Mahaska Health Partnership Offers Tips for New Dads

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Fatherhood is a responsibility that is constantly growing and changing. For many new dads, becoming a parent can seem overwhelming and scary. Mahaska Health Partnership offers some advice to new dads.

As a father and delivering physician at MHP, Dr. Shawn Richmond knows what it’s like to become a father for the first time. “I remember the butterflies I felt when my wife was pregnant and I have seen many men become fathers in my time delivering babies at MHP. The look of joy and love on their faces is priceless.”

While the joys of fatherhood are abundant, sometimes the nerves are as well. “It’s common for dads to have conflicting emotions during the first few months of fatherhood,” Dr. Richmond explained. “You are proud of your new child, but at the same time, you may feel helpless or unable to understand what your child wants. It’s a learning process that doesn’t happen overnight.”

One way to learn as a new parent is to spend time bonding with your child. “It’s important to have alone time with your baby in order to bond,” Dr. Richmond shared. “Playing one-on-one with them, snuggling up on the couch and even sharing special moments during regular activities like bath time help strengthen your bond. These moments also help you begin to recognize the different ways your child communicates, which will make meeting their needs easier.”

Richmond said providing support for their partner is another important job a new father has. “A woman goes through immense changes, both physically and mentally, during pregnancy and childbirth,” Dr. Richmond explained. “Your support and patience is key. It’s not always easy and there will be stress, but working together as a team makes parenting easier and even more fun.”

Another tip Dr. Richmond offered was to talk with other parents about their experiences. “There is no handbook that comes with your newborn. It’s always a good idea to talk with those who have been through similar situations if you need some advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help too; there’s no shame in taking a break occasionally!”

While bonding and supporting your child and partner is important, taking care of yourself is also a must. “Pay attention to not only your child’s health, but yours as well,” Dr. Richmond urged. “You want to be around for many years to come for your kiddos. See your primary care provider for health check-ups, eat healthy, exercise and try to get adequate sleep on a regular basis. You will need plenty of energy chasing after your kids, so make sure to prepare yourself by staying healthy and active!”

As a Family Practice Physician who also delivers babies, Dr. Shawn Richmond is available to care for growing families from birth to end of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richmond, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.