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Unlike the olden days, both mother and father share a child’s responsibility after they are born. Equal parenting as a concept has gained a lot of popularity these days because things are not the same as before. Women used to be primary caregivers and still are, but when it comes to other chores like changing dirty diapers, taking night shifts for feeding the baby, and putting the baby to sleep, both parents are equally involved. It is the most challenging time for a parent with a newborn in the first few months after their child’s arrival. It’s not an easy journey, and it helps when there is a division of labor because the burden doesn’t fall only on the woman.
Granted that it’s not practical to divide all the work 50-50, it helps new parents ease their way into managing a baby when they prepare a flexible schedule. It takes time, practice, patience, and, most of all, mutual understanding to be able to pull off a smooth plan. The first week of parenting will probably be the most chaotic. As two people who are clueless about what to do with a newborn, it’s probably best if you and your partner establish a schedule that is well thought out but flexible. Here are a few key points to consider in the first week of parenting if you’re looking for a proper division of labor:
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Day one
Start with a day of rest. Soak in the moment that your baby is finally with you. The one you were waiting for for nine whole months is in your arms and before the chaos begins, take a moment to let that sink in. You still have to feed your baby and change them, but don’t stress about it and try to stay calm because you’re in for a roller coaster ride.
Day two
Feeding your baby is something that a mom does if you choose to breastfeed. During this time, the dad can support her and make her feel comfortable. Take up some of the chores around the house, cook her favorite meals, and run errands to stock up on baby essentials. Diaper duties can be split between mom and dad because this doesn’t have to be constrained to only one parent.
Day three
You’re probably already starting to get the hang of it. Feeding your baby has become slightly easier than it was a couple of days ago. But then you are running on three nights of no sleep. Try to get some sleep when the baby sleeps. Take turns and allow yourselves to get some rest. When you’re attending work calls or doctor appointments, don’t forget to take notes. A tired and sleep-deprived mind finds it hard to retain information.
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Day four
Feeding your baby is becoming easier. You start to understand their hunger signs. Sucking thumbs, opening mouths, and moving their head from side to side could be potential signs of hunger. Don’t forget to feed yourselves. New moms and dads tend to forget about themselves because they are so caught up in the baby’s needs.
Day five
Make sure to take turns during night shifts. Your baby needs to be fed every few hours, and the burden should not fall only on one parent. Mommy can pump breast milk and store it in containers that can be fed to the baby. Always take turns to bathe the baby. You are both new parents, and you’ll need all the help you can get.
Day six
Your laundry has probably been ignored for almost a week, but now it’s starting to pile up. Take turns to do the laundry. While your baby is sleeping or feeding, clean out your surroundings and tidy up the place as much as you can. A cluttered space might not be the best thing for your mental health.
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Day seven
Your baby will need multiple diaper changes, and you might wonder how such a tiny human can make such a huge mess. But it is what it is. By now, you and your partner probably have a rough idea of what to do, how to share your duties, and how to take care of your baby together.
Things might seem haywire in the beginning, but they get better when you tackle them together. The first week is just the beginning of at least a year of actively shared duties. So, dear parents, brace yourselves and stick together. It’s about to get real! Comment below and let us know your thoughts on equal parenting!
