My husband and I are about 2 months away from having our first baby, and it’s just now hitting us how much our lives are about to change. We’ve been so focused on the nursery and baby gear that we haven’t really talked about how we’ll handle sleepless nights or dividing up responsibilities. For those who’ve been there, what’s something you wish you’d figured out before your baby arrived?

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Expectations and chores for who’s not on baby duty. My wife and I were pretty much on the same page on everything. We discussed who did better at what times/things.

Also another important note. Just because you have a baby does not mean your marriage comes second. I would figure out a time once the baby has a schedule to really spend quality time with one another, whatever that may look like.

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As a father of two girls, my approach on sharing responsibilities with my wife shifted significantly once I read Lean In. I listened to it on a long drive, actually, just after our first was born. It opened my eyes to an entirely different perspective and challenges that women and moms face, I was 0% aware of. I didn’t realize how proactive I needed to be to truly shoulder my share of the burden to raise our kids.

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I am a planner. I love to plan.

Parenthood cannot be planned for. Focus on rest, enjoying quiet stillness, journaling about this time, spending time as a couple and daydreaming about holiday traditions you hope to have with your kids. Go get your hair cut, pedicure, brunch with friends.

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What really stands out from your post is that you indicate “we haven’t really talked about it”. Literally do that. Communicate. Talk it out and get on the same page because I guarantee you that you both have expectations in your minds on how you think things should play out when in reality those expectations more than likely do not line up and you will end up disappointed, neglected, or resentful or all of the above. Because I think like most guys, me included, we just assume mom will take care of it all and we just help as needed. Raising a family is a team sport. There’s no “I” in team ( I mean there “me”, but that’s neither here or there lol) Anyways, talk it out and have the same game plan.

Also, I second what ‘Consultant 1’ says above, don’t neglect your marriage… keep it a priority too. Happy husbands and happy wives make happy parents.

Source: Married 21 yrs, 2 kids(20 and 23). Living and learning. We’ve done it the hard way so you don’t have too, take this advice!

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It’s too late now since you’re within the no-travel window, but it’s very important to travel for yourselves since you won’t be able to for the next dozen years or so. Something you take for granted such as booking hotel rooms are different for two vs two plus.

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Start with aligning on the birth plan and ensure you’re both aligned there as well as week1, knowing baby will need a lot of your attention. Setting expectations & Shift worked wonders for us but it didn’t happen until week 4. We attended couples therapy before and after which also helped. You’re not going to have it all figured out and that’s ok.

Reddit for helped us crowdsource options for when baby decides to baby. Good luck!

https://www.reddit.com/r/NewParents/s/b6P5hsFO3I

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I think that learning to vocalize and set expectations right now is important. A lot of wives are frustrated with their husbands for not seeing what needs to be done and just doing it. It's frustrating but I find that if you learn to ask for what you need before you get resentful/frustrated then it works better for everyone. My husband is always willing to help he's just not always good at seeing things that I see.

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Our pediatrician at one of our early appointments recommended doing 6-hour shifts, and that was a game-changer for the first few weeks of the newborn phase, so I’d recommend that if your husband gets to take paternity leave and can be home for a few weeks. One of us would be on baby duty for 6 hours while the other showered/rested/whatever. We were formula-feeding though, so it wasn’t an issue for breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, I’d say have husband watch the baby in between feedings so you can sleep. And just keep in mind those first few weeks are rough but they don’t last long!

uplifting

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