OK! Baby's Here, what's next, Daddy?

Congratulations! Welcome to the world of parenthood!

Expect big changes to your life in the coming days (especially you first-timers)! Well, if you are reading this, its either you are expecting or that little one has already landed on your arms. Either ways, it will never be too late to prepare. This post, as the heading says, is targeted at you dads. Yes, will be sharing with you guys these things to do and tips based on my own recent personal experience. Lets start off with after you hold your child.

(Before and during labour, hospital admission all this bla bla bla can share next time)

At the Hospital - Staying-in and Documents

Most probably by this time, you are busy whatsapp-ing and updating the family members waiting outside the suite. Baby and mommy will have to stay in the hospital for 2-3 nights depending on type of delivery. Mommy will have to be warded for smooth recovery. Hospitals here in Singapore highly encourage breastfeeding. Usually during the first few days, it could be difficult to get a good latch for baby proper feeding. Though there is option of formula feeding, it is discourage. Alternatively is to express the milk.

Therefore, bringing along a portable electronic breast pump would be a good idea. Wife been using one from Philips Avent (Single Electric SCF332) for our first child - it was good. For our recent newborn, we are using one from Medela (Medela Swing Breastpump) - more compact and better suction.

Next, come all the paperwork; basically you'll be the one in charge. These include; confirming baby live-birth details are correct, tests and immunisation are given, Registering the baby for Birth Certificate (and be reminded that he is liable for National Service, if its a he) and finally settling the bill with cash/credit card and Medisave.

Upon Discharge - Baby boss to the house

Pray that all went well and both baby and mommy is fine, ready for discharge. You'll be handed over the Health Booklet and Maternity goodie bag. Aside from that, baby also have to be prepared for homecoming. Baby is change out to his first clothes and swaddle him up.

(SwaddleMe Easy Change Swaddle for infant here. More swaddles from Amazon here.)

Travelling back via taxi or car, a baby carrier or seat will come in handy. Back home baby-mommy routine will be another Eat-sleep-poo over and over in as short as 1 hour interval. Of course its again Daddy to the rescue to go and assist as much as possible.

Next upcoming post we'll share more about prepping the house for the .Last but not least, daddy to go nearby supermarket and get these for standby if not yet (what I did for my first and standby for my second);

baby formula milk (in case milk supply demand not ready)

- pacifier 0-3 mth (better sleep)

- Newborn/Small size diapers (after you know how big your baby is)

- maternity pad (especially for normal delivery)