10/31/2012 10:10 AM
Nolan,
Here is some practical advice from a father of 4. Talk to your immediate supervisor about your plans. Think about being off the first week and try to limit the visitors at home to only close friends and family. Spoil your wife this first week, make sure she is not doing laundry, cooking or cleaning. Getting used to a baby at home for the first time is a huge game changer in your married life. After a week try to get a little flexibility in your schedule. Maybe work 4 hours a day for the second week. You will benefit from getting away from home and mother and child will do some individual bonding. Continue making sure your wife is not overwhelmed cooking, cleaning and other stuff. You may have split these chores prior to the baby but there are now a whole bunch of new ones and you both will be short of sleep at some time. By the 3rd week see how things are going. You [u">should[/u"> attend your child's first doctors appointment usually within 10 days of being home and I would encourage you to attend as many as you can. You will also want to start encouraging your wife to get out of the house a little bit. This is a good time for you to bond with your child and for your wife to adjust. Pay attention to your wife as well as the baby. Do not underestimate postpartum influences, this is a time when the mothers hormones are transitioning. Encourage her to visit friends, start going places as a family. Be patient you are going to be late to church, family gatherings, and just about any place you go. People understand. I would advise you to wisely use your paid leave. Company policies vary but in general your vacation leave is accrued and protected but sick leave is accounted but not protected. If your company has paid sick leave take it during this early period of being home to care for both mother and child. Try to always keep some paid leave banked for emergencies, trust me there will be some. After my first child I always prepared for next 3 better. I worked out more than usual, ate healthy, and limited alcohol (not easy for a Irishman). This really helps as being a new dad is like a running triathlon, you are going to hit the wall and you will need the strength to push through.
The first 10 weeks of having your first child can be very stressful, but on the other hand they are also joyful. Your title as Dad is the most important you will ever have. Enjoy!!!