Today is National Spouse Day. That's a thing, did you know? It's a day we remember our spouses, and to take time for them. So why would I bring this up? Because this post, my dear mamas, is for your spouse! Don't even read it, just hand the computer, phone, etc. straight over to that man of yours.
Dads...let's talk. See that beautiful lady sitting next to you? She probably just threw this electronic device at you so you could read this, yeah? I want you to take a moment and remember the first day you met her; how scared you may have been to talk to her, or how you thought she was way out of your league?
Then I want you to remember your wedding day, and how perfect it was because you were going to keep that special lady all for yourself. Now, I want you to remember all those moments above, and then also remember how you feel about that lucky bride of yours--probably something along the lines that you would do anything for her, that you'd hurt anybody who ever tried to hurt her, and that you want nothing more than her happiness...right?
Listen to me very carefully when I say this...wake up with the baby tonight. :) And while you're awake, read all the blogs on how to get that baby to go back to sleep, and help your wife figure it out too. Because helping a baby become the great sleeper we all know they can be, really takes two of you.
You, as the dad, also have to know what is going on with the schedule, feedings, and diaper changes, so you can help out as much as you can. You need to know what is happening so you can be a wonderful support to that gorgeous spouse of yours.
She needs support, and you have to be the one to give it. It takes two to tango, right? And as hard as your wife works to keep your baby well-rested, happy, and fed, you need to work as equally hard keeping her happy and making sure all the pieces are in the puzzle. So how do you do this when it comes to that baby and sleep?
- Take the night shift. If your baby is still young and not sleeping through the night, or you're both just getting on board with helping your kid get the sleep they deserve, then take a night from your wife. Let her sleep through it. If she breastfeeds, bring the baby to her in bed--don't make her get up. And when she's done, take that baby back so she can go straight to sleep. OR, see if she can pump before bed and make a bottle for you. Then you can feed the baby yourself. Just make sure she's okay with that option in case she has a hard time keeping up her milk supply, or she doesn't want to get too full.
- If your baby is learning to take better naps during the day, volunteer to help the baby go back to sleep when they wake up (and shouldn't be awake yet). Try a few things to help him get back to sleep, such as giving your baby a binky, or try re-swaddling him, or perhaps, try transferring him to a swing.
- Assuming your baby eats, is awake, sleeps, then eats again, volunteer to take the whole shift so your wife can take a nap, read a book, or simply watch a tv show in peace. If she's breastfeeding, have her feed the baby, then send her on her way. She should be able to get a glorious 2.5 hours or more of much-needed personal time.
- Take that baby, run to the store, and grab mom some flowers. Tell her how much you love her and can't live without her. Explain how much she means to you, and how awesome of a mother she is.
- Win the best spouse award, and hope she returns the favor. :)
So get on with it dads. Be a hero today! And happy National Spouse day to you all!
- Mama Jackie
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*Sleep is essential. We need sleep to function, to take care of our children, to keep up on every single task life throws at us, to keep our sanity. Are you getting your 8 hours or do you have a baby who is keeping you up? Let’s remedy that! In the “Rested Mamas are Happy Mamas” series of our blog, sleep expert Jackie calms all of your sleep woes. Have a question or problem that needs fixing? Comment on the series, and Jackie will address your specific issue!*
Featured Image Photo Credit: @brittcascio