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Baby is just trying to establish milk supply at the moment so they BF constantly, as they get bigger and build up some fat stores they won't need to feed as much and will be more aware of the world and then they should be fine to be comfort led by your partner too
This is really normal to reassure you. I know it must be hard for Dads but I would always tell my husband I’ve had a 9 month head start on you in terms of baby knowing me and having that ultimate familiarity/comfort and breastfeeding on top. They are not consciously choosing one parent over another it’s just nature. Would suggest after a feed, that Dad then has skin to skin with them content/sleepy and to help burp. Those things can really help. When we started baths, my husband was also totally in charge of this and was his 1-1 role. Lots of nappy changes too which can be seen as more than just practical, could sing or tell a story while doing it. Singing/voice is really powerful for babies. At 1 week, it’s totally acceptable that baby is 99% needing Mum. Dad needs to support you & help you both establish BF. It all changes and science shows mum/baby relationship is fostered on nurture and dad/baby on play. Of course both can do either but just helps to know.
This is normal and temporary. Health visitor just spoke to my husband about him taking his top off for skin to skin when he's trying to comfort her and letting baby suck his pinky finger (after thoroughly washing his hands and nails of course) He's changing all the nappies before I feed her and I'm saying thanks for getting my water bottle and snacks for me. I keep reminding him he's doing a great job of looking after the housework and me and that is helping me look after the baby. And soon this phase will pass. Also the baby spent nine months inside us. It will take at least that long to get used to being on the outside and away from us. I'm encouraging him to talk during nappy changes so baby gets used to his voice too.
Hey! As mentioned above, my husband is making the very most of skin to skin and it’s been really helpful. I’m also expressing breast milk (not for everything but this is our approach) so he can also feed her and also give me some respite which is lovely! My little one is only 11 days old so not fully expressing yet but a bottle here and there has been really lovely for us all! X
Hi! We’re going through the exact same thing with our little girl, she’s 13 days old and my partner will try to soothe her and she just screams until she’s in my arms, usually to feed for comfort. We mentioned it to the health visitor and she mentioned the importance of skin to skin still at this point and my partner managed to do this with her laying on his chest for the first time since we brought her home. She lay there for a good while and fell asleep so we are trying to intentionally do that or once I feed we swaddle and he snuggles until it’s time for her to be put in her next to me. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but anything is worth a try as he feels the exact same as your partner!