Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

DD will be 8 weeks old this weekend

The first month, DH was so happy, loved all her little quirks, her pouts when she cries, changing diapers (granted he took a month off from work)

Now since he's back at work, when he's home, he still does a lot, but he gets more cranky/tired/frustrated/irritated when DD cries, or has a hard time taking the bottle

I know its temporary, and I'm stressed too....

Did anyone else's DH feel like this too at the beginning, did it get better? I feel like I'm hypersensitive now and I get worried maybe he'll continue to feel like this with DD

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

It will get better as she gets more interactive. I think most men aren't so "into" their babies in the beginning.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

With first DD DH took off about 10 days & did everything, middle of the night feedings here/there, diapers, feedings, etc. & was cooking, cleaning up the house, then he went back to work & it seems everything changed. He would hold the baby or feed her here/there, but basically did no where near as much as he once did. Then she got bigger & he really didn't bond w/ her again until she was about a year old & more "fun" & interactive. I hope this ISN'T the case w/ your DH.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

My DS is 12wks old and i struggle with this. Right now I don't necessarily need his help since my mom is living with us for 6 months but I worry about his bonding with ds and also if my mom leaves it leaves me to do everything or to nag him to help


sorry that doesn't help but I understand

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

You're concerned that DH is stressed, when you admit that you are as well.... The first year is stressful for most parents, regardless of gender. In general, men don't seem to have that "mothering instinct" as much as women do, so the first year is the hardest for us, IMO. I know I became much more involved and interested in DC after the first year, and I helped out a lot during the first year even.

There will be a point where you'll be venting here because DD wants to spend ALL her time with Daddy, and not you.... (that phase is also temporary. DC seem to switch back and forth with their "favorite" parent)

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Yes, I found with both DC, DH was a great father, but not the best newborn caretaker.

Well...let me rephrase that, he was the best newborn caretaker if they would sleep when they should, and not cry.

The only they get now the better he gets.

Message edited 9/11/2009 8:26:41 AM.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Novelty wore off for me too The first weeks of diaper changing were kind of exciting (as exciting as diaper changing can be! ) and now it's like poop?! twice/three times in one day!? give me a break!

i think it's also much harder when working. i know the days i have to go into work i have a lot less patience because i am just so stressed thinking of everything i have to do.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

I kinda laugh as I re-read my post now cause I'm super stressed this morning and my mom is watching DD for awhile today...

I just feel like I constantly am thinking of what to do next, what else do I have to do


DAMN...taking care of a baby is NOT easy...I knew it would be hard, but had no idea how hard...I have a new found respect for all parents....

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Yes, DH felt that way at first and it worried me. He seemed to get frustrated when DS would cry and then it made ME upset to see DH upset while interacting with him. DS is 11 weeks old now and I would say about a month ago, DH completely changed. He now hurries home from work to see us and wants to do the two evening bottles so that he can have bonding time too. It has been the best! I think he just needed to ease into the role of "daddy" at his own pace. It gets better, I promise!

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

DH was never really cranky with DS, but when he was really little he was, I don't know, not so into it, and afraid to do things for him like give him a bath. Since I'm a SAHM and he works (and gets home too late to do much of this), I gave him baths exclusively until he was much older and sitting up well on his own. As DS got older and older, he started to enjoy being with him more. I think he just related better to him as he could do more things. Now they have a blast pushing around his trucks, building with blocks, reading books, etc.

I think the first year or so is a hard time for new parents, male or female. It's a really big adjustment in your lifestyle, and it impacts both of you. So give it time.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Yes I think they feel like they don't what they are doing sometimes. Kinda like taking care of a kid and having to go to work is too much multi tasking for a man

ANyway, whenever DS would cry my DH looked like a confused kid and say..."give him the boob".

Now my DS is a little ladies man.....thanks DAD!

Message edited 9/11/2009 2:30:53 PM.

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?

Re: Did anyone's DH feel kinda stressed/frustrated with newborn?