After a nine-month wait, your baby has finally been born: you've become a dad!

The birth of a child is an immense joy and completely transforms your life: now, every thought revolves around this fragile little life, and you never tire of looking at it. In just a few hours, you've gone from a couple... to a family: a new chapter has been turned, and a new life has begun!

Please refer to our suggestions to help you maintain a peaceful mindset during the first few months of your baby's life and fully enjoy this special time.

The transition from partners to family

The arrival of a baby is wonderful, but it can also bring huge changes. The balance you've built with your partner may be affected: you're transitioning from partners to family, and everyone needs to redefine their place and role. Give yourself some time to find a new balance with your baby—both as partners and as part of a larger family.

Redefining the role

Maintaining a strong relationship with your wife is crucial for managing new parenting responsibilities with peace of mind: you created this child together, and you must care for him/her together! In the first few months, your partner will need your help to recover from the fatigue of pregnancy and childbirth. Do as many daily tasks as possible on your own and seize every opportunity to spend time with your child.

Becoming a father also means accepting that your partner will be less focused on you for a while. It's perfectly normal for her to develop a very close bond with the baby in the first few months. This will gradually change over time. Establish your role by caring for your child and connecting with him/her.

• Over time, a closer three-way relationship will form between you, your partner, and your baby. Your relationship with your wife is just as important to your baby as the mother-child and father-child relationships: for a child, the father is the man the mother loves. Therefore, your role in your wife's life further reinforces your role as a father.

• If this isn't your first child, you might find it easier to adjust to these changes due to your existing parenting experience. However, pay attention to how older children react to the new baby: check out our advice if you're interested. While some fathers are emotionally invested during their partner's pregnancy, for others, the relationship only truly begins to build after the child's birth. Everyone has their own way of becoming a father!

childbirth

• When your child is born, you may be overwhelmed with emotions. Go at your own pace: cry, hug your child, gaze at him/her… Don't suppress these emotions; they help build a strong connection with your child.

• When your baby has been lying in your arms for a while, or when you need special medical care, take off your shirt and hold him against your skin. This allows you to give him warmth and help him recognize his father. This close contact helps strengthen the bond between you. If you feel awkward holding him, ask a midwife to help you place him in your arms.

A newborn baby feels like they're in a completely unfamiliar world. The first thing to make them feel safe in this new world is their mother's embrace—it will make them feel very secure. But you also have an important role to play. Get close to your child and hug him and you. In the little space you create together, he will discover that even away from his mother, the world isn't so hostile. Remember, you have a role to play, don't feel like you're just a visitor.

The first few months

• In the first few months, you'll feel exhausted from waking up frequently at night, which can have a significant impact on you: when you're sleep-deprived, all difficulties—even minor ones—feel much worse. Don't underestimate the effects of fatigue; it's a leading cause of depression in 50% of fathers when their child is 4 to 6 months old. If you feel completely exhausted, contact your midwife or family doctor for help.

• If you are interested, you can check out our expert profile: Sleep and Baby.

• In the first few months of your baby's life, maintain regular, extended physical contact with him . This is crucial for establishing a strong bond. Hold him—whether in your hands or in a baby carrier—cuddle him, rock him to sleep, bathe him, change his diapers… Embrace and express the maternal side of your masculinity. Caring for a child is not feminine for a father. Even if it feels awkward at first, you will develop your own way, which will help you establish yourself as a father.

• If your partner chooses to breastfeed, support her and don't feel excluded from this special relationship: she will provide the best nutrition for the child, and whether she can do so depends entirely on the father's attitude. You can also breastfeed your baby when he starts eating solid foods or when you want to slightly change his diet.

• Play is often a great way for fathers to connect with their babies : From the very first few months, create fun activities for your newborn and laugh together. This will bring wonderful, unforgettable moments!

In the UK, fathers are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave, and after a year of continuous employment, they can apply for a total of four weeks of parental leave annually. Make the most of this opportunity. Spend this time with your child and enjoy this unique experience. You will also be helping your partner – she needs a lot of rest after childbirth.