In my hospital (or the hospital where I work, LOL) we have ~1-2 hrs
after birth to play with. One of our many, many tasks during this time
is to have the mother shower, so I use that as an opportunity to put the
baby skin to skin with Dad and talk about his role in new infant care
(bathing, cuddling, napping with). Not all the Dads are fully receptive
to the shirt off deal, so I tend to do more under the shirt stuff or on
the t-shirt but I really try not to hand Dad a baby bundle - I want him
to feel the baby's breathing and snuggling movements and then talk ad
nauseaum about 'look at how your baby is snuggling right up next to you.
He really wants to be close to you. He isn't looking to you for food
like he would skin to skin with your wife - he is looking for comfort
and security.... Blah blah blah' - plays right into their preconceived
roles that they are the protector, and gives them a way to be with the
baby other than feeding it...

Joan
**********
Joan MacNeil, RN, PNC(C), BScN, IBCLC
Halifax NS Canada mailto:[log in to unmask]

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