The father is apt to feel particularly left out during the hospital period with his first baby. He helps to get his wife safely to the hospital, where there are dozens of people o take care of her. Then he's really alone, with nothing to do outside of working hours. He can sit in the waiting room with some old magazines and worry about how the labor is going, or he can go to his unbelievably lonely home.
A father should not be surprised if he finds that he has mixed feelings at times toward his wife and toward his baby during all the commotion of the hospital stage and after they are all home again. Most women need a great deal of support and comfort from their husbands at this time. To be able to give a lot to the baby they must receive more than usual. Partly it is practical help - with the care of the baby, with the housework. Even more it is moral support; patience, understanding, appreciation, affection. The father's job may be complicated by the fact that if his wife is tired and upset she won't have the spirit to be charming and appreciative of his efforts. In fact, she may be complaining. But if he realizes how much she needs his help and love, it will encourage him to give it any way.
No comments:
Post a Comment