad to Charissa, 4 months.
“Know that your wife is entitled to her privacy. We stay with my parents, and as much as they help out with the kids, letting her have some privacy will help her recover faster, so we all know to give her some space.”
— Joseph Chua, 37, dad to Lincoln, 4 months, and Tricia, 3.
“Help out whenever you can. Even if you’re tired from a day’s work, come home and do the last bottle-feed. It’ll give your wife a chance for an early night, and she’ll be less frustrated and tired.”
— Harold Quek, 32, dad to Kenneth, 2.
“Listen to her. The first few weeks are hard when she’s trying to learn how to be a mum. Just be there for her and don’t expect the household chores to be done, or food to be put on the table every evening!”
— Sim Yee Siang, 42 , dad to Veron, 2, and Thaddeus, 5 .
Photo: iStock
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