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Hi Guys
10 days ago my amazing wife gave birth to our first son, Harry.
I've supported Sam through the pregnancy making sure that she has been relaxed and under little or no stress and I've also made sure she's had little to do at home. I was in the birthing pool with her when she gave birth, which was an unbelievable experience! My wife was amazing, using only gas and air she gave birth to a 9Lb 1oz little miracle.
He's a chilled out little chap and only complains when he's hungry or has wind, so I'm thinking looking after Sam was the right thing to do! π but I appreciate it's early days!
Sam's breast feeding, so for the first 6 weeks I can't get involved with feeding but I seem to be quite good at settling the little chap to sleep. I've bonded with him straight away but I do sometimes wonder what distinguishes me from the rest of the family that hold him. He will sleep quite happily on anyone, so how does he recognise me?
Any thoughts dads?
Congratulations to both of you mate. Harry looks beautiful mate.
Dad attachment eh ? good question.
Right now for the science bit :whistle: Parents bond with babies and babies attach to people. Good news is a baby can make primary attachment with multiple people.
It just involves time and interaction with Harry. Remember that at the moment babies are only able to focus on images within 12 inches. So get your face nice and close to his.
It's recommended that each day parents should try these five things. Cuddle, play, talk, respond, relax.
So lots of cuddles, talk to him (doesn't matter what - football, shopping lists, times tables ), play with him (pull faces to get responses, tickle him), respond to him - if he smiles at you smile back, and the relax is all about just having him around you whilst your doing other things (if your watching the footie on the box let him sleep on you or just cuddle up with you).
Check out our Child Development and Play - The first three months for some more ideas.
As Sam is obviously dealing with feeding at the moment - why don't you take charge of bathing Harry.
Harry should already recognise your voice - he would have heard it plenty of times when he was in the womb, now he'll be putting a face to the voice.
So the simple answer to "How he can tell the difference between you and all the other random people" is based on the time spent with him and your interaction with him.
Easy really....... :p
I hope this helps.
Feel free to ask anything - One of our dads will have an answer for you.
Gooner
So lots of cuddles, talk to him (doesn't matter what - football, shopping lists, times tables ),
A friend of mine when his little boy came along used to talk about work when he got home, he'd talk about the stresses of the day, he said it was great as it got his work issues off his chest and he didn't have to bother his partner with them. His newborn son had no idea what he was on about but it was the time spent together that counted.
That said who know's if his son becomes a retail manager for a mobile phone retailer he has a really good insight on how it works π
Darren
Loving that story mate - brilliant.
Hi Gooner
Thanks for the reply.
I'm already getting as much "face" time with Harry as I can. I'm also on [censored] and winding duty through the night. Sam and I both do bath times, although this is only twice a week on the advice of the midwife but obviously they will become more frequent. I also baby chat with him and make faces etc. So from what you've said it seems that I've no need to worry. I used to speak to Harry in the womb too, so like you say he should recognise my voice by now.
Thanks again.
Flash
Ha fantastic, keep me posted. It'd be interesting to know if he does go in to retail management! π
Hi Flashrabbit, I used to talk and sing to my little ones while still in their mothers tummy (I think their mother would have appreciated it a bit more if I was able to sing!), after they were born they responded to my voice. But a newborn baby doesn't care who you are at first, as long as they have the security in your prescience, in the weeks to follow and after the many warm hugs and kisses your fate as a daddy will be sealed, your life controlled 'till the end of time by your very own mini-me! π
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