Welcome to fatherhood

Dear a new dad,

I hope this finds you well. Tired but well.

Welcome to fatherhood.

It suits you.

Here are a few things that the special woman and baby in your life want you to know:

Even though it may not feel like it sometimes, they need you more than ever. Some of your most important work is from the sideline, supporting and cheering them on as they find their way, with you, not without. You’re an essential part of the team. And right now team work is vital.

Underneath that huge smile of love, your woman’s body feels broken and exhausted. She puts on a brave face because she needs to keep going. And she’s strong. You of all people know this. But please don’t let her fool you. Ask her how she’s feeling. Tell her she’s doing a great job. Help her around the house before she asks. These things may feel small, but they mean so much to her right now.

Your baby loves you. As they grow this will become more obvious. But right now your trying and showing up is what matters most. They need you to keep showing up through the tears. They need you to keep trying to be there when you feel like all your precious baby wants is their mother. They count on you too.

And guess what? Your team mate loves you even more since becoming a father. Seeing you step into loving someone you have created together almost feels indescribable. She’s so proud of you, even if she’s too tired to remember to tell you sometimes.

They don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be you. And it will take time to learn how to be the dad you want to be, but you are the dad they need.

They know at times you can feel lonely, and in the darkness of sleep deprivation too, but please keep shining your light wherever you can.

Everyone needs it right now,

But particularly those two special people in your life.

And lastly,

Please remember that you were born to be a hands-on dad.

And even though you may question whether you are enough sometimes,

You have hands big enough to hold many hearts at once too.