New dad: Tips to help manage stress
Becoming a new dad can bring joy — and stress. Find out how to deal with the difficulties of parenthood and develop a rewarding relationship with your newborn.
By Mayo Clinic StaffBecoming a father can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. As a new dad, however, you can take steps to prepare for the emotions and challenges of fatherhood and connect with your newly expanded family. Understand how to make your transition to fatherhood less stressful and more fulfilling.
Recognize sources of stress
No one said taking care of a newborn would be easy. As a new dad, you might worry about:
- Limited paternity leave. If you aren't able to take time off when the baby is born, it might be difficult to keep up your regular work schedule and find time to spend with your newborn.
- New responsibilities. Newborns require constant care. On top of feedings, diaper changes and crying spells, parents must find time to do household chores and other activities. This can be stressful for new parents who are used to a more independent lifestyle.
- Disrupted sleep. Newborns challenge their parents' ability to get a good night's sleep. Sleep deprivation can quickly take a toll on new moms and dads.
- Financial strain. The cost of your baby's delivery, health care, diapers, clothing and other supplies can add up quickly. The financial strain might be worse if you move to a bigger home or pay someone to take care of the baby while you work — or you or your partner takes unpaid leave or quits work to take care of the baby.
- Less time with your partner. Having a baby means sharing your partner's attention with a third party. It's common for a new dad to feel left out.
- Loss of sexual activity. Recovery from childbirth, physical exhaustion and stress can take a toll on your sex life, which might strain your relationship.
- Depression. Research shows that some fathers — like mothers — experience depression shortly after a child's birth.
Products and Services
- Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Year
See also
- Bathing your newborn
- Baby poop: What's normal?
- Baby sling
- Baby sunscreen
- Baby's head shape: What's normal?
- Breast-feeding and medications
- Signs of successful breast-feeding
- Breast-feeding nutrition: Tips for moms
- Breast-feeding support
- Breast-feeding twins
- Breast-feeding vs. formula-feeding
- Breast milk storage
- Choosing a breast pump
- Breast-feeding: Pumping tips
- Breast-feeding tips
- Crying baby
- Extended breast-feeding
- Newborn feeding basics
- Induced lactation
- Infant development: Birth to 3 months
- Low milk supply
- Sleep tips for new parents
- Introducing a new sibling
- Newborn care: 10 tips
- Newborn feedings
- Pacifiers and your baby
- Caring for a premature baby
- Sagging breasts after breast-feeding
- Baby baths
- Birthmarks
- Breast-feeding positions
- How to swaddle a baby
- What a newborn really looks like
- Umbilical cord care: Do's and don'ts for parents
- Uncircumcised penis care
- Vaccination schedule
- Baby's soft spots