The first week with the newborn baby can be quite taxing for new moms who are still weak and recuperating from the tiring and painful labor experience and are burdened with the chores of the newborn. The constant stream of friends and relatives who come in to see the new child and congratulate the parents and the need to feel dressed while entertaining them and the shyness in feeding the baby in front of them can only lead to baby blues for many couples. In such a scenario, support from partner or spouse and other friends and family can relieve the stress on the mother to a great extent and leave her free to enjoy her new delightful angel and watch their curious reactions.
Experienced moms advise to new moms that staying in a fashionable button-down gown for first two weeks and have lots of people around to help you with your chores can be a great relief. Neighbors who will help you wash and iron dirty laundry and traditions such as those prevalent in Asian counties, where mother has to do nothing for 40 days in the household, except for looking after her baby and herself, feeding the baby and having a good, healthy and nutritious diet are actually quite useful for new mothers and allow them to rest and recover well. Spouses and partners that take good care for you and are prepared to share parenting responsibilities are real gems.
For the first week, husbands should try to take as much leave from their work as possible and encourage and motivate the mum by praising her and telling her how well she is managing everything. Don't feel jealous of your child steering attention of your wife away from you and see it as a family-bonding phase. Dad and child bonding is as important as mom-child relationship, so be ready to do your share of work for the newborn including changing diapers and bottle feeding the baby. You may help with chores such as cleaning, cooking, attending visitors and telephone calls and be supportive of your wife's feelings. Know that she may be susceptible to mood swings temporarily and be ready to face criticizing family and friends with a ready answer to ask for their support instead of advice.
