Monday

advice for a father-to-be

People seem compelled to give Jon LOTS of advice about what he should expect after our baby is born. Needless to say, they don't really give me much unsolicited advice, since I've already done this before...a few times ;-)

I have to really watch myself not to do the same thing - not to give him lots of advice and tell him he has no idea what he's in for. That would be a really annoying thing for him - to live with someone who has already been thru something big and exciting and constantly rains advice and words of "been there done that" wisdom down on him.

On the other hand, I do find myself occasionally saying things like, "get your sleep now because you cannot IMAGINE how little sleep you will get after the baby is born!" I mean well when I say these things, but I would imagine it's rather irritating for him to hear.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Heh. I always have the urge to try to panic expecting fathers, but I think its because I'm a bastard.

Anonymous said...

When I was pregnant with Amy, Doug thought it would be old hat to me and new only to him. It turned out to be a completely unique and new experience for both of us. Being pregnant and having a baby with Doug was so different and wonderful that it was equally exciting for both of us. Everyone who sees you and Jon can see how happy and excited you both are right now. I'm sure they don't mean to bring him down. It's time for him to learn the art of "pretending to hear" while letting it flow in one ear and out the other. Just smile and nod.

Anonymous said...

The great thing about breastfeeding is dad gets to sleep thru the night (especially if he has to go to work the next morning).

Katharine O'Moore-Klopf said...

Yep, I know exactly what you mean. By the time my husband and I were expecting our first baby together, I had nearly 12 years' parenting experience on him. I found it hard to keep my mouth shut. Still, he did pretty well. :-)

Lisa said...

Irritating, but true! I like anonymous' observation... I'm certain part of the reason my hubby was so very supportive of breastfeeding is it meant only I could do those middle-of-the-night feedings while he slept ;)

Anonymous said...

You guys are lucky if your wife lets you sleep while she BFs at night. Mine sure doesn't.