Breast Feeding Feeling Left Out?
Breastfeeding is a great bonding experience for both Mum and baby, but it can make some Dads feel as though they have been relegated to the subs bench.
If everyone is focusing on Mummy and baby, it's normal for most men to feel a little pushed out.
Most new Mums feel anything but sexy for a while after giving birth, and the last thing on their mind is giving attention
to the man in their life. If this sounds familiar, don't panic – it's perfectly normal and if you do feel a little resentful that's normal too, it doesn't mean you're not bonding with your baby.
The most important thing is not to be a big baby yourself, don't let these feelings get in the way of supporting your
partner at this important stage in your baby's life. Get involved in different ways, change nappies and bathe the baby when you can.
Also, when baby is a little older ask your partner to try expressing the milk so you can try bottle feeding the little one.
Here are some more tips on bonding with your bundle of joy.
1 You can rock, burp and massage your baby, giving Mum a break and making you feel more useful.
2 'Wear' your little one in a sling or baby carrier, this will get your baby used to your smell and help with bonding.
3 Sing and talk to him; he will already recognise your voice from inside the womb.
4 Play with him and read books, babies are never too young to be read to and will love the interaction, peek a boo books are great for this.
5 Go out for a walk with the pram, have him facing you and point out animals, trees, buses etc... just do lots of talking and interacting with him.
6 Organise family days out for the three of you.
7 Book Mum into the hairdressers or beauty salon for a couple of hours, she will enjoy being pampered and you can spend the time bonding with the baby.
