Paternity leave

[Whereisthechocolatecake]

Had DD last week, so 7 days old. I am so pissed off with my husband. I am like most new parents, knackered. Baby is breastfeeding so he can't help that way and also she isn't a fan of her bed yet! So far he has gone for a haircut, booked himself a chiropractor appointment for this week and spent all morning having his car serviced. He now tomorrow wants to spend a few hours tomorrow painting the decking and sorting out the garden. I thought paternity was supposed to be about bonding with the baby and supporting a new tired mum with a sore fanny and tits. I just feel so unsupported.

Oh bless you. You're right, that is why he's off work. Have you tried calmly talking to him about it? I think it sometimes takes men a while to click into fatherhood and realise their role.

I feel for you, I’m not surprised you’re pissed! Try to calmly tell him first (as hard as that may be!) that paternity is not about getting those odd pesky jobs doing but helping you! My DH was very similar to start with and I think it was a mixture of being oblivious, not knowing what to do/where to place himself and being scared shitless. Maybe actually saying to him ‘ if you could do X that would really help’.

You need to talk to him. My DH thought paternity leave was going to be all about DIY and golf. Er, no.

I’m taking a year maternity leave and it’s also annoying that DH keeps saying ‘I’d love a year off’ 😐